Savory Pork Chop Veggie Stir Fry
Transform your leftover pork chops into a delicious and satisfying meal with this Savory Pork Chop Veggie Stir Fry! Combining tender strips of pork with crisp, colorful vegetables, this dish is quick to prepare and packed with flavor. The perfect blend of sweet honey and savory soy sauce gives this stir fry a delightful taste that makes it hard to believe it started with leftovers. Serve it over fluffy rice or noodles for a complete meal that the entire family will love!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
sesame oil
2 (tablespoons)
onion
1/4 (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
left-over pork chop
1 - 1 1/2 (lb, cut into thin strips)
stir fry vegetables
1 (cup (options: snow peas, carrots, broccoli))
honey
6 (tablespoons)
soy sauce
1/4 (cup)
red pepper flakes
1/4 (teaspoon (adjust to taste))
ginger
1/4 (teaspoon)
toasted sesame seeds
2 (tablespoons)
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting the leftover pork chops into thin strips at a slight angle to ensure tenderness.
2
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium heat.
3
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent and aromatic, about 2-3 minutes.
4
While the garlic and onion are cooking, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, and ginger in a small bowl to create your sauce.
5
Once the onion and garlic are ready, add the pork strips to the pan, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes or until the pork is heated through.
6
Add your choice of stir fry vegetables to the pan. Stir fry for about 2 minutes until they are bright and slightly tender.
7
Pour the prepared sauce over the pork and vegetables, stirring well to coat. For a thicker sauce, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and add it to the stir fry, cooking for another minute until thickened.
8
Finally, garnish with toasted sesame seeds and serve the stir fry over your favorite rice or noodles!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I cut the leftover pork chops for this stir fry?
Cut the leftover pork chops into thin strips at a slight angle. This method helps break up the muscle fibers, ensuring the meat remains tender when reheated.
Can I use fresh pork instead of leftovers?
Yes, you can use fresh pork chops. Simply sear the strips completely in the skillet before adding the vegetables to ensure they are fully cooked through.
What are the best vegetables to use in this stir fry?
Snow peas, carrots, and broccoli are excellent choices, but you can also use bell peppers, snap peas, or baby corn depending on your preference.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, mix one teaspoon of cornstarch with one tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Add it to the pan during the final minute of cooking.
Can I substitute the honey in the recipe?
Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup or brown sugar for a similar sweet and savory balance.
Is this pork stir fry spicy?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, which provides a mild heat. You can increase or decrease this amount based on your spice tolerance.
What can I serve with Savory Pork Chop Veggie Stir Fry?
This dish is best served over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even lo mein noodles.
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Absolutely. Frozen stir-fry vegetable blends work great; just ensure they are thawed or cooked slightly longer to remove excess moisture.
How long does it take to cook this meal?
Since it uses leftover pork, the total cooking time is very quick, usually taking about 10 to 15 minutes once prep is done.
What kind of oil should I use for stir-frying?
The recipe recommends sesame oil for its distinct nutty flavor, but you can use peanut oil or vegetable oil if you prefer a high-heat neutral oil.
How do I store leftovers of this stir fry?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this gluten-free, substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos and ensure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free.
Do I need a wok to make this recipe?
While a wok is traditional for stir-frying, a large skillet or non-stick frying pan works perfectly fine for this recipe.
What type of ginger should I use?
The recipe calls for ginger, which can be fresh minced ginger or ground ginger powder depending on what you have available.
Can I add other proteins like chicken or beef?
Yes, this sauce and vegetable combination works wonderfully with leftover chicken or beef strips as well.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Sauté the onion first and add the minced garlic only for the last 30-60 seconds of the sautéing process before adding the other ingredients.
Is it better to use low-sodium soy sauce?
If you are monitoring your salt intake, low-sodium soy sauce is a great option and will not significantly change the flavor profile.
Can I add nuts to this stir fry?
Yes, toasted cashews or peanuts can be added at the end for an extra crunch and boost of protein.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe typically serves 2 to 4 people, depending on how many vegetables you add and what you serve it over.
Should the pork be at room temperature before cooking?
It is not necessary, but letting the pork sit out for 10-15 minutes can help it heat through more evenly in the pan.
Can I use onion powder instead of fresh onion?
Fresh onion is preferred for texture, but 1 teaspoon of onion powder can be used in the sauce if you don't have fresh onion.
What if I don't have toasted sesame seeds?
You can use raw sesame seeds and toast them in a dry pan for 1-2 minutes until golden, or simply omit them as they are used for garnish.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a balanced meal providing lean protein from the pork and essential vitamins from the various vegetables.
Can I use more than one cup of vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to increase the veggie count; you may just need to slightly increase the sauce ingredients to ensure everything is coated.
How do I know when the stir fry is done?
The dish is ready when the pork is heated all the way through and the vegetables are tender-crisp and bright in color.
Can I make this ahead of time for meal prep?
Yes, this dish reheats well. Store it with the rice in containers for an easy grab-and-go lunch.
What type of honey is best for this recipe?
Any liquid honey works well. Clover or wildflower honey are common choices that provide a nice sweetness without being overpowering.
Can I use garlic from a jar?
Yes, pre-minced garlic from a jar is a great time-saver and works perfectly in this stir fry.
Should I steam the broccoli before adding it?
If you prefer very soft broccoli, you can steam it for 1-2 minutes first, but typically the stir-fry method keeps it pleasantly crunchy.
How do I reheat the leftovers?
Reheat in a microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.