Spicy Garlic Pepper Pork Stir-Fry
Indulge in a bold and flavorful dish with our Spicy Garlic Pepper Pork Stir-Fry, a delightful fusion inspired by traditional Thai cuisine and enhanced through a personal touch. This recipe builds upon the foundations of classic stir-fry dishes, combining tender strips of lean pork with aromatic garlic, fresh ginger, and colorful bell peppers. Enhanced by a careful balance of fish sauce, soy sauce, and oyster sauce, this dish is imbued with a savory, umami essence that elevates each bite. The addition of crushed dried red chilies and a generous sprinkle of black pepper gives it a pleasantly spicy kick that can be adjusted to taste. Perfectly served over fluffy white rice, this dish is sure to please both spice lovers and those who prefer milder flavors.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean pork
1.5 lbs (cut into small strips)
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (n/a)
garlic
3 large cloves (chopped fine)
onion
1 medium (diced)
red bell pepper
1/2 (diced)
dried red chili
1 (crushed (optional for extra heat))
fresh ginger
6 slices (quarter-sized, cut into matchsticks)
fresh ground black pepper
1 tablespoon (n/a)
fish sauce (nam pla)
1-2 tablespoons (n/a)
oyster sauce
2 tablespoons (n/a)
soy sauce
1 tablespoon (n/a)
stock or water
1/4 cup (n/a)
Instructions
1
1. In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2
2. Add the chopped garlic and crushed dried chili (if using) to the pan, stir-frying for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3
3. Incorporate the pork strips into the pan, cooking for approximately 3-4 minutes or until the pork is nearly cooked through. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking.
4
4. Add the diced onion, fresh ginger matchsticks, and diced red bell pepper. Continue to stir-fry for an additional 3 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and the flavors to meld.
5
5. Sprinkle in the fresh ground black pepper and pour in the fish sauce, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and stock (or water). Stir well to combine all ingredients and cook for another 1-2 minutes, adjusting the seasoning to your taste if necessary.
6
6. Once everything is thoroughly cooked and well combined, remove from heat and serve immediately over a generous bed of white rice.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Garlic Pepper Pork Stir-Fry?
It is a bold and flavorful Thai-inspired dish featuring tender strips of lean pork, aromatic garlic, fresh ginger, and bell peppers, seasoned with a savory blend of fish sauce, oyster sauce, and soy sauce.
What type of pork is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for lean pork cut into small strips. Pork loin or pork tenderloin are excellent choices as they remain tender during the quick stir-frying process.
Can I substitute the pork with another protein?
Yes, you can easily substitute the pork with thinly sliced chicken breast, beef, or even firm tofu or shrimp depending on your preference.
How spicy is this dish?
The dish has a moderate kick from the black pepper and crushed dried red chilies. You can adjust the level of heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili used.
How can I make the recipe less spicy?
To reduce the heat, omit the crushed dried red chilies entirely and reduce the amount of fresh ground black pepper.
What is the best way to prepare the ginger?
The recipe suggests cutting fresh ginger into matchsticks. First, peel the ginger, then slice it into thin coins, and finally stack those coins and slice them into thin strips.
What kind of oil should I use for stir-frying?
A high-smoke-point oil like vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil is recommended to prevent the oil from burning at high temperatures.
What can I substitute for fish sauce if I don't have it?
If you do not have fish sauce (nam pla), you can use additional soy sauce or a small amount of Worcestershire sauce mixed with a pinch of salt.
Is there a substitute for oyster sauce?
You can use a vegetarian mushroom sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and a little sugar to mimic the savory sweetness of oyster sauce.
Can I use a regular frying pan if I don't have a wok?
Absolutely. A large skillet or frying pan works perfectly well as long as it is heated properly before adding the ingredients.
What should I serve with this stir-fry?
It is traditionally served over a generous bed of fluffy white rice, such as Jasmine rice, which helps balance the salty and spicy flavors.
Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Yes, you can add vegetables like snap peas, broccoli florets, or baby corn. Just ensure they are cut into small pieces so they cook quickly alongside the pork.
How long does it take to cook this recipe?
The actual cooking time is very fast, taking approximately 10 to 15 minutes once all ingredients are prepped and the pan is hot.
Can I prepare the ingredients in advance?
Yes, stir-frying happens very quickly, so it is highly recommended to have all ingredients chopped and the sauces measured before you start heating the pan.
How do I prevent the pork from becoming tough?
Ensure your pan is very hot before adding the pork and avoid overcooking it. Stir-frying the pork for only 3-4 minutes until just cooked through will keep it tender.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use Tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your oyster sauce and fish sauce brands are certified gluten-free.
Is it better to use fresh or ground black pepper?
Freshly ground black pepper is preferred as it provides a much more vibrant and aromatic flavor compared to pre-ground pepper.
Can I use chicken stock instead of water?
Yes, using chicken or vegetable stock instead of water will add an extra layer of savory flavor to the sauce.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What is the best way to reheat this dish?
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to keep the meat moist, or use a microwave in 30-second intervals.
Can I use frozen bell peppers?
You can, but they may release more moisture and have a softer texture than fresh bell peppers. Thaw and pat them dry before adding.
Is this dish keto-friendly?
By itself, the stir-fry is relatively low in carbs, but you would need to replace the rice with cauliflower rice and check for added sugars in the oyster sauce.
What does 'shimmering' mean for oil?
Oil is 'shimmering' when it becomes very thin and moves easily across the pan like water, often showing tiny ripples. This indicates it is hot enough for stir-frying.
Can I use garlic paste instead of chopped garlic?
Yes, you can use garlic paste, but fresh chopped garlic provides a better texture and flavor profile for this specific stir-fry.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with the stock or water before adding it to the pan in step 5.
What if I don't have dried red chilies?
You can substitute with red pepper flakes or a small amount of sriracha or chili garlic sauce.
Can I use green bell peppers instead of red?
Yes, any color of bell pepper works. Red is used primarily for its sweetness and color contrast, but green, yellow, or orange are fine.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but if you double it, cook the pork in two separate batches to ensure it sears properly rather than steaming in the pan.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free as it uses vegetable oil and traditional Asian sauces.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice is a great whole-grain alternative that pairs well with the savory flavors of the pork.