Burmese Stir-Fried Pork with Garlic and Black Bean Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pork slices stir-fried with aromatic garlic and fermented black bean sauce, creating a savory, umami-packed dish perfect for serving over steamed rice. This asian-inspired pork ready in about 25 minutes blends pork shoulder, thinly sliced, garlic cloves, minced, ginger, julienned into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 5 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp julienned ginger, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb thinly sliced pork shoulder to the wok, spreading it out and stir-frying for 4-5 minutes until the pork is browned and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp rinsed and roughly chopped fermented black beans, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 1/4 cup water. Cook for another 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the pork.
  4. Step 4: Season with 1/2 tsp black pepper and toss in 1/4 cup chopped scallions, cooking for 1 more minute.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice or noodles.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Burmese Stir-Fried Pork with Garlic and Black Bean Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Burmese Stir-Fried Pork with Garlic and Black Bean Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Burmese Stir-Fried Pork with Garlic and Black Bean Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Burmese Stir-Fried Pork with Garlic and Black Bean Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Burmese Stir-Fried Pork with Garlic and Black Bean Sauce?

Asian pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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