Hunan-Style Crispy Pork with Garlic and Scallions
Golden-fried pork pieces tossed in a savory garlic sauce with fresh scallions for a flavorful, crispy pork dish from Hunan cuisine. This chinese-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes pork tenderloin, cornstarch, for frying, about 2 cups vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz, cut into 1-inch cubes pork tenderloin
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- for frying, about 2 cups vegetable oil
- 5 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, minced ginger
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice wine
- 1 tsp sugar
- 4 stalks, chopped into 1-inch pieces scallions
- 1/2 tsp dried red chili flakes
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Toss 14 oz pork tenderloin cubes in 1/3 cup cornstarch until evenly coated. Heat about 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F.
- Step 2: Carefully fry the pork in batches for 4-5 minutes each until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Step 3: Remove excess oil from the skillet, leaving 1 tbsp. Add 5 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice wine, 1 tsp sugar, 1/2 tsp dried red chili flakes, and 1 tsp sesame oil. Let the sauce simmer gently for 1 minute.
- Step 5: Return the crispy pork to the skillet, toss with the sauce and 4 chopped scallions, cooking for 1 more minute until scallions soften slightly. Serve hot.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Hunan-Style Crispy Pork with Garlic and Scallions take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Hunan-Style Crispy Pork with Garlic and Scallions?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cornstarch from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Hunan-Style Crispy Pork with Garlic and Scallions?
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 Hunan-Style Crispy Pork with Garlic and Scallions for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Hunan-Style Crispy Pork with Garlic and Scallions?
Chinese 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.
