Spicy Pork Stir-Fry with Garlic and Red Chili
A fiery pork stir-fry bursting with garlic and red chili, balanced by a touch of soy and sweetness for an addictive savory dish. This chinese-inspired pork ready in about 22 minutes pairs pork shoulder, thinly sliced, garlic cloves, minced, fresh red chili, sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 1 lb pork shoulder, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 fresh red chili, sliced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2, sliced green onions
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Step 1: Toss 1 lb thinly sliced pork shoulder with 1 tsp cornstarch until evenly coated; set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering.
- Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 sliced fresh red chilies to the pan; stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Add the pork slices in a single layer and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until pork is browned and cooked through.
- Step 5: Mix 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 2 tbsp water in a small bowl; pour over the pork and stir well to coat.
- Step 6: Continue stir-frying for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the pork.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions before serving hot with steamed rice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Pork Stir-Fry with Garlic and Red Chili take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Spicy Pork Stir-Fry with Garlic and Red Chili?
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 pork shoulder, thinly sliced from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Pork Stir-Fry with Garlic and Red Chili?
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 Spicy Pork Stir-Fry with Garlic and Red Chili 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 Spicy Pork Stir-Fry with Garlic and Red Chili?
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.
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