Stir-Fried Lemongrass Pork with Garlic and Chili

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

Tender pork strips stir-fried with fragrant lemongrass, garlic, and fresh chili for a spicy and savory Vietnamese main dish. This vietnamese-inspired stir fry ready in about 30 minutes pairs pork shoulder, lemongrass stalks, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

★ 4.2 (14 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 lb thinly sliced pork shoulder with 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Marinate for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok over medium-high heat. Add 2 finely chopped lemongrass stalks, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 sliced red chili. Stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add marinated pork to the wok and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until pork is cooked through and edges start to caramelize.
  4. Step 4: Toss in 2 sliced scallions and stir for 30 seconds. Remove from heat.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately over 2 cups cooked jasmine rice for a complete meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Lemongrass Pork with Garlic and Chili take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 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 Stir-Fried Lemongrass Pork with Garlic and 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 from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Lemongrass Pork with Garlic and 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 Stir-Fried Lemongrass Pork with Garlic and 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 Stir-Fried Lemongrass Pork with Garlic and Chili?

Vietnamese stir fry 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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