Stir-Fried Pork with Simpa Leaf and Garlic

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

A savory pork stir-fry featuring steady-simmered simpa leaves and fragrant garlic, delivering a flavorful, balanced dish. This filipino-inspired pork ready in about 25 minutes pairs pork shoulder, thinly sliced, simpa leaves (or substitute spinach), garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Filipino cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 5 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 500 grams thinly sliced pork shoulder and stir-fry for 5 minutes until the pork starts to brown and is cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce and 2 tbsp oyster sauce, tossing to coat the pork evenly.
  5. Step 5: Add 200 grams simpa leaves and 1/4 cup water, then cover and cook for 3 minutes until the leaves are tender and the liquid reduces slightly.
  6. Step 6: Remove the lid, season with 1/2 tsp black pepper, and toss 2 sliced green onions in for a fresh finish.
  7. Step 7: Serve hot with steamed rice for a balanced meal highlighting firm, steady flavors.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Pork with Simpa Leaf and Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Stir-Fried Pork with Simpa Leaf and Garlic?

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 Stir-Fried Pork with Simpa Leaf and Garlic?

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 Pork with Simpa Leaf and Garlic 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 Pork with Simpa Leaf and Garlic?

Filipino 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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