Stir-Fried Spicy Hunan Pork with Bell Peppers

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

A fiery stir-fry featuring tender pork strips and crisp bell peppers in a bold chili-garlic sauce inspired by Hunan cuisine. This Chinese-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs pork tenderloin, red bell pepper, green bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 12 oz thinly sliced pork tenderloin with 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine in a bowl; marinate for 10 minutes to tenderize.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over high heat until shimmering, then add 6 broken dried red chilies and 4 minced garlic cloves with 1 tbsp grated ginger; stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  3. Step 3: Add the marinated pork and stir-fry vigorously for 3-4 minutes until the edges turn golden and the pork is nearly cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 sliced red bell pepper, 1 sliced green bell pepper, 1 tsp sugar, and 1/4 cup water; continue stir-frying for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp and the sauce thickens to coat the pork evenly.
  5. Step 5: Finish by tossing in 2 sliced scallions and 2 tbsp soy sauce; stir-fry for 1 more minute before serving hot with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Spicy Hunan Pork with Bell Peppers 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 Stir-Fried Spicy Hunan Pork with Bell Peppers?

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 tenderloin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Spicy Hunan Pork with Bell Peppers?

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 Spicy Hunan Pork with Bell Peppers 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 Stir-Fried Spicy Hunan Pork with Bell Peppers?

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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