Stir-Fried Szechuan Pork with Garlic and Chili

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A bold and spicy Szechuan pork stir-fry featuring tender pork slices tossed with garlic, chili, and vibrant Szechuan peppercorns for an authentic kick. This chinese-inspired chinese ready in about 27 minutes pairs thinly sliced pork tenderloin, vegetable oil, minced 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 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.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI →

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 12 oz thinly sliced pork tenderloin with 1 tsp cornstarch and set aside for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over high heat until shimmering, then add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp minced ginger, and 2 thinly sliced fresh red chilies; stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add the pork slices and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until the edges just begin to brown and the pork is nearly cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine, 1 tsp sugar, and 1 tsp ground toasted Szechuan peppercorns along with 3 tbsp water; cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the pork.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, toss in 2 chopped scallions, and serve immediately with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 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 Stir-Fried Szechuan 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 thinly sliced pork tenderloin from drying out.

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

Chinese chinese 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.

What others are saying

Related recipes