Stir-Fried Szechuan Pork with Garlic and Chili

By , Test Kitchen Director · 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 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. 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: 12 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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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.

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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.

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