Sweet and Sour Tamarind Glazed Pork Stir Fry

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

Tender pork strips stir-fried with vibrant vegetables and coated in a tangy tamarind glaze for a balanced sweet and sour flavor. This asian fusion-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs thinly sliced pork tenderloin, cornstarch, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian Fusion cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 1 lb thinly sliced pork tenderloin with 2 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated, setting aside to help achieve a crisp texture.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork in batches and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned and cooked through; remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the pan, then stir-fry 1 medium sliced red bell pepper, 1 cup snap peas, and 1 medium julienned carrot for 4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1/4 cup water.
  6. Step 6: Return pork to the pan, pour the tamarind sauce over, and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and coats the pork and vegetables.
  7. Step 7: Garnish with 2 sliced green onions before serving over steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sweet and Sour Tamarind Glazed Pork Stir Fry 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 Sweet and Sour Tamarind Glazed Pork Stir Fry?

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 Sweet and Sour Tamarind Glazed Pork Stir Fry?

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 Sweet and Sour Tamarind Glazed Pork Stir Fry 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 Sweet and Sour Tamarind Glazed Pork Stir Fry?

Asian Fusion 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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