Szechuan Pepper Pork Stir-Fry
A numbingly spicy stir-fry of marinated pork and vegetables, infused with Szechuan peppercorns and ginger. This chinese-inspired asian ready in about 45 minutes pairs cubed pork shoulder, Szechuan peppercorns, grated ginger for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 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.
Ingredients
- 1.2 lbs, cubed pork shoulder
- 1 tbsp Szechuan peppercorns
- 1 tbsp, grated ginger
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 head, cut into florets broccoli
- 1/2 lb, julienned carrots
- 1/2 lb, trimmed snap peas
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, mix 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, and 1/2 tsp chili flakes. Marinate pork for 20 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a wok over high heat. Add Szechuan peppercorns and 1 tbsp ginger. Cook 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Step 3: Add marinated pork and cook 4 minutes until browned. Push to sides, add broccoli, carrots, and snap peas. Cook 3 minutes until tender.
- Step 4: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp chili flakes. Cook 1 minute until fragrant. Toss with 1 tbsp sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Szechuan Pepper Pork Stir-Fry take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (25 min prep + 20 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 Szechuan Pepper 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 cubed pork shoulder from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Szechuan Pepper 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 Szechuan Pepper Pork Stir-Fry 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 Szechuan Pepper Pork Stir-Fry?
Chinese asian 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
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 20-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
