Vietnamese-Style Lemongrass Pork Stir Fry
A vibrant stir fry with tender pork marinated in lemongrass and garlic, highlighting fresh herbs and a balanced sweet-savory sauce. This vietnamese-inspired pork ready in about 35 minutes pairs thinly sliced pork tenderloin, minced garlic cloves, fish sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 460 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, thinly sliced pork tenderloin
- 2, white part finely minced lemongrass stalks
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1, thinly sliced (optional) red chili
- 3, sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- for serving lime wedges
- 2 cups cooked, for serving jasmine rice
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 lb thinly sliced pork tenderloin with 2 finely minced white parts of lemongrass stalks, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp fish sauce, and 1 tbsp brown sugar. Mix well and marinate for at least 20 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated pork and stir fry for 5-7 minutes until the pork is browned and cooked through, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- Step 3: Add 1 thinly sliced red chili (if using) and 3 sliced green onions to the skillet, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and toss in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Serve immediately over 2 cups cooked jasmine rice with lime wedges on the side to squeeze over for brightness.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Vietnamese-Style Lemongrass Pork Stir Fry take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (25 min prep + 10 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 Vietnamese-Style Lemongrass 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 Vietnamese-Style Lemongrass 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 Vietnamese-Style Lemongrass 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 Vietnamese-Style Lemongrass Pork Stir Fry?
Vietnamese 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.