Pork and Asparagus Stir Fry Recipe

Sizzling Pork and Asparagus Stir Fry Recipe for Weeknight Magic

Whipping up a delectable pork and asparagus stir fry can transform an ordinary weeknight meal into a culinary adventure.

Crisp asparagus spears dance alongside tender meat strips in this quick and vibrant dish.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of savory and fresh flavors.

Simple ingredients create magic in just minutes of cooking time.

Home chefs appreciate how easily this recipe comes together with minimal preparation.

Seasonal asparagus adds a delightful green crunch that complements the rich pork beautifully.

Hungry for a restaurant-quality meal without complex techniques?

You’ll fall in love with this straightforward, mouthwatering creation.

Why People Pick Pork And Asparagus Stir Fry Recipe

  • Speed Up Meal Prep: This stir fry recipe comes together faster than traditional cooking methods, making it perfect for busy weeknights when hunger strikes and time is short.
  • Master One-Pan Wonder: Streamline your cooking process by using a single skillet, reducing cleanup time and kitchen clutter while delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.
  • Customize Your Culinary Creation: Easily swap ingredients based on what's in your refrigerator, allowing flexibility for personal taste preferences and dietary needs without compromising deliciousness.
  • Nutrition Packed Protein Punch: Combines lean pork with fresh vegetables, delivering a balanced meal that supports healthy eating goals without sacrificing taste or satisfaction.

What Goes In Pork And Asparagus Stir Fry Recipe

Protein:
  • Pork: A lean and flavorful meat that provides the main protein for this stir fry.
Vegetables:
  • Asparagus, Red Bell Pepper: Fresh vegetables that add crunch, color, and nutritional value to the dish.
Aromatics:
  • Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that provide a deep, zesty flavor base for the stir fry.
Sauce and Seasonings:
  • Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce, Sesame Oil, Cornstarch, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that enhance the overall taste and create a glossy, flavorful coating for the stir fry.
Cooking Ingredients:
  • Vegetable Oil, Sesame Seeds: Essential for cooking and garnishing the dish.

Making Pork And Asparagus Stir Fry Recipe Step-By-Step

Step 1: Sear the Succulent Pork

Crank up a large skillet or wok to medium-high heat. Drizzle in vegetable oil and let it get screaming hot. Toss in pork pieces and let them dance around the pan. Season with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir-fry until the meat turns golden brown and cooks completely, about 5-7 minutes. Scoop out the pork and park it on a waiting plate.

Step 2: Unleash Aromatic Magic

In the same sizzling pan, drop in minced garlic and ginger. Swirl them around for about 30 seconds until their intoxicating fragrance fills the kitchen. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 3: Vegetable Tango

Introduce asparagus and red bell peppers to the hot pan. Keep them moving for 3-5 minutes until they’re tender-crisp and bursting with color. The goal is a vibrant, crunchy vegetable medley.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Reunite the cooked pork with the sizzling vegetables. Whip up a flavor-packed sauce using:
  • Soy sauce
  • Oyster sauce
  • Sesame oil
  • Cornstarch (optional)

Pour the sauce over the stir fry and mix thoroughly. Let everything mingle and heat through for 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Final Flavor Flourish

Give the stir fry a quick taste. Adjust seasoning if needed. For an extra touch of pizzazz, sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Serve piping hot over fluffy rice or springy noodles. Dive in and enjoy your culinary creation!

Smart Advice For Pork And Asparagus Stir Fry Recipe

  • Slice Pork Thinly: Cut meat against the grain for tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that ensures even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
  • Manage Heat Carefully: Use medium-high heat to create perfect browning without burning garlic, ginger, or vegetables, maintaining their vibrant colors and crisp texture.
  • Prep Ingredients Beforehand: Chop all ingredients in advance to ensure smooth cooking process and prevent overcooking any component of the stir fry.
  • Control Vegetable Crunch: Asparagus and bell peppers should remain slightly crisp, so avoid overcooking to preserve their nutrients and fresh texture.
  • Balance Sauce Consistency: Mix cornstarch with sauce to create a glossy, light coating that clings perfectly to meat and vegetables without becoming too thick or sticky.

Ways To Tweak Pork And Asparagus Stir Fry Recipe

  • Chicken Asparagus Swap: Replace pork with lean chicken breast for a lighter protein option that keeps the dish's core flavors intact.
  • Vegetarian Protein Alternative: Substitute pork with firm tofu or tempeh, pressing and cubing the protein before stir-frying to create a plant-based version.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Skip traditional rice and serve the stir fry over riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly and low-carbohydrate meal.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Side Ideas For Pork And Asparagus Stir Fry Recipe

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the rich pork and complements the bright asparagus flavors.
  • Complement with Jasmine Rice: Serve the stir fry over fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a neutral base that enhances the dish's savory elements.
  • Match with Asian-Inspired Beer: Choose a light Asian lager like Tsingtao or Sapporo to balance the stir fry's bold flavors and provide a crisp, clean drinking experience.
  • Enhance with Pickled Side Dish: Add quick-pickled cucumber or daikon radish as a side to introduce a tangy contrast that refreshes the palate between bites of the rich pork stir fry.

Store Pork And Asparagus Stir Fry Recipe The Right Way

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacteria growth.
  • Transfer cooled stir fry to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
  • Place portion on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
  • Warm a skillet over medium heat.

Your Pork And Asparagus Stir Fry Recipe Questions

  • What makes asparagus the ideal vegetable for this stir fry?

Asparagus provides a perfect crisp texture and fresh flavor that complements the pork. Its quick cooking time ensures it remains tender and doesn’t become mushy during the stir fry process.

  • Can I substitute the pork with another protein?

Yes, chicken or beef work perfectly as alternative proteins. Just ensure you cut the meat into similar bite-sized pieces and cook it with the same technique to maintain the dish’s texture and flavor profile.

  • Is cornstarch necessary for the recipe?

Cornstarch helps create a glossy, slightly thickened sauce that coats the meat and vegetables evenly. While optional, it enhances the overall sauce consistency and helps the seasonings adhere better to the ingredients.

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Pork and Asparagus Stir Fry Recipe

Pork and Asparagus Stir Fry Recipe


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4.9 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Delightful Pork and Asparagus Stir Fry promises a quick culinary adventure through China’s bold flavors. Crisp asparagus and tender pork create a perfect balance that delivers restaurant-quality excitement right to your dinner plate.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) pork tenderloin, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece of ginger, minced

Vegetables:

  • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced

Sauce and Cooking Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
  • Cooked rice or noodles for serving

Instructions

  1. Sear pork pieces in a hot skillet with oil over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer meat to a separate plate.
  2. In the same skillet, quickly sauté minced garlic and ginger for 30 seconds, releasing their aromatic essence without burning.
  3. Introduce asparagus and red bell peppers to the pan, stir-frying for 3-5 minutes until vegetables maintain a vibrant, crisp texture.
  4. Reintroduce seared pork to the vegetable mixture, creating a harmonious blend of proteins and produce.
  5. Whisk soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch in a small bowl, creating a glossy and flavorful coating.
  6. Pour sauce over the pork and vegetables, thoroughly coating each ingredient and allowing the mixture to simmer for 1-2 minutes until heated uniformly.
  7. Perform a final taste assessment, adjusting seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired.
  8. Optional: Garnish with sesame seeds for extra visual appeal and nutty flavor.
  9. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles, ensuring maximum flavor and temperature enjoyment.

Notes

  • Choose lean pork cuts like tenderloin or loin for a healthier, less greasy stir fry that keeps meat tender and juicy.
  • Slice pork against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness and prevent tough, chewy meat texture.
  • Quickly blanch asparagus in boiling water for 30 seconds before stir-frying to maintain bright green color and crisp texture.
  • Use high heat and keep ingredients moving constantly to prevent burning and achieve that classic wok-style caramelization.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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