Stir fries are a fantastic way to make a quick, healthy, and delicious meal. When it comes to stir frying, pork is often an underrated choice.

It’s tender, flavorful, and versatile, making it a great option for a variety of dishes. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, a pork stir fry can be an easy and satisfying dish to prepare. Here’s how you can make the perfect pork stir fry, step by step for under $20.

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Why Choose Pork for Stir fry?

Pork is a great protein for stir fry because it cooks quickly, absorbs flavors well, and is generally affordable. Cuts like pork loin, tenderloin, and mince are particularly good for stir frying due to their tenderness and ability to stay juicy at high temperatures. Plus, pork pairs beautifully with a wide range of vegetables and sauces, making it a versatile choice for any flavor profile.

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Our favourite stir fry for under $20

NZ pork and green bean stir fry

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Ingredients:

500g pork mince

1 Tbsp vegetable oil

200g green beans, trimmed, halved

2 spring onions, sliced

2 garlic cloves, crushed

2 Tbsp kecap manis (sweet soy sauce)

1 Tbsp soy sauce

1 tsp sesame oil

2 c cabbage, shredded

Juice of 1 lime, plus extra wedges to serve (optional)

1 Tbsp sesame seeds, toasted

Steamed rice, to serve

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Method

1. In a wok, heat oil on high. Stir-fry NZ pork mince for 4-5 minutes, breaking up lumps with a wooden spoon, until well browned.

2. Add beans, white ends of spring onion and garlic. Stir fry for 1-2 minutes or until beans are just tender.

3. Stir combined kecap manis, soy sauce and sesame oil through, bringing to a simmer.

4. Toss cabbage and lime juice through, stir-frying for 1 minute.

5. Sprinkle with remaining onion and seeds. Serve with rice and extra lime wedges, if you like.

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Tips

If you like spicy food, add dried chilli flakes or a chopped fresh chilli in Step 2.

Serve with noodles instead of rice, if you prefer.

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Tips for the Best Pork Stir Fry

Cut Uniform Pieces: Make sure to slice the pork and vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking.

Use High Heat: Stir-frying is all about cooking quickly at high heat. Make sure your pan is hot before adding ingredients.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan will steam the ingredients instead of giving them that delicious stir fry char.

Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand. Bok choy, mushrooms, and zucchini all work great in a stir fry.

Add a Crunch: Top your stir fry with toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for added texture.

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A pork stir fry is a versatile and quick meal that can easily fit into a busy weeknight routine or be dressed up for a special occasion. With a few fresh ingredients and a hot pan, you can create a dish that’s both healthy and satisfying. Experiment with different vegetables and sauces to find your perfect combination. Happy cooking!

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