This quick pork and asparagus stir fry is packed with flavor! Tender pork strips mingling with crunchy asparagus in a tasty sauce make for a perfect dinner option.
You can whip this up in no time, and it’s a great way to impress your friends or family. I love serving it over rice to soak up all that delicious sauce! 🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork: Pork tenderloin is my favorite for its tenderness and quick cooking time. If you can’t find it, pork shoulder works well too. For a lighter option, try chicken breast or tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Asparagus: Fresh asparagus gives a great crunch! In a pinch, you can use green beans or snap peas instead, which also add a nice texture and color.
Onion: A medium onion adds flavor, but you could use shallots for a sweeter taste or skip it if you’re looking to cut down on ingredients.
Bell Pepper: The red bell pepper adds a pop of color. If you want less sweetness, use a green bell pepper or omit it altogether.
Sauces: Soy sauce is essential for flavor, while oyster sauce adds depth. If you’re vegetarian, swap oyster sauce for mushroom sauce. Hoisin sauce is optional but great for a hint of sweetness.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Stir-Fry?
The key to a successful stir-fry is high heat and quick cooking. Here are my tips:
- Slice your pork thinly against the grain. This helps keep it tender during cooking.
- Heat the oil until it shimmers before adding the pork. This seals in juices.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed to ensure even browning.
- Keep your veggies tender-crisp by adding them in stages; start with the ones that take longer to cook.
- Finally, add the cornstarch slurry in the end; it really makes the sauce coat everything beautifully.
How to Make Pork and Asparagus Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 lb (450g) pork tenderloin or pork shoulder, thinly sliced or cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb (450g) fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 small red bell pepper, sliced (optional, for color and flavor)
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil or peanut oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece of ginger, minced
For the Sauces:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (cornstarch slurry)
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- Cooked white rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Pork and Asparagus Stir Fry can be whipped up in about 30 minutes! You’ll spend approximately 10 minutes prepping your ingredients and around 20 minutes cooking. Perfect for a quick dinner after a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork:
Start by thinly slicing the pork against the grain. This technique helps maintain tenderness. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper to season the meat lightly. Set it aside while you prep the veggies.
2. Prep the Vegetables:
Take your fresh asparagus and trim both ends, then cut them into 2-inch pieces. Next, slice the onion and if you’re using it, the red bell pepper. All the prep work will make your stir fry come together really fast!
3. Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce (if you’re using it), and sugar. Give it a good stir to combine everything nicely and set it aside for later.
4. Heat the Wok:
Place your wok or large skillet on the stove and add 2 tablespoons of oil. Heat it over medium-high heat until it’s hot. You want it to sizzle when you add the pork!
5. Cook the Pork:
Add the sliced pork to the hot wok. Stir-fry it for about 3-4 minutes until it’s browned and mostly cooked through. Then, carefully remove the pork from the wok and set it aside on a plate.
6. Cook the Aromatics:
In the same wok, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant. This will fill your kitchen with amazing aromas!
7. Add the Vegetables:
Now, add the sliced onions and if using, the bell peppers. Stir-fry these for 2 minutes. You want them to start softening but still have a bit of crunch.
8. Add the Asparagus:
Next, add the asparagus pieces to the wok. Keep stir-frying for another 3-4 minutes until the asparagus is tender-crisp. Yum! It’s all coming together.
9. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked pork to the wok and pour in the sauce mixture you prepared earlier. Stir everything together so the pork and vegetables are nicely coated with the sauce.
10. Thicken the Sauce:
Finally, add in the cornstarch slurry to the wok. Stir-fry for another minute until the sauce thickens and creates a delicious coating on the meat and veggies.
11. Final Seasoning:
Give everything a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. It should be flavorful and delicious!
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Pork and Asparagus Stir Fry hot over a bed of warm, cooked white rice. Dig in and enjoy your flavorful meal!
Enjoy your delicious Pork and Asparagus Stir Fry!
Can I Use a Different Protein Instead of Pork?
Absolutely! Chicken breast or thigh would be great substitutes. You can also use shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times accordingly depending on the protein you choose!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the stir fry to room temperature before sealing. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent drying out.
Can I Add Extra Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add other veggies like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times based on how quickly each vegetable cooks. Add denser veggies first, and more delicate ones later!
Is This Recipe Spicy?
This recipe isn’t spicy as is, but if you like some heat, add red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce for an extra kick. Adjust to your taste!
