Ground Pork Stir Fry

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Ground Pork Stir Fry with peppers and pea pods is a quick and easy weeknight meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrition! With tender ground pork, crisp bell peppers, and sweet pea pods all tossed together in a savory sauce, this stir fry is a surefire crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect meal for busy nights when you need something tasty and filling in a hurry.

Our pork stir fry offers a multitude of reasons to fall in love with it. Firstly, it’s a quick and easy meal that can be whipped up effortlessly, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when time is limited. With minimal prep work and a short cooking time, you can have a mouthwatering dish ready in no time.

What makes this reicpe with ground pork even more appealing is its versatility. You have the freedom to experiment with different vegetables and flavors, allowing you to customize the dish according to your preferences and what ingredients you have on hand. Whether you opt for a vibrant mix of bell peppers and pea pods or decide to incorporate other vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or broccoli, the possibilities are endless, ensuring that you never get bored with this dish.

Table of Contents

Ingredients

1 pound ground pork sausage
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large yellow onion diced
1 red pepper diced
1/2 cup sugar snap peas
8 ounces sliced mushrooms
3 cloves garlic minced
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup soy sauce tamari for gluten-free
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup water
3 cups cooked rice
sliced green onions for garnish optional

How To Make

When preparing a ground pork stir fry, there are a few key steps to follow for a delicious and flavorful dish. First, you want to brown the ground pork. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground pork until it’s nicely browned. This step helps to develop the flavors and adds a desirable texture to the meat. Once the pork is browned, set it aside on a plate.

Next, it’s time to sauté the vegetables. Using the same skillet, add a little oil and then toss in your choice of vegetables. Common options include onions, peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or any other vegetables you prefer. Sauté the vegetables for about 4-5 minutes, or until they become tender. This cooking process enhances their flavors and brings out their natural sweetness. You can also add minced garlic to further enhance the taste.

After sautéing the vegetables, it’s time to reintroduce the browned ground pork back into the skillet. This allows the flavors of the pork and vegetables to meld together. Stir the mixture well to ensure even distribution of the ingredients.

To add depth and complexity to the dish, you’ll need to create a flavorful sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together ingredients such as soy sauce, ginger, garlic, brown sugar, and any other desired seasonings or spices. This sauce will be poured over the ground pork and vegetable mixture in the skillet, infusing it with a savory and aromatic taste.

To thicken the sauce and create a glossy texture, prepare a slurry by combining cornstarch with water in a separate small bowl. Mix until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Pour the slurry into the skillet and stir continuously until the sauce thickens, usually around 2 minutes. This step ensures a well-coated and cohesive stir fry.

Finally, serve your ground pork stir fry over a bed of warm rice. The rice acts as a neutral base that complements the flavors of the stir fry. Additionally, you can garnish the dish with chopped green onions or other fresh herbs for added freshness and visual appeal.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to consider when making a ground pork stir fry:

Prep and chop ingredients in advance: Stir-frying is a quick cooking method, so it’s helpful to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. Chop the vegetables and measure out the sauce ingredients before you start cooking to ensure a smooth and efficient process.
Maintain high heat: Stir frying is done over high heat to quickly cook the ingredients while preserving their color, texture, and nutrients. Ensure your skillet or wok is hot before adding the oil and ingredients to achieve a nice sear and prevent them from becoming soggy.
Stir fry in batches: Overcrowding the skillet can lead to steaming instead of stir frying. Cook the ground pork in small batches, allowing it to brown evenly. Similarly, when sautéing the vegetables, make sure the pan isn’t overloaded to maintain the desired texture.
Add aromatics at the right time: Garlic, ginger, and other aromatic ingredients tend to burn quickly. To prevent this, add minced garlic towards the end of sautéing the vegetables, giving it just enough time to cook and release its flavor without turning bitter or acrid.
Customize the sauce: Feel free to adjust the sauce ingredients according to your taste preferences. Add a little more soy sauce for saltiness, increase the amount of ginger or red pepper flakes for a spicier kick, or adjust the sweetness with more brown sugar or a touch of honey.
Thicken the sauce properly: When adding the cornstarch slurry, make sure it’s well-mixed before adding it to the skillet. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients evenly. Be careful not to add too much slurry, as it can make the sauce too thick and gloopy.
Serve immediately: Stir fry is best enjoyed right after cooking to preserve the vibrant colors, textures, and flavors. Serve it over warm rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
Experiment with additional ingredients: While the basic recipe includes ground pork and vegetables, you can customize your stir fry by adding other ingredients like water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, baby corn, or even pineapple for a touch of sweetness.

Remember, stir frying is a versatile cooking technique, so don’t be afraid to get creative and adapt the recipe to your liking.

FAQ

Can I use other types of meat instead of ground pork?

Yes, you can definitely substitute ground pork with other ground meats such as chicken, turkey, beef, or even tofu if you prefer a vegetarian option. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the type of meat you choose.

Can I use frozen vegetables for the stir fry?

While fresh vegetables often provide the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen vegetables in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and drain them properly before adding them to the skillet. Keep in mind that frozen vegetables may release more moisture, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I make the stir fry sauce in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the stir fry sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This can help save time when you’re ready to cook. Just give the sauce a good whisk before using it to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.

Can I make the stir fry sauce gluten-free?

Yes, you can make the stir fry sauce gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Make sure to check the labels of your sauce ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.

ground pork stir fry shown in a bowl with rice

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage:

Allow the stir fry to cool down to room temperature before storing.
Transfer the leftover stir fry to an airtight container or sealable bags.
Place the container in the refrigerator.
The stir fry can be stored for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat the stir fry, you have a few options: a. Stovetop: Heat a skillet or wok over medium heat and add the leftover stir fry. Stir and cook until heated through. b. Microwave: Transfer the desired amount of stir fry to a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. c. Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the stir fry to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

Once the stir fry is heated, make sure to stir it occasionally to ensure even reheating.

Reheating:

Note: It’s important to remember that each reheating method may slightly affect the texture and flavor of the stir fry. Microwaving can sometimes result in a softer texture, while stovetop or oven reheating methods can help maintain the original texture better. Choose the method that suits your preference.

Additionally, it’s advisable to reheat only the portion you plan to consume at one time, rather than reheating the entire batch repeatedly. This helps to maintain the quality and freshness of the stir fry.