Pork and Peppers Stir Fry

Alright, let's get cooking! This is a classic Pork and Peppers Stir Fry, a quick and flavorful weeknight meal. My version uses a vibrant mix of bell peppers and a savory, slightly sweet sauce that complements the pork perfectly.

Pork and Peppers Stir Fry (Serves 4)

Estimated Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Ingredients:

• For the Pork Marinade:

  • 1 lb Pork Tenderloin or Pork Loin, cut into thin strips about 1/4 inch thick
  • 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing Wine (or dry sherry as a substitute)
  • 1 teaspoon Cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon Sesame Oil
  • Pinch of White Pepper

• For the Stir Fry:

  • 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil (Canola, Peanut, or Grapeseed are all good choices)
  • 1 Yellow Bell Pepper, seeded and sliced into strips
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper, seeded and sliced into strips
  • 1 Orange Bell Pepper, seeded and sliced into strips
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 inch Ginger, peeled and minced
  • 1-2 Serrano peppers, thinly sliced (optional, for heat)

• For the Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon Oyster Sauce (optional, adds richness, can be omitted)
  • 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup Chicken Broth or Water

• Garnish (Optional):

  • Sesame Seeds
  • Chopped Green Onions

Equipment:

• Large Wok or Large Skillet (preferably non-stick)
• Cutting board
• Knives
• Bowls
• Whisk

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Pork: In a medium bowl, combine the pork strips with the soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, sesame oil, and white pepper. Mix well to ensure the pork is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator is fine, but bring to room temperature before cooking).

2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the pork marinates, prep all the vegetables. Slice the bell peppers and onion into strips. Mince the garlic and ginger. If using, slice the serrano pepper thinly.

3. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), rice vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, and chicken broth or water. Set aside.

4. Stir-Fry the Pork: Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and almost smoking, add the marinated pork in a single layer (if possible). Stir-fry quickly for 2-3 minutes, or until the pork is lightly browned and cooked through. Remove the pork from the wok and set aside.

5. Stir-Fry the Vegetables: Add the sliced onions to the wok and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and ginger (and Serrano pepper, if using), and stir-fry for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the sliced bell peppers to the wok. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, or until the peppers are tender-crisp.

6. Combine and Sauce: Pour the sauce into the wok with the vegetables. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute. Return the cooked pork to the wok and toss to coat everything evenly in the sauce.

7. Serve: Serve the Pork and Peppers Stir Fry immediately over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.

Chef's Notes & Tips:

• High Heat is Key: The key to a good stir-fry is high heat. This allows the ingredients to cook quickly and develop a nice sear.
• Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the pork in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, which will lower the temperature and cause the pork to steam instead of sear.
• Adjust the Sweetness & Heat: Taste the sauce after it thickens and adjust the sweetness by adding a touch more brown sugar, or the heat by adding a dash of chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes.
• Add Other Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli florets, snow peas, or water chestnuts. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the pork with firm tofu (pressed and cubed) or mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Omit the oyster sauce or use a vegetarian oyster sauce substitute.

Enjoy your delicious and easy Pork and Peppers Stir Fry! Let me know if you have any questions! Bon appétit!