Simple Garlic Pork Stir Fry

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This simple stir fry recipe comes together in just about half an hour – perfect for busy weeknights!

Once upon a time, cooking dinner was a relaxing endeavor – something I would dive into after a hectic workday. When I needed some down time, a few hours to unwind and focus my frantic mind onto a single methodical task, I would head to the kitchen and lose myself in the ritual of preparation.

With two parents working full time and an almost-three year old underfoot, making dinner has become a lot less relaxing lately. In fact, some nights we are so busy that a true meal never makes it to the table. We snack, we pick, we reheat and all too often, redial for takeout! 

The recipes that make it back on to our table again and again are those that require simple prep-work and quick cooking. Using a few shortcuts, like pre-cut veggies, frozen rice blends, or marinated pork tenderloins from Smithfield®, can make the process move even more quickly – and with less mess! Marinated meats are perfect for enhancing simple recipes because they can deliver real flavor real fast.

Smithfield® Marinated Fresh Pork comes in a variety of different flavors, most of which work really well in a stir fry. For this recipe, I used Smithfield Roasted Garlic & Cracked Peppercorn Tenderloin. The meat has plenty of flavor as-is, so I only added a small amount of sauce to the stir fry to help flavor the vegetables. You also have the option of leaving the stir-fry "naked" and seasoning with plain salt and pepper instead of a sauce.

My favorite way to enjoy simple stir fry dishes, like this one, is over a steaming bowl of rice. Brown rice or wild rice blends will add a delightfully nutty flavor to your meal while providing an extra punch of nutrition. This recipe has a mild to medium spiciness. To make it mild, simply omit the red pepper. To add more heat, increase the red pepper or garnish with a bit of sriracha.

This meal also makes a delicious leftover option. Having leftovers handy saves us even more time by providing quick lunches the next day. Try enjoying your stir fry over a different starch the next day to mix things up, or toss the reheated stir fry with fresh baby spinach to make a tasty salad with wilted greens.

Simple Garlic Pork Stir Fry
Makes about 4 servings

Ingredients

• 9 ounces Smithfield Roasted Garlic and Cracked Black Pepper Tenderloin
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed
• 4 thin slices of fresh ginger
• 1/2 bunch scallions, sliced
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/8 teaspoon kosher or sea salt.
• cooking oil

Directions

1. Bring a pot of water to boil, add a pinch of salt, then blanch carrots and broccoli for 5 minutes or until slightly tender. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
2. Using a sharp knife, cut the pork into very thin slices. It helps to put the pork in the freezer for about ten minutes before cutting. Set sliced pork aside.
3. In a cold skillet or wok, add a few tablespoons of cooking oil (or less, to taste) along with garlic and ginger. Turn on heat to medium, and wait for the oil to heat and start cooking the garlic and ginger. Allow the garlic and ginger to sizzle alone in the pan for a few minutes (but do not let them burn.)
4. Begin cooking the sliced pork in the pan. Lay the slices flat, and flip them over after 30-60 seconds of cooking, then repeat on the other side. After each slice is finished, remove it from the pan and set it aside. Leave the garlic and ginger in the pan.
5. Whisk together the maple syrup, soy sauce, cornstarch, vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper, and salt. Add mixed sauce to the pan and increase heat to high, allow the sauce to bubble for about 30 seconds, then stir and reduce heat back to medium.
6. Add cabbage to the pan and cook for a few minutes – or until the cabbage has wilted. Add the broccoli and carrots next. Wait about 1 minute, then add the scallions and cooked pork. Toss everything together and allow it to cook for another 1-2 minutes, until everything is completely heated and cooked through.
7. Remove from heat and transfer to bowl. Serve with rice, noodles, or greens.

I shopped for my Smithfield Roasted Garlic and Cracked Black Pepper Tenderloin at my local Walmart. You can find this, and other delicious 100% pork Smithfield® products in the meat section, right next to steaks, burgers, and pork chops. Find more recipes, cooking tips, and meal ideas for Smithfield® products at Real Flavor Real Fast.

Right now you can earn $1.00 off when you shop for Smithfield® products at Walmart using the Ibotta app. Click the coupon below to find out more!