Skillet

Pork and Vegetable Stir-Fry

Name: Pork and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) pork shoulder, sliced into thin strips; 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces; 2 cloves of garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger; 1 bell pepper, sliced into thin strips; 2 carrots, peeled and sliced into thin strips; 2 broccoli crowns, cut into florets; 2 tablespoons of soy sauce; 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce; 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon of sesame oil; Salt and pepper to taste

By Jake Thornton · June 18, 2026 · Skillet

Prep20 min

Cook20 min

Total40 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I made a pork and vegetable stir-fry in my backyard kitchen. The combination of tender pork, crispy bacon, and a variety of colorful vegetables all came together in a savory sauce that left everyone wanting more. As a home cook, I've always been drawn to recipes that are both easy to make and packed with flavor, and this stir-fry is no exception.

One of the things I love about this recipe is its versatility. You can use a variety of vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli, and customize the dish to your taste. The pork and bacon add a rich, meaty flavor that pairs perfectly with the crunchy vegetables and savory sauce.

This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It's easy to make and can be prepared in under an hour, making it a great option for busy home cooks. The best part is that it's a one-pan dish, so cleanup is a breeze.

In this recipe, I'll show you how to make a delicious pork and vegetable stir-fry that's sure to become a family favorite. With its combination of tender pork, crispy bacon, and savory vegetables, this dish is a must-try for anyone looking for a quick and easy meal that's packed with flavor.

So, let's get started and make a delicious pork and vegetable stir-fry that will leave everyone wanting more. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and can be prepared in under an hour.
The combination of tender pork, crispy bacon, and savory vegetables creates a dish that's both flavorful and textured.
The recipe is versatile and can be customized to your taste with a variety of vegetables and seasonings.
The dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
The one-pan cooking method makes cleanup a breeze.
The recipe is suitable for home cooks of all skill levels.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great stir-fry is in the balance of flavors and textures. By using a combination of tender pork, crispy bacon, and a variety of colorful vegetables, we create a dish that's both visually appealing and delicious. The savory sauce brings everything together, adding a rich and depthful flavor to the dish.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the cooking technique. By cooking the pork and bacon in a cold pan and then increasing the heat, we're able to render the fat slowly and create a crispy texture. This technique is essential for creating a tender and flavorful stir-fry.

The layering of flavors is also crucial in this recipe. By adding the aromatics, such as garlic and ginger, at the beginning of the cooking process, we're able to create a deep and complex flavor profile. The savory sauce, made with a combination of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and rice vinegar, adds a rich and tangy flavor to the dish.

Finally, the resting time is essential for allowing the flavors to meld together and the pork to become tender. By letting the dish rest for a few minutes before serving, we're able to create a stir-fry that's both flavorful and tender.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious pork and vegetable stir-fry, you'll need a variety of ingredients, including tender pork, crispy bacon, and a medley of colorful vegetables. The key to a great stir-fry is in the balance of flavors and textures, so be sure to choose ingredients that are fresh and of high quality.

When shopping for ingredients, look for pork that's labeled as 'stir-fry' or 'sliced' and bacon that's thick-cut and smoked. For the vegetables, choose a variety of colors and textures to create a visually appealing dish.

1 lb (450g) pork shoulder, sliced into thin stripsLook for pork that's labeled as 'stir-fry' or 'sliced' and has a good balance of fat and lean meat. This will help to create a tender and flavorful stir-fry.
6 slices of thick-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch piecesChoose bacon that's smoked and has a good balance of fat and lean meat. This will help to create a crispy and flavorful texture.
2 cloves of garlic, mincedUse fresh garlic for the best flavor. You can also use garlic powder or garlic salt as a substitute if you don't have fresh garlic on hand.
1 tablespoon of grated fresh gingerUse fresh ginger for the best flavor. You can also use ground ginger as a substitute if you don't have fresh ginger on hand.
1 bell pepper, sliced into thin stripsChoose a bell pepper that's firm and has a good balance of sweet and crunchy texture. Any color bell pepper will work, but red or orange peppers will add a pop of color to the dish.
2 carrots, peeled and sliced into thin stripsChoose carrots that are firm and have a good balance of sweet and crunchy texture. You can also use baby carrots or carrot sticks as a substitute if you don't have full-sized carrots on hand.
2 broccoli crowns, cut into floretsChoose broccoli that's firm and has a good balance of tender and crunchy texture. You can also use frozen broccoli as a substitute if you don't have fresh broccoli on hand.
2 tablespoons of soy sauceUse a high-quality soy sauce that's made with fermented soybeans and has a rich, savory flavor. You can also use tamari or coconut aminos as a substitute if you're looking for a gluten-free option.
1 tablespoon of hoisin sauceUse a high-quality hoisin sauce that's made with fermented soybeans and has a rich, savory flavor. You can also use oyster sauce or fish sauce as a substitute if you're looking for a different flavor profile.
1 tablespoon of rice vinegarUse a high-quality rice vinegar that's made with fermented rice and has a mild, slightly sweet flavor. You can also use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar as a substitute if you don't have rice vinegar on hand.
1 teaspoon of sesame oilUse a high-quality sesame oil that's made with roasted sesame seeds and has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor. You can also use peanut oil or vegetable oil as a substitute if you don't have sesame oil on hand.
Salt and pepper to tasteUse freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt for the best flavor. You can also use other seasonings, such as garlic powder or paprika, to add extra flavor to the dish.

Ingredients for Pork and Vegetable Stir-Fry

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or wokSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon or spatulaInstant-read thermometer

How to Make Pork and Vegetable Stir-Fry

1
Heat a large heavy skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
2
Add the pork to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the pork from the skillet and set aside with the bacon.
3
Add the garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4
Add the bell pepper, carrots, and broccoli to the skillet and cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
5
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and rice vinegar. Pour the sauce over the vegetables and cook until the sauce is bubbly and slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
6
Add the cooked pork and bacon back to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables and sauce.
7
Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the pork is heated through and the sauce is bubbly.
8
Stir in the sesame oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
9
Serve the stir-fry hot, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
10
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Expert Tips

Use a variety of colorful vegetables to create a visually appealing dish.
Choose a high-quality soy sauce and hoisin sauce for the best flavor.
Don't overcook the pork or vegetables, as this can make the dish tough and dry.
Use a thermometer to ensure the pork is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of color and added flavor.
Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a filling and satisfying meal.
Experiment with different seasonings and sauces to create a unique flavor profile.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pork or vegetables, which can make the dish tough and dry.
Not using a variety of colorful vegetables, which can make the dish visually unappealing.
Not letting the dish rest before serving, which can result in a lack of flavor and texture.
Not using a thermometer to ensure the pork is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Not stirring the sauce constantly, which can cause it to burn or stick to the pan.
Not serving the dish hot, which can result in a lack of flavor and texture.

Variations and Substitutions

Add other vegetables, such as mushrooms or snow peas, to the dish for added flavor and texture.
Use different seasonings, such as garlic powder or paprika, to create a unique flavor profile.
Add nuts or seeds, such as peanuts or sesame seeds, for added crunch and flavor.
Use different types of protein, such as chicken or beef, for a change of pace.
Serve the dish with steamed rice or noodles for a filling and satisfying meal.
Experiment with different sauces, such as oyster sauce or fish sauce, for a unique flavor profile.
Add a spicy kick, such as red pepper flakes or sriracha, for added heat and flavor.

What to Serve With Pork and Vegetable Stir-Fry

This pork and vegetable stir-fry is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Serve it hot, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, for a quick and easy meal. You can also serve it with steamed rice or noodles for a filling and satisfying meal.

Other options for serving this dish include adding it to a bowl with your favorite toppings, such as pickled ginger or diced green onions, or serving it as a side dish for a larger meal. The possibilities are endless, and the dish is sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Steamed riceNoodlesPickled gingerDiced green onionsSesame seedsSriracha

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This pork and vegetable stir-fry can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store, let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze.

To reheat, simply microwave the dish until hot and steaming, or reheat it in a skillet on the stovetop. You can also add a little water or broth to the dish if it becomes too dry during reheating.

When freezing, it's best to freeze the dish in airtight containers or freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. Simply thaw the dish overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat as desired.

It's also important to note that the dish will thicken slightly as it cools, so you may need to add a little water or broth when reheating to achieve the desired consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pork is best for this recipe?

The best type of pork for this recipe is pork shoulder or pork loin, sliced into thin strips. You can also use other types of pork, such as pork belly or pork tenderloin, but these may require adjustments to the cooking time and temperature.

Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen vegetables instead of fresh. Simply thaw the frozen vegetables according to the package instructions, then add them to the dish as directed.

How do I prevent the dish from becoming too dry?

To prevent the dish from becoming too dry, be sure to not overcook the pork or vegetables. You can also add a little water or broth to the dish if it becomes too dry during reheating.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Simply cook the pork and vegetables, then let them cool to room temperature. Store the dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

What type of sauce is best for this recipe?

The best type of sauce for this recipe is a combination of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and rice vinegar. You can also experiment with different sauces, such as oyster sauce or fish sauce, for a unique flavor profile.

How do I serve this dish?

This pork and vegetable stir-fry can be served in a variety of ways. Serve it hot, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, for a quick and easy meal. You can also serve it with steamed rice or noodles for a filling and satisfying meal.

Can I add other ingredients to this dish?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to this dish. Some options include nuts or seeds, such as peanuts or sesame seeds, or other vegetables, such as mushrooms or snow peas. Simply add the ingredients to the dish and adjust the cooking time and temperature as needed.

How do I store this dish?

The Full Recipe

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