Busy weeknights call for recipes that are quick, delicious, and satisfying, and this Teriyaki Pork Stir Fry checks all those boxes.
My family requests this dish at least twice a month because it brings together tender slices of pork, crisp colorful vegetables, and a sweet-savory homemade teriyaki sauce that clings to every bite.
I stumbled upon this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed something fast but didn’t want to sacrifice flavor.
The best part? Everything comes together in one pan in under 30 minutes, and you probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry.
| Quick Recipe Summary | |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
Why You’ll Love This Teriyaki Pork Stir Fry
This recipe transforms simple ingredients into restaurant-quality takeout right in your own kitchen.
The homemade teriyaki sauce tastes infinitely better than store-bought versions, and you control exactly what goes into it.
Pork tenderloin is incredibly affordable and cooks quickly while staying tender and juicy.
The combination of crisp vegetables adds both nutrition and beautiful color to your plate.
The sauce thickens beautifully as it cooks, coating every piece of pork and vegetable with its glossy, flavorful glaze. Clean-up is minimal since everything cooks in one pan.
- Restaurant-quality flavor made at home for a fraction of the cost
- Ready in 30 minutes from start to finish
- Customizable vegetables so you can use whatever you have on hand
- Healthy and balanced with lean protein and plenty of vegetables
- Kid-friendly with a perfect balance of sweet and savory
- Meal prep friendly for easy weeknight dinners
For a similar weeknight meal that comes together quickly, you might also enjoy this Teriyaki Chicken Casserole.
Ingredients
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients that create a complex flavor profile. The homemade teriyaki sauce is what really sets this dish apart from takeout.
For the Pork:
- 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin, cut into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Vegetables:
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snap peas or snow peas
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
For Serving:
- Cooked white or brown rice
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Kitchen Equipment Needed
Having the right tools makes this stir fry come together smoothly and quickly. A good wok or large skillet is essential for getting that perfect sear on the pork and vegetables.
- Large wok or 12-inch skillet
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Tongs
Another favorite: Asian Beef Noodle Soup.
Recommended Products for This Recipe
After making this recipe countless times, I’ve found a few products that really elevate the final dish and make the cooking process smoother.
1. Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Wok
This cast iron wok distributes heat incredibly evenly and gets hot enough to achieve that perfect restaurant-style sear on your pork.
The pre-seasoned surface means it’s ready to use right out of the box, and it only gets better with time.
2. Kikkoman Mirin Sweet Cooking Rice Wine
Real mirin makes such a difference in homemade teriyaki sauce. This authentic Japanese mirin adds a subtle sweetness and depth that you just can’t replicate with substitutes.
3. Kadoya Pure Sesame Oil
A few drops of high-quality toasted sesame oil at the end transforms the entire dish. This authentic Japanese brand has a rich, nutty flavor that brings everything together beautifully.
4. OXO Good Grips Ginger Grater
Fresh ginger is essential for authentic teriyaki sauce, and this ceramic grater makes quick work of it.
The fine teeth create a perfect paste while the non-slip base keeps it stable on your counter.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Teriyaki Pork Stir Fry
Follow these detailed steps to create a perfect teriyaki pork stir fry every time.
Taking a few extra minutes to prep your ingredients before you start cooking makes the actual cooking process quick and stress-free.
1. Prepare All Ingredients
- Slice the pork tenderloin into thin strips about 1/4-inch thick, cutting against the grain
- Cut all vegetables into uniform-sized pieces so they cook evenly
- Mince the garlic and grate the fresh ginger
- Have all ingredients measured and ready to go before you start cooking
2. Make the Teriyaki Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until the sugar dissolves
- In a separate small cup, mix the cornstarch with cold water until completely smooth with no lumps
- Set both aside within easy reach of your stove
3. Cook the Pork
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in your wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering
- Season the pork strips with a pinch of salt and pepper
- Add the pork to the hot pan in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding
- Cook for 2-3 minutes without moving, allowing the pork to develop a golden-brown sear
- Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until cooked through and no longer pink
- Transfer the cooked pork to a clean plate and set aside
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the same pan
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant
- Add the bell peppers and broccoli, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften but remain crisp
- Add the snap peas or snow peas and cook for another 2 minutes
- The vegetables should be crisp-tender and bright in color
5. Combine and Add Sauce
- Return the cooked pork to the pan with the vegetables
- Pour in the teriyaki sauce mixture and stir everything together
- Bring the sauce to a gentle boil
- Give the cornstarch slurry a quick stir and pour it into the pan
- Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy
- The sauce should coat all the pork and vegetables evenly
6. Serve
- Remove from heat and taste, adjusting seasoning if needed
- Serve immediately over steamed white or brown rice
- Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions
- Enjoy while hot for the best flavor and texture
You might also enjoy: Garlic Shrimp Pasta.
Tips for The Best Teriyaki Pork Stir Fry
These professional tips will help you achieve restaurant-quality results every single time. The key to a great stir fry is high heat, quick cooking, and having everything prepped before you start.
- Slice pork against the grain for maximum tenderness. Look for the direction of the muscle fibers and cut perpendicular to them.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the pork. Cook in batches if needed to ensure proper browning.
- Keep the heat high throughout cooking for that authentic stir-fry flavor and texture.
- Prep everything before cooking since stir-frying happens quickly and you won’t have time to chop while cooking.
- Use a cornstarch slurry for a glossy, thick sauce that clings to the meat and vegetables.
- Add vegetables in stages based on their cooking time. Harder vegetables like broccoli go in first, while tender ones like snap peas go in last.
- Fresh ginger is essential for authentic flavor. Ground ginger doesn’t provide the same bright, zingy taste.
- Let the pork rest for a few minutes after slicing to keep the juices inside when cooking.
Read Also: Slow Cooker Cranberry Pork Loin
Serving Suggestions
This versatile stir fry pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and accompaniments. The rich teriyaki sauce complements both simple and elaborate side dishes.
- Serve over fluffy jasmine rice or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce
- Try it with stir-fried noodles for a different twist
- Add a side of edamame sprinkled with sea salt
- Pair with a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar
- Serve alongside steamed bok choy or Chinese broccoli
- Complete the meal with crispy spring rolls or pot stickers
- Add a bowl of miso soup for an authentic Japanese-inspired dinner
This pairs beautifully with my Sweet and Sour Sauce for dipping spring rolls.
Variations of Teriyaki Pork Stir Fry
This recipe is incredibly flexible and welcomes all sorts of creative variations. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have in your fridge or your family’s preferences.
- Spicy Version: Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce for heat
- Pineapple Teriyaki: Toss in 1 cup of fresh pineapple chunks with the vegetables for a sweet-savory combination
- Extra Vegetables: Include mushrooms, baby corn, water chestnuts, or carrots
- Protein Swap: Replace pork with chicken breast, shrimp, or tofu
- Different Cut: Use pork chops sliced into thin strips instead of tenderloin
- Ginger Boost: Double the fresh ginger for a more pronounced zing
- Sesame Crusted: Coat the pork strips in sesame seeds before cooking
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice
- Nutty Addition: Sprinkle with cashews or peanuts before serving
Another favorite: Crockpot Apple Cinnamon Pork Chops.
Storage and Reheating
This stir fry stores beautifully and actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. Proper storage keeps it fresh and delicious for several days.
Refrigerator Storage:
- Allow the stir fry to cool to room temperature before storing
- Transfer to an airtight container
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
- Keep the rice separate if possible to prevent it from getting soggy
Freezer Storage:
- Cool completely and portion into freezer-safe containers
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating
Reheating:
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until heated through
- Add a splash of water or chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much
- Microwave option: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each
- Best reheated on the stovetop to maintain the texture of the vegetables
Nutritional Facts
Per serving (1/4 of recipe, not including rice):
- Calories: 345
- Protein: 36g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Cholesterol: 98mg
Note: Nutritional information is approximate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
This dish isn’t just delicious; it’s packed with nutrients that support your overall health. Each component brings unique benefits to the table.
Pork Tenderloin: Lean pork is an excellent source of high-quality protein and contains essential vitamins and minerals.
It’s particularly rich in thiamine, which supports energy metabolism, and selenium, an important antioxidant.
Bell Peppers: These colorful vegetables are loaded with vitamin C, even more than oranges.
They also contain vitamin A, which supports eye health, and various antioxidants that fight inflammation.
Broccoli: A nutritional powerhouse, broccoli provides fiber, vitamin K, and sulforaphane, a compound with potential cancer-fighting properties. It’s also an excellent source of vitamin C and folate.
Ginger: Fresh ginger has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and can help with digestion. It contains gingerol, a bioactive compound with medicinal properties.
Garlic: Known for its immune-boosting properties, garlic contains allicin, which has been shown to have antibacterial and antiviral effects. It also supports heart health.
- High in lean protein for muscle maintenance and satiety
- Rich in vitamins A and C from the colorful bell peppers
- Contains anti-inflammatory compounds from fresh ginger and garlic
- Provides fiber from the vegetables for digestive health
- Lower in calories than many takeout options
- Good source of minerals including iron, zinc, and selenium
For more healthy dinner ideas, check out my Parmesan Crusted Chicken.
FAQs About Teriyaki Pork Stir Fry
1. Can I use pork chops instead of pork tenderloin?
Absolutely! Pork chops work well in this recipe. Choose boneless pork chops and slice them into thin strips against the grain.
Keep in mind that pork chops can be a bit less tender than tenderloin, so be careful not to overcook them.
2. Is it okay to use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
While homemade sauce tastes best, you can use store-bought teriyaki sauce in a pinch.
You’ll need about 3/4 cup of sauce. Look for brands with minimal additives and lower sodium content if possible.
3. What vegetables work best in this stir fry?
Traditional choices include bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas, but feel free to experiment.
Carrots, mushrooms, baby corn, water chestnuts, and bok choy all work wonderfully. Just remember to add harder vegetables first and softer ones later.
4. How do I know when the pork is fully cooked?
Pork should reach an internal temperature of 145°F. The meat will turn from pink to a light tan color and feel firm to the touch. Slicing it thin helps it cook quickly and evenly.
5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute tamari or coconut aminos for the soy sauce, and make sure your other ingredients are certified gluten-free. The rest of the recipe remains the same.
Read Also: Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Pork
Easy Teriyaki Pork Stir Fry
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin 680g, cut into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil divided
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 red bell pepper sliced into strips
- 1 green bell pepper sliced into strips
- 1 cup broccoli florets about 150g
- 1 cup snap peas or snow peas about 150g
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce 120ml
- 1/4 cup mirin 60ml
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water for cornstarch slurry
- cooked white or brown rice
- sesame seeds for garnish
- sliced green onions for garnish
Equipment
- Large wok or 12-inch skillet
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small mixing bowl For teriyaki sauce
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Tongs
Method
- Slice the pork tenderloin into thin strips about 1/4-inch thick, cutting against the grain. Cut all vegetables into uniform-sized pieces, mince the garlic, and grate the fresh ginger.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until the sugar dissolves. In a separate cup, mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in your wok over medium-high heat. Season pork with salt and pepper, add to the hot pan in a single layer, and cook 2-3 minutes per side until golden-brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
- Add remaining oil to the pan. Add garlic and ginger, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add bell peppers and broccoli, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes, then add snap peas and cook 2 minutes more until crisp-tender.
- Return cooked pork to the pan with vegetables. Pour in teriyaki sauce and bring to a gentle boil. Stir the cornstarch slurry and add it to the pan, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Remove from heat and taste, adjusting seasoning if needed. Serve immediately over steamed rice, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Nutrition
Notes
- Slice pork against the grain for maximum tenderness by cutting perpendicular to the muscle fibers.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking pork. Cook in batches if needed to ensure proper browning.
- Keep heat high throughout cooking for authentic stir-fry texture and that slightly charred flavor.
- Prep all ingredients before you start cooking since stir-frying happens very quickly.
- Fresh ginger is essential for authentic flavor. Ground ginger doesn’t provide the same bright taste.
- Add vegetables in stages based on cooking time: harder vegetables like broccoli first, tender ones like snap peas last.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep rice separate to prevent sogginess.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth if sauce has thickened too much.
- For a spicy version, add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce.
- This recipe freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Conclusion
This Teriyaki Pork Stir Fry has become one of those go-to recipes that I turn to again and again when I need something quick, healthy, and satisfying.
The combination of tender pork, crisp vegetables, and that glossy homemade teriyaki sauce never fails to impress.
What I love most about this recipe is how forgiving and adaptable it is.
You can swap vegetables based on what’s in season, adjust the sweetness or spiciness to your preference, and even make it ahead for meal prep.
Give this Teriyaki Pork Stir Fry a try this week and see how it transforms your weeknight dinner routine.
I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Drop a comment below with your variations or share a photo of your finished dish.
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