Ginger Pork Stir Fry with Mushrooms: A Flavorful and Easy Recipe
This Ginger Pork Stir Fry with Mushrooms recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. It’s packed with flavor, thanks to the fresh ginger, garlic, and savory sauce, and it comes together quickly, making it an ideal choice when you’re short on time. The combination of tender pork, earthy mushrooms, and a vibrant ginger-soy sauce is simply irresistible. This dish is also highly adaptable; feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, like bell peppers, broccoli, or snow peas, to customize it to your liking. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a complete and balanced meal.
## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Quick and Easy:** This recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil creates a complex and delicious flavor profile.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables and adjust the level of spice to your preference.
* **Healthy:** This stir-fry is packed with protein and vegetables, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
* **Pork:** 1 pound pork tenderloin, thinly sliced against the grain. Pork shoulder or pork loin can also be used, but tenderloin is the most tender and cooks the fastest.
* **Mushrooms:** 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced. Cremini (baby bella), shiitake, or oyster mushrooms all work well. A combination of different types of mushrooms adds depth of flavor.
* **Ginger:** 2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger. Fresh ginger is essential for the best flavor. Avoid using powdered ginger as it lacks the vibrancy of fresh ginger.
* **Garlic:** 3 cloves garlic, minced. Like ginger, fresh garlic is preferred for the best flavor.
* **Soy Sauce:** 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce. Using low-sodium soy sauce helps control the saltiness of the dish. You can also use tamari for a gluten-free option.
* **Sesame Oil:** 1 tablespoon sesame oil. Sesame oil adds a nutty and aromatic flavor to the stir-fry.
* **Rice Vinegar:** 2 tablespoons rice vinegar. Rice vinegar adds a subtle tanginess that balances the other flavors.
* **Brown Sugar:** 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness and helps to thicken the sauce.
* **Cornstarch:** 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce.
* **Vegetable Oil:** 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Vegetable oil is used for stir-frying the pork and vegetables. Canola oil or peanut oil can also be used.
* **Green Onions:** 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish. Green onions add a fresh and vibrant touch to the finished dish.
* **Sesame Seeds:** 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, for garnish (optional). Sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and visual appeal.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste (optional). Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat to the dish.
## Equipment You’ll Need
* **Cutting board:** For preparing the ingredients.
* **Knife:** A sharp knife for slicing the pork and vegetables.
* **Wok or large skillet:** A wok is ideal for stir-frying, but a large skillet will also work.
* **Mixing bowl:** For preparing the sauce.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** For measuring the ingredients.
## Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to make the perfect Ginger Pork Stir Fry with Mushrooms:
### Step 1: Prepare the Pork
1. Slice the pork tenderloin thinly against the grain. This will ensure that the pork is tender and cooks quickly. The slices should be about 1/8 inch thick.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced pork with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. This will help to tenderize the pork and give it a slight coating that will help it brown nicely during stir-frying.
3. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 10 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, in the refrigerator. While the pork is marinating, you can prepare the other ingredients.
### Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and the remaining 2 teaspoons of cornstarch. Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to prevent lumps in the sauce.
2. Set the sauce aside. This will be added to the stir-fry towards the end of cooking.
### Step 3: Stir-Fry the Pork
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until it is shimmering and almost smoking. The high heat is essential for achieving a good sear on the pork.
2. Add the marinated pork to the hot wok or skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will lower the temperature and prevent the pork from browning properly. If necessary, cook the pork in batches.
3. Stir-fry the pork for 2-3 minutes, or until it is browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the pork from the wok or skillet and set it aside.
### Step 4: Stir-Fry the Mushrooms
1. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok or skillet. Heat over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced mushrooms to the wok or skillet and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until they are softened and browned. Stir frequently to prevent them from sticking to the pan.
3. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the wok or skillet and stir-fry for another minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
### Step 5: Combine and Finish
1. Return the cooked pork to the wok or skillet with the mushrooms. Stir to combine.
2. Pour the prepared sauce over the pork and mushrooms. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and coats the pork and mushrooms evenly. The sauce should become glossy and slightly sticky.
3. If desired, add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Stir to combine.
### Step 6: Serve
1. Remove the Ginger Pork Stir Fry with Mushrooms from the heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds (if using).
2. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles. You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
## Tips and Variations
* **Use a Wok:** While a skillet will work, a wok is ideal for stir-frying because its sloped sides allow for even cooking and prevent overcrowding.
* **Slice the Pork Thinly:** Thinly sliced pork cooks quickly and evenly, ensuring a tender and juicy result. Slicing against the grain is crucial for tenderness.
* **Marinate the Pork:** Marinating the pork tenderizes it and infuses it with flavor. Even a short marination time of 10-30 minutes makes a difference.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Overcrowding the pan lowers the temperature and prevents the pork and vegetables from browning properly. Cook in batches if necessary.
* **Use High Heat:** High heat is essential for stir-frying to create a good sear and prevent the ingredients from steaming.
* **Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste:** Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and brown sugar in the sauce to suit your preferences. You can also add a pinch of sugar or a splash of Shaoxing wine for extra flavor.
* **Add Other Vegetables:** This recipe is easily customizable with other vegetables. Try adding bell peppers, broccoli, snow peas, carrots, or bok choy.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add more red pepper flakes or a few drops of chili oil for a spicier dish.
* **Use Different Proteins:** You can substitute the pork with chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Add Nuts:** Sprinkle some chopped peanuts or cashews over the finished dish for added crunch and flavor.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
## Serving Suggestions
* **Steamed Rice:** Serve the Ginger Pork Stir Fry with Mushrooms over steamed white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice.
* **Noodles:** Serve it over cooked noodles, such as udon, soba, or egg noodles.
* **Quinoa:** For a healthier option, serve it over cooked quinoa.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Serve it with a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or bok choy.
* **Spring Rolls:** Pair it with fresh spring rolls for a light and refreshing appetizer.
* **Egg Drop Soup:** Serve it with a bowl of warm egg drop soup for a comforting meal.
## Storage and Reheating Instructions
* **Storage:** Store leftover Ginger Pork Stir Fry with Mushrooms in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems dry.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.)
* Calories: 450
* Protein: 35g
* Fat: 25g
* Carbohydrates: 20g
* Fiber: 2g
* Sugar: 8g
## Ginger Pork Stir Fry with Mushrooms Recipe Card
**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 15 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound pork tenderloin, thinly sliced
* 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
* 2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon sesame oil
* 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
* 1 tablespoon brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
* 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Slice the pork tenderloin thinly against the grain. In a medium bowl, combine the pork with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 10 minutes.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and the remaining 2 teaspoons of cornstarch. Set aside.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the marinated pork and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok or skillet. Add the sliced mushrooms and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until softened and browned. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and stir-fry for another minute, or until fragrant.
5. Return the cooked pork to the wok or skillet with the mushrooms. Pour the prepared sauce over the pork and mushrooms. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and coats the pork and mushrooms evenly.
6. If desired, add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Stir to combine.
7. Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds (if using). Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
Enjoy your delicious Ginger Pork Stir Fry with Mushrooms!
This Ginger Pork Stir Fry with Mushrooms is a flavorful, healthy, and easy meal to prepare. The blend of spices along with savory flavor provides an exciting gastronomic experience that’s both satisfying and unforgettable. From busy weeknights to fun-filled weekends, this is definitely a must try!