This Pork Chop Stir-Fry is a quick and flavorful dish packed with vegetables, lean pork, and a savory sauce. The stir-fry comes together with a mix of cauliflower, carrots, peas, and corn, all cooked in a sweet and tangy sauce, served over hot rice. With the added crunch of peanuts, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 3 cups small cauliflower florets
• 2 medium carrots, julienned
• 1 ½ cups frozen corn, thawed
• ½ cup frozen peas, thawed
• 1 pound boneless pork chops, cut into stir-fry strips
• 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¾ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• 1 cup water
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 4 teaspoons honey
• 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• 4 teaspoons cornstarch
• ¼ cup salted peanuts
• 3 cups hot cooked rice

Directions

1. Cook the Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the cauliflower, carrots, corn, and peas. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set aside.
2. Cook the Pork: In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Add the pork strips and stir-fry until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the pork from the pan and set aside with the vegetables.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the water, soy sauce, honey, chicken bouillon, ginger, chili powder, and garlic. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cold water and cornstarch to make a slurry.
4. Combine and Stir-Fry: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan and stir in the sauce mixture. Bring it to a simmer, then add the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Once the sauce has thickened, return the pork and vegetables to the pan, along with the green onions. Stir to coat everything evenly.
5. Finish the Dish: Add the peanuts and cook for another minute or two until everything is heated through.
6. Serve: Serve the stir-fry over hot cooked rice and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 478 kcal
• Fat: 21g
• Carbs: 47g
• Protein: 28g

The Health Benefits of Stir-Frying

Stir-frying is a cooking method that originated in China and has since become popular worldwide for its efficiency and ability to retain the nutrients in food. The key to stir-frying is using high heat and cooking ingredients quickly in a small amount of oil, which helps preserve both the flavor and the nutritional value of the ingredients. By cooking at high heat, stir-frying allows vegetables to stay crisp and tender, locking in their vitamins and minerals. Additionally, because the cooking time is short, the dish retains much of its natural color and texture, making it visually appealing as well as delicious.

This stir-fried pork dish takes advantage of this cooking technique to create a meal that is both nutritious and flavorful. The vegetables used in this recipe—cauliflower, carrots, corn, and peas—are all high in vitamins and fiber, contributing to a well-rounded, healthy dish. The addition of lean pork chops provides a rich source of protein, while the peanuts offer a satisfying crunch and healthy fats.

The Role of Pork in Stir-Fry

Pork is a popular choice for stir-fry dishes due to its tender texture and ability to absorb the flavors of marinades and sauces. In this recipe, the pork chops are sliced into thin strips, which allows them to cook quickly and evenly. Pork is rich in high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles, as well as supporting the immune system. It also provides important vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins, iron, and zinc.

Using lean cuts of pork, like boneless pork chops, is a great way to enjoy the flavors of pork without consuming excessive amounts of fat. This recipe uses stir-frying to cook the pork in a small amount of vegetable oil, further reducing the overall fat content of the dish. The pork strips become crispy on the edges while staying tender and juicy on the inside, creating a satisfying contrast with the vegetables.

The Vegetables: A Colorful and Nutritious Addition

The vegetables in this stir-fry not only add vibrant color but also contribute essential nutrients. Cauliflower, carrots, corn, and peas are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, making them an excellent addition to any meal.

• Cauliflower: A cruciferous vegetable, cauliflower is a powerhouse of nutrition, providing significant amounts of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. It is also low in calories and carbohydrates, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to boost their vegetable intake without adding too many extra calories.
• Carrots: Known for their high beta-carotene content, carrots are packed with vitamin A, which is essential for eye health, immune function, and skin health. Carrots are also a good source of fiber, which helps with digestion and contributes to feelings of fullness.
• Corn: Corn is a whole grain that provides a good amount of fiber, antioxidants, and essential minerals such as magnesium and potassium. It also adds a slight sweetness to the stir-fry, balancing out the savory flavors of the pork and the soy-based sauce.
• Peas: Peas are another nutrient-dense vegetable, providing high levels of protein, fiber, and vitamins like vitamin C, K, and various B vitamins. They also help to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

By incorporating these vegetables into the stir-fry, you’re not only boosting the meal’s nutritional profile but also creating a well-rounded dish that combines savory, sweet, and earthy flavors.

The Sauce: A Perfect Balance of Sweet, Savory, and Tangy

What truly sets this stir-fry apart is the sauce. Made from a combination of soy sauce, honey, chicken bouillon, ginger, chili powder, and garlic, the sauce brings depth and complexity to the dish. The soy sauce provides a rich umami flavor, while the honey adds a touch of sweetness that balances the saltiness of the soy sauce. The chicken bouillon enhances the savory notes, and the ginger adds a refreshing, slightly spicy kick that brightens the whole dish.

The chili powder gives the stir-fry just the right amount of heat, which pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the honey and the richness of the soy sauce. The garlic adds a fragrant, aromatic layer of flavor, making each bite more enticing. Additionally, the sherry vinegar added at the end of the cooking process provides a subtle tang, which lifts the flavors and ties the whole dish together.

The use of cornstarch in the sauce helps to thicken it, creating a velvety, smooth texture that coats the pork and vegetables, ensuring that each bite is flavorful and satisfying. The sauce brings all the ingredients together, making the dish both comforting and complex in flavor.

The Peanuts: Crunch and Flavor

Adding salted peanuts to the stir-fry not only provides a delightful crunch but also introduces a savory, nutty flavor that complements the pork and vegetables. Peanuts are a great source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, which contribute to the overall health benefits of the dish. They also add texture, which contrasts with the tender pork and crispy vegetables, giving the dish a satisfying balance of flavors and mouthfeel.

Serving the Dish: A Complete Meal

This Stir-Fried Pork with Vegetables and Peanuts is a complete meal that includes protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates, making it a well-rounded option for lunch or dinner. The dish is served over hot cooked rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce and adds an extra layer of texture. The rice also helps to balance the richness of the sauce, making each bite even more satisfying.

This stir-fry is not only quick and easy to prepare but also highly customizable. Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on what you have on hand or adjust the level of heat in the sauce to suit your taste. You can also experiment with different nuts, like cashews or almonds, if you prefer.

Conclusion: A Flavorful, Nutritious, and Satisfying Meal

Stir-Fried Pork with Vegetables and Peanuts is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into a delicious and nutritious meal. By combining lean pork, colorful vegetables, and a rich sauce, this dish is packed with flavor, texture, and essential nutrients. It’s quick to make, satisfying, and offers a healthy balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead. With its combination of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite that everyone will enjoy.