Garlic Pepper Pork Recipe

When you’re craving something that hits all the right savory notes while still delivering those comfort food vibes, this dish is my go-to, because who doesn’t love transforming a regular weeknight dinner into a delectable feast with minimal effort?

I love making dishes that are bursting with flavor, and my Garlic Pepper Pork is a perfect example. Tender pieces of pork tenderloin are infused with aromatic minced garlic and then seasoned with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and black pepper with the heat level turned up a few notches.

They are stir-fried till just cooked through and served over fluffy, nutrient-rich jasmine rice. You will not want to skip any of the sauce in this meal—it is lip-smacking good!

Ingredients

• Pork Tenderloin: Lean protein, tender, versatile, low in fat.
• Garlic: Aromatic, adds depth, aids digestion, rich in antioxidants.
• Soy Sauce: Savory, umami flavor, adds saltiness, fermented.
• Oyster Sauce: Sweet, rich, umami, enhances flavor complexity.
• Fish Sauce: Fermented, salty, umami, deepens flavor profile.
• Ground Black Pepper: Spicy kick, enhances seasoning, aids digestion.
• Vegetable Oil: Cooking medium, neutral flavor, provides healthy fats.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound pork tenderloin, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water (optional, for thickening)
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Cooked jasmine rice, for serving

How to Make this

1. Combine the pork tenderloin slices in a bowl with soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Let the mixture marinate for 15 minutes or more.

2. In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

3. Add the garlic, minced, and stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

4. Turn the heat up to high, toss in the marinated pork slices, and stir-fry until the pork is browned and cooked all the way through, about 5-7 minutes.

5. Mix well after adding the ground black pepper.

6. Add the chicken broth or water and heat to a simmer.

7. To get a thicker sauce, add the mixture you made with cornstarch, then stir until the sauce has a consistency you like. If you want it thicker, continue stirring and heating the sauce.

8. Combine the chopped green onions and stir to blend.

9. Take it off the heat and decorate with freshly chopped cilantro.

10. Serve steaming over cooked jasmine rice and enjoy to the utmost.

Equipment Needed

1. Mixing bowl
2. Large pan
3. Measuring spoons
4. Measuring cup
5. Cutting board
6. Knife
7. Stirring spoon or spatula
8. Tongs (optional, for handling pork slices)
9. Small bowl (for cornstarch mixture, optional)

FAQ

• Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?Indeed, pork loin or shoulder can be used; however, they should be sliced thinly to ensure quick cooking.
• Is there a substitute for oyster sauce?If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce instead or make a mix of soy sauce and a little sugar.
• What can I use instead of fish sauce?An alternative to fish sauce is soy sauce or tamari, but these may alter the flavor slightly.
• How spicy is this dish?The dish has a gentle spiciness from the black pepper, which you can alter to your liking. If you want something hotter, throw in some more red pepper flakes.
• Can this recipe be made gluten-free?Absolutely, if you use gluten-free soy sauce and see to it that the other sauces used in the dish are also free of gluten, then this dish can easily be converted into one that is suitable for a gluten-free diet.
• How long does it take to cook the pork?Pork tenderloin, cut into very thin slices, will take about 5-7 minutes to cook completely.
• Do I have to use cornstarch for thickening?No, the cornstarch is not a must. It’s used to create a sauce that’s thicker. But go ahead and leave it out if you want a sauce that’s thinner.

Garlic Pepper Pork Recipe Substitutions and Variations

1 tablespoon soy sauce may be replaced with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative.
1 tablespoon oyster sauce can be exchanged for hoisin sauce or mushroom sauce if one prefers a vegetarian alternative.
1 teaspoon fish sauce can be swapped out for soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce alternative.
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper can be switched with white pepper for a slightly different flavor profile.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil can be substituted with either canola oil or peanut oil for a different taste.

Pro Tips

1. For maximum flavor, consider marinating the pork tenderloin for a longer period, such as 1-2 hours, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply.

2. When stir-frying the garlic, be cautious not to burn it as it turns bitter; keep stirring constantly and adjust the heat if necessary to avoid scorching.

3. To enhance the taste, add a dash of toasted sesame oil to the sauce towards the end of cooking. This provides a fragrant and nutty aroma that complements the dish well.

4. If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding sliced fresh chili or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when stir-frying the garlic to give the dish a spicy kick.

5. For an extra layer of flavor, lightly toast the jasmine rice in a small amount of oil before cooking it. This will give the rice a nutty flavor and an attractive aroma.