Sticky Teriyaki Pork Stir Fry

What Our Readers Are Saying

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Barb raves, “This Ground Pork Stir Fry is absolutely fantastic and bursting with flavor! I used fresh broccoli from my garden instead of frozen, and it turned out incredibly delicious. This is definitely a ‘keeper’ recipe that will be making regular appearances in my kitchen. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful dish!”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Denise exclaims, “Excellent! This recipe is incredibly easy to make and came together so fast. My husband absolutely loved it, and we’ve already added it to our regular menu cycle. It’s a definite winner for a quick and satisfying dinner!”

Key Ingredients for Your Teriyaki Ground Pork Stir Fry

Below, find a comprehensive list of ingredients to craft this delectable stir fry. Exact measurements are detailed in the full recipe card further down.

• Ground Pork: The star of our stir fry! You’ll typically find ground pork in the meat section of your grocery store, usually near other pork cuts. Be sure to look for plain ground pork, distinct from ground pork sausage or Italian sausage, which contain added seasonings that would alter the dish’s flavor profile. If ground pork is unavailable, ground turkey or beef can serve as excellent substitutes, offering similar texture and absorbing the teriyaki flavors beautifully.
• Sesame Oil: This oil is a powerhouse of flavor, lending an authentic, nutty aroma to any stir fry. While highly recommended for its unique taste, if you don’t have sesame oil on hand, other cooking oils such as avocado oil or olive oil can be used as a suitable alternative for sautéing.
• Broccoli: For convenience, I often reach for frozen broccoli florets, as they’re always ready to go and require no chopping. However, fresh chopped broccoli works equally well and can offer a slightly crisper texture if you prefer. Both options provide essential nutrients and a lovely green crunch to the stir fry.
• Soy Sauce: I prefer to use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the overall saltiness of the dish, allowing other flavors to shine. For those requiring a gluten-free option, tamari is an excellent substitute that will deliver the same depth of umami flavor without the gluten.
• Brown Sugar: Whether you use light or dark brown sugar, either will work perfectly in this recipe, contributing a crucial sweetness that balances the savory notes of the teriyaki sauce. While coconut sugar can be used as an alternative, be aware that it will impart a slightly different flavor to the sauce.
• Ginger: Freshly minced ginger is truly unparalleled in its vibrant, zesty flavor and aromatic intensity. It brings a critical warmth and spice to the teriyaki sauce that elevates the entire dish. While ground ginger powder can be used in a pinch, start with about 1/2 teaspoon and adjust to your taste, as its flavor is more concentrated.
• Corn Starch: This is our secret weapon for achieving that perfectly glossy and thick teriyaki sauce. Corn starch, when mixed with water to form a slurry, effectively thickens the sauce to a desirable consistency. As an alternative, arrowroot powder can be used with similar results. Ensure it’s thoroughly mixed with water until smooth before adding to the simmering sauce to prevent lumps.
• Orange Zest: Do not skip this ingredient! The fresh orange zest introduces a bright, citrusy note that beautifully complements the sweet and savory elements of the teriyaki sauce. It adds an unexpected layer of complexity and freshness that we absolutely adore, making the sauce truly special.

Crafting Your Ground Pork Teriyaki Stir Fry: Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce Base. In a small saucepan, combine all the teriyaki sauce ingredients, with the exception of the orange zest, 1/4 cup of water, and the corn starch. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 2: Bring to a Gentle Boil. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the teriyaki sauce mixture to a gentle, low boil, stirring occasionally to ensure the sugars dissolve and flavors meld.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce. While the sauce is simmering, whisk together the corn starch and the remaining 1/4 cup of water in a small bowl until completely smooth, forming a slurry. Slowly pour this corn starch slurry into the boiling sauce, stirring constantly with a whisk to prevent lumps and ensure even thickening.

Step 4: Finish the Teriyaki Sauce. The sauce will visibly thicken quite quickly after adding the corn starch slurry. Once it reaches your desired consistency, immediately remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the fresh orange zest to infuse the sauce with its bright aroma. Set the finished teriyaki sauce aside while you prepare the stir fry components.

Step 5: Cook the Pork and Onions. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the sesame oil. Add the diced onion to the hot oil and sauté for several minutes until it begins to soften and become translucent. Next, add the ground pork, breaking it into smaller pieces with a spoon or spatula. Brown the pork thoroughly, cooking until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. If necessary, carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet.

Step 6: Incorporate the Vegetables. Once the pork is fully cooked, add the broccoli florets and shredded carrots to the skillet. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is heated through and tender-crisp to your liking. This typically takes a few minutes, especially if using frozen vegetables.

Step 7: Combine with Teriyaki Sauce. Reduce the heat to low. Pour the prepared homemade teriyaki sauce over the cooked ground pork and vegetable mixture in the skillet. Stir gently to ensure everything is evenly coated with the rich, glossy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish. Your Teriyaki Ground Pork Stir Fry is now ready! Serve it hot over a bed of fluffy white or nutritious brown rice. For an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal, garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Enjoy immediately, or store any delicious leftovers for another meal.

Storing and Reheating Your Teriyaki Ground Pork Stir Fry

This flavorful Ground Pork Stir Fry is excellent for meal prep and stores beautifully. You can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, a quick stir-fry in a pan or a minute or two in the microwave will bring it back to life. For best results, add a splash of water or extra soy sauce if it seems a bit dry after refrigeration.

For longer storage, this dish freezes exceptionally well. Transfer the cooled stir-fry into a sealed freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, and it will keep for up to 3 months. When freezing, I often like to make an extra batch of the teriyaki sauce separately. This way, when you thaw and reheat the stir-fry, you can toss it with fresh sauce to restore its vibrant flavor and delightful saucy texture, making it taste freshly made!

Other Delicious Pork Recipes To Try

• One Pan Pork Tenderloin Dinner
• Cream of Mushroom Pork Chops
• Bacon Wrapped Pork Chops
• Ground Pork Tacos
• Pulled Pork Nachos
• Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin with Apples

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Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Pork Stir Fry

Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Absolutely! While ground pork offers a unique flavor and texture, you can easily substitute it with ground chicken, turkey, or beef. Adjust cooking times slightly as needed, ensuring the meat is cooked through to a safe internal temperature.

What if I don’t have fresh ginger?

Fresh ginger provides the best flavor, but if it’s not available, you can use ground ginger. Start with 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger for every 1 teaspoon of fresh, and add more to taste. Be mindful that ground ginger is more potent.

How can I make this stir fry gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply ensure you use tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that delivers the same rich umami flavor. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, stir-fries are fantastic for using a variety of vegetables! Feel free to add bell peppers, snap peas, green beans, mushrooms, or baby corn. If adding harder vegetables like carrots or water chestnuts, you might want to add them earlier so they have enough time to soften. Softer vegetables like spinach or bean sprouts should be added in the last minute or two of cooking.

Ground Pork Stir Fry

By:
Lorie Yarro

This Teriyaki Ground Pork Stir Fry is a quick and easy way to get a delicious dinner on the table. Plenty of veggies, a sweet homemade teriyaki sauce that only takes under 10 minutes to make and all the delicious ground pork for a dinner the whole crew will love!

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Prep Time:
10 minutes

Cook Time:
20 minutes

Total Time:
30 minutes

Servings:
6

Ingredients

For the Teriyaki Sauce

• ¼ c soy sauce
• 3 T brown sugar
• 1 c water, divided
• 2 T honey
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
• 2 T corn starch
• 1 T orange zest

For the Stir Fry

• 1 T sesame oil, any cooking oil should work
• 1 onion, small diced
• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 16 oz. package frozen broccoli florets
• 1 c shredded carrots
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

For the Teriyaki Sauce

• Combine 3/4 cup water, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, honey, and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir to combine thoroughly.
• Bring the mixture to a low boil. In a separate bowl, whisk 1/4 cup water and corn starch together well until the corn starch is completely dissolved and no lumps remain. Slowly stir this corn starch mixture (slurry) into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly, and allow it to thicken. Once thickened, remove from heat immediately and stir in the orange zest. Set the sauce aside until you are ready to add it to the stir fry.

For the Stir Fry

• Add the sesame oil to a wok or large skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for several minutes until it begins to soften. Add the ground pork and break it into smaller pieces with a spoon. Cook the pork until it is fully browned and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F, typically about 7-10 minutes. If there’s excessive grease, carefully drain it.
• Add the broccoli and shredded carrots to the cooked pork in the skillet. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are heated through and tender-crisp. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the prepared Teriyaki sauce, coating all the ingredients evenly. Simmer for several minutes until the sauce is heated through and slightly reduced.
• Serve your delicious Ground Pork Stir Fry immediately over white or brown rice, or with your preferred serving suggestion! Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

• Add some spice or heat if desired. Feel free to stir in some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to your ground pork teriyaki for an added kick. A touch of sriracha mixed in at the end is also a fantastic way to introduce more heat and flavor!
• You can add a variety of veggies to this recipe as desired. Don’t feel limited to just broccoli and carrots. This stir fry is highly adaptable to other vegetables. Shredded cabbage, snow peas, sliced bell peppers, baby corn, water chestnuts, and even sliced bamboo shoots are all great additions that will complement the flavors beautifully.

Nutrition

Calories: 325kcal
,

Carbohydrates: 24g
,

Protein: 16g
,

Fat: 19g
,

Saturated Fat: 6g
,

Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
,

Monounsaturated Fat: 8g
,

Cholesterol: 54mg
,

Sodium: 625mg
,

Potassium: 593mg
,

Fiber: 3g
,

Sugar: 15g
,

Vitamin A: 4045IU
,

Vitamin C: 72mg
,

Calcium: 69mg
,

Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.