Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary with this mouthwatering Balsamic Pork Stir Fry that promises to deliver a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and absolutely irresistible flavors. In just 35 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that will have your family begging for seconds and wondering how you became such a culinary genius!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork tenderloin, sliced
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of pork tenderloin, 2 cups of mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots), 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar, 2 tbsp of soy sauce, 2 tbsp of olive oil, 2 cloves of garlic (minced), and salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare the pork tenderloin by slicing it into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick. This will help it cook evenly and quickly.
- In a small bowl, mix together the balsamic vinegar and soy sauce. This will be your marinade for the pork.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the pork.
- Add the sliced pork tenderloin to the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sear the pork for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until it is browned and cooked through. Remove the pork from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the mixed vegetables to the skillet. Stir-fry them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp. You can cover the skillet for a minute to help steam the vegetables if needed.
- Once the vegetables are cooked, return the pork to the skillet. Pour the balsamic vinegar and soy sauce mixture over the pork and vegetables. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Cook everything together for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the pork and vegetables.
- Once everything is heated through and well combined, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
- Remove the skillet from heat and serve the balsamic pork stir fry hot, either on its own or over a bed of rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Tips
- Meat Cutting Technique: Slice your pork tenderloin when it's slightly frozen for more precise, uniform cuts. This helps ensure even cooking and perfect texture.
- High Heat is Key: Use a wok or heavy-bottomed skillet and make sure it's scorching hot before adding ingredients. This guarantees a beautiful sear on the pork and prevents soggy vegetables.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the pork and vegetables in batches if necessary. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of searing, which reduces flavor development.
- Marinade Magic: For an even more intense flavor, marinate the pork in the balsamic-soy mixture for 30 minutes before cooking if you have extra time.
- Vegetable Variation: Feel free to swap or add different vegetables based on what's in season or your personal preference. Just keep the cooking times similar.
- Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with the balsamic-soy mixture before adding to the pan.
- Garnish Greatness: Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 228kcal
Carbohydrates: 9g
Protein: 23g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 30mg
