This Spicy Garlic Ginger Pork dish packs a punch! With tender pork marinated in a zesty blend of garlic and ginger, it’s bursting with flavor that will make your taste buds dance.
Honestly, who can resist that aroma? I love to serve it over rice, but don’t be surprised if you find me eating it straight from the pan! Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork: I love using pork shoulder for its tenderness and flavor. If you prefer, pork belly adds extra richness. Looking for a leaner option? Turkey or chicken thighs work surprisingly well too!
Garlic & Ginger: Fresh is best! But if you’re in a pinch, you can use pre-minced garlic and ginger. Keep in mind that the flavors might not be as strong. I always suggest freshly grated ginger for its zing.
Sauces: If you don’t have oyster sauce, try using hoisin or soy sauce, but it may alter the flavor slightly. For a gluten-free version, look for tamari instead of soy sauce. Sweeteners like maple syrup can be swapped for brown sugar or honey too.
Chili Garlic Sauce: Adjust this based on your spice level! If you want a milder version, try using sweet chili sauce or Sriracha. For an extra kick, add more chili garlic sauce or fresh red chili slices during cooking!
What’s the Best Way to Marinate the Pork?
Marinating is key to maximizing flavor. Mix your sauce ingredients in a bowl and then toss in the pork. Ensure every piece is coated evenly. The longer you allow it to marinate, the greater the depth of flavor. Aim for at least 30 minutes; a couple of hours is ideal. Store it in the fridge!
- Use a resealable bag for easy mixing and to save space in the fridge.
- When ready to cook, take it out to let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes. It cooks more evenly this way!
Happy cooking! Enjoy making this delicious dish! 🌶️🥢
How to Make Spicy Garlic Ginger Pork
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) pork shoulder or pork belly, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, finely minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce (adjust based on your spice preference)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 fresh red chili, thinly sliced (for garnish and extra heat)
- Cooked steamed white rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time for marinating the pork, and about 10-15 minutes to cook. If you marinate the pork for 1-2 hours in advance, the flavors will be even more delightful! In total, you could be enjoying your spicy garlic ginger pork in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Pork:
In a mixing bowl, combine the pork cubes with soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, and brown sugar or honey. Add the minced garlic and ginger. Mix everything together well, making sure the pork is evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours if you have the time—this really enhances the flavor!
2. Heat the Oil:
Once you’re ready to cook, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is nice and hot, but not smoking, to get the perfect sear on your pork!
3. Cook the Pork:
Carefully add the marinated pork to the hot oil in a single layer. Let it fry for about 5-7 minutes. Keep turning it occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly. You’re looking for that golden brown color and for the sauce to become sticky and cling to the meat. The tasty aroma will start to fill your kitchen!
4. Serve It Up:
Once the pork is cooked, remove it from heat. Serve your spicy garlic ginger pork over a generous scoop of hot steamed white rice.
5. Garnish:
Top it off with the chopped green onions and sliced fresh red chili for a lovely burst of color and a little extra heat. What a feast!
6. Enjoy:
Dive in and enjoy the fantastic flavors! This dish is perfect for those who love a balance of savory, sweet, and spicy. Your taste buds are in for a treat!
Happy cooking! 🍽️
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Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder or pork belly are recommended for their tenderness and flavor, you can substitute with chicken thighs or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly if you’re using a different protein.
What If I Don’t Have Chili Garlic Sauce?
No problem! If you’re out of chili garlic sauce, you can use Sriracha, sweet chili sauce, or even crushed red pepper flakes to add heat. Just remember to start with a smaller amount and adjust to your taste preference!
How Can I Make This Dish Less Spicy?
If you prefer a milder flavor, simply reduce the amount of chili garlic sauce, or omit it altogether. You can also add a bit of honey or brown sugar to offset the heat and keep the balance of flavors.
Can I Store Leftover Spicy Garlic Ginger Pork?
Yes! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, but be careful not to overcook, as this can dry out the pork. Serve over fresh rice for a quick meal!
