Rating: 3.79
(152)

Crispy Garlic Pork Stir-Fry

August 4, 2023

Crispy garlic pork stir-fry is one of those dishes that delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. It’s bold, savory, and loaded with texture, making it perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something fast but deeply satisfying. The real star here is the crispy pork, golden, juicy, and coated in a sticky, garlicky glaze that clings to every bite.

At the heart of this stir-fry is thinly sliced pork, usually shoulder or tenderloin, which gets lightly coated in cornstarch before hitting the hot pan. That coating creates a crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Once seared, the pork is removed from the pan so the garlic can take center stage. The garlic is cooked just until golden, not burned, releasing a rich aroma that sets the tone for the entire dish.

The sauce is typically a blend of soy sauce, a splash of rice vinegar, a little sugar for balance, and sometimes oyster sauce or fish sauce for added umami. You don’t need a lot, just enough to coat the meat and infuse it with flavor. Toss the pork back into the pan, let it soak up the sauce, and finish with a quick stir to caramelize everything just a bit.

One of the best things about this dish is how adaptable it is. You can throw in veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli if you want to make it more of a full meal. Serve it over rice or noodles, and you’ve got something that feels like takeout but tastes even better made at home.

Crispy garlic pork stir-fry is fast, flavorful, and full of contrast – crunchy edges, tender meat, and a garlicky glaze that lingers in the best way. It’s proof that you don’t need complicated ingredients or long cook times to make something truly delicious. Just a hot pan, a bit of garlic, and the right amount of sizzle.

Crispy Garlic Pork Stir-Fry
Crispy Garlic Pork Stir-Fry
3.79 from 152 votes
Excerpt: Get ready to be blown away by the mouthwatering flavors of this Crispy Garlic Pork Stir-Fry. A delightful Chinese-inspired dish perfect for busy weeknights!
Servings 4 people
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb pork loin thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 bell pepper sliced
  • 1 cup carrots sliced
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • Steamed rice for serving
  • Green onions sliced, for garnish
  • sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine 1 lb of thinly sliced pork loin with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Let it marinate for 10 minutes.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  • Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add the marinated pork to the skillet and spread it out in a single layer. Let it cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until it turns golden and crispy.
  • Flip the pork slices and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side until fully cooked through.
  • Push the pork to one side of the skillet and add 1 cup of broccoli florets, 1 sliced bell pepper, and 1 cup of sliced carrots to the other side. Stir-fry the vegetables for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp.
  • Combine the vegetables with the pork, toss everything together, and cook for another minute.
  • In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of chicken broth. Pour this mixture into the skillet to create a glossy sauce. Cook for another minute until the sauce thickens.
  • Serve the Crispy Garlic Pork Stir-Fry over steamed rice and garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Nutrition

Calories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 32gFat: 18gFiber: 4g
Calories: 380kcal
Meal Type: Lunch
Cuisine: Chinese
Keyword: chinese cuisine, pork, pork recipe
Cooking Method: Fried
Time: 30-45 Min
Level: Easy
Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!
Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar cherryl.adams37 says:

    2 stars
    I dunno, I think garlic is overrated. This dish was just okay for me.

  2. User avatar oPandariaNo says:

    2 stars
    Yeah, sounds good but where do I get those fancy sauces? 😀

  3. 5 stars
    This recipe is soooo good! My family devoured it and I can’t wait to make it again! 🤤

  4. User avatar russel.turner1996 says:

    5 stars
    Crispy + garlic = YUM!!! Easy to follow. I might try with chicken next time!

  5. User avatar dan.heaney24 says:

    4 stars
    This was reasonable but I think my grandma’s recipe is better. Still give it 4 stars for effort.

  6. User avatar jetta.leannon says:

    2 stars
    Anyone else think there’s too much pork? I’d rather have more veggies. 🙄

  7. User avatar Nick Ovtime says:

    4 stars
    Great recipe, but I used chicken instead of pork. Still yum!

  8. User avatar ardella.lynch says:

    1 star
    I accidentally used too much cornstarch, now it’s like jello. Can’t eat this. 1 star.

  9. 4 stars
    Pretty solid, but I think 4 cloves of garlic might be a bit much for my taste. Next time I’ll do 2-3 cloves. Sauce came out glossy though—nice texture.

  10. User avatar donny.carroll1954 says:

    2 stars
    The sauce was too thick for my liking. I prefer it more saucy.

    1. User avatar rodolfo.haley36 says:

      4 stars
      I think you just need to adjust the cornstarch. Maybe use less? I like my sauce more like a puddle too!

  11. User avatar brenton.reichel says:

    4 stars
    Pretty tasty, but my pork didn’t get golden like yours. I think I overcrowded the pan (shocker). Next time I’ll do smaller batches.

    1. User avatar hildred.rogahn2018 says:

      5 stars
      Totally makes sense—pork won’t crisp up if it’s packed in. I always cook in batches too. Great call on “smaller batches” next time!

  12. User avatar stefany.leuschke78 says:

    5 stars
    Made this tonight—my pork got super crispy on the first side like the recipe says. Garlic smelled amazing. I did need an extra 1-2 minutes to fully cook the thicker slices, but overall 10/10.

    1. User avatar rich.landlord says:

      3 stars
      Glad it worked for you, but I’m confused about the 10/10 😅. I always feel like pork dries out if you let it sit too long—also 2 minutes seems short. Still, the garlic smell part makes me want to try it.

    2. User avatar carey.waelchi63 says:

      5 stars
      Love hearing that! The undisturbed cook + single layer is the key for that crispy edge. 🙌 What thickness were your slices—like paper-thin or more cutlets style?

  13. User avatar Vito Gerlach says:

    2 stars
    1/4 cup broth with 1 tbsp cornstarch seems too little? I had to add extra cornstarch slurry. Maybe my broth was more watery. Anyway good vibe.

  14. User avatar Super Saiyan Blue Goku says:

    5 stars
    This was amazing! The flavors were spot on and the garlic really came through. My family loved it!

    1. User avatar Mrs. Sherron Johnston says:

      3 stars
      I dunno, garlic like that might be too much. How you know it was the best? 🤔

    2. 5 stars
      So glad to hear you loved it! Garlic makes everything better! 😍

  15. User avatar anonymous_hacker says:

    5 stars
    Wow. The garlic smell alone made my kitchen smell fancy. I served it with jasmine rice and it felt restaurant-level.

  16. 5 stars
    Yummm! The pork was crispy just like it said. Will definitely make again!

  17. User avatar johnie.johnston says:

    3 stars
    It was ok, but I found it a bit oily. Maybe next time I’ll use less oil? 🤔

  18. User avatar sirena.mcclure95 says:

    5 stars
    Just made this for dinner, and my whole family loved it! Perfectly crispy pork!

    1. User avatar charlyn.weimann says:

      3 stars
      Wait, did you say ‘crispy’? I don’t know, last time I tried something like that, the pork turned out all chewy. Maybe it depends on the cook?

    2. User avatar mose.cormier says:

      5 stars
      That sounds amazing! I gotta try this recipe. My kids are picky eaters, but they love crispy pork! Thanks for sharing!

  19. User avatar Max Quordlepleen says:

    5 stars
    I don’t like vegetables, so I skipped the broccoli and bell pepper. Still came out tasty 😄

  20. User avatar Falmer Nightprowler says:

    3 stars
    Not bad but I’m skeptical about the “crispy” claim. Mine was more browned than crispy, and the pork pieces were kinda uneven. Still ate it all though 😅

  21. User avatar carolynn.yundt1958 says:

    1 star
    This recipe is a joke. 1 lb of pork for a family of 4? Are you serious?!

  22. User avatar jann.mayert9 says:

    5 stars
    Yum! I mixed in some peanuts too. Added crunch. 5 stars all the way!

    1. 5 stars
      That sounds delicious! I never thought of adding peanuts. Gonna try it next time. Thanks for the tip!

  23. User avatar Cheyenne Windler says:

    4 stars
    Pretty tasty but I think I added too much soy sauce. Next time I’ll use less!

  24. User avatar korey.bashirian82 says:

    3 stars
    I don’t believe in cooking with pork, bad for health and all. But my partner liked it.

    1. User avatar vivian.king24 says:

      4 stars
      It’s great that your partner enjoyed it! But I totally get your concerns about pork. Maybe try substituting with chicken next time?

    2. User avatar nona.orn1993 says:

      3 stars
      Pork is not bad for health if cooked right! Just don’t eat too much. I think this recipe sounds yummy!

  25. User avatar lavone.breitenberg says:

    5 stars
    This was dangerously good. The pork actually got that crispy edge thing going, and the garlic smelled amazing. I used a bigger skillet so it spread out better—highly recommend.

  26. 5 stars
    This recipe is amazing! My family loved it, especially the crispy garlic flavor. Definitely a 5-star dish!

  27. User avatar ivory.sipes0 says:

    4 stars
    The cornstarch + broth step saved it. I’ve had stir-fries turn watery before, but this thickened perfectly and coated everything evenly.

  28. User avatar angelica.morar70 says:

    3 stars
    Too much oil in my opinion. I prefer it less greasy.

  29. User avatar charley.huel1957 says:

    3 stars
    I found it kinda bland, probably need to add more soy sauce or something. I give it 3 stars.

  30. User avatar mathWizard says:

    4 stars
    Garlic amount seems like a lot (4 cloves). I know it says minced, but I did 2 and it was still super garlicky. Probably fine either way—just watch it doesn’t burn.

    1. User avatar james.mcdermott says:

      4 stars
      I followed it exactly once and yeah… very garlicky 😂 But it was still super good. Next time I’ll cut the garlic down for sure.

    2. 5 stars
      Totally agree—4 cloves is a lot. I usually do 2 and then add more only if I’m feeling brave. Great tip to keep an eye on burning.

  31. User avatar bertram.pacocha51 says:

    4 stars
    Yummy! But is oyster sauce really necessary? I didn’t have any and it still turned out fine.

  32. User avatar Lumberjack says:

    4 stars
    Yum! I almost added some peanut butter for flavor. It was still yummy!

  33. User avatar NAFO.SUPREMACY says:

    1 star
    Crispy garlic? More like soggy garlic! 🤨 Not impressed.

    1. User avatar portia.gerlach18 says:

      4 stars
      I think you might’ve overcooked it! 😅 Garlic needs just a minute, otherwise, it can get soggy. Try again!

    2. User avatar gino.schroeder19 says:

      3 stars
      Nah, it’s not soggy if you do it right. U gotta follow the steps. Maybe you just didn’t cook it long enough? 🤷‍♂️

  34. User avatar Feyd-Rautha Rabban says:

    5 stars
    I don’t usually cook with oyster sauce, but I liked it! It gave a deeper flavor. The veggies stayed crisp which is what I want.

  35. 3 stars
    Could you cook it without the cornstarch? I’m gluten free. 🤔

  36. User avatar Ice Wolf says:

    5 stars
    This was sooo good! The garlic really made it pop! Will definitely make again.

  37. User avatar Chef Bear says:

    4 stars
    looks easy but im not a cook lol, can i use chicken? also, how long to cook the veggies?

  38. User avatar Frost Atronach says:

    4 stars
    Too much garlic for my taste. I think 4 cloves is for ninja level cooks lol. But overall not bad.

    1. User avatar alfreda.kiehn says:

      4 stars
      I get what you mean! I usually dial down the garlic too. But maybe 3 cloves would be a good compromise? Overall, the stir-fry looks delicious!

    2. User avatar Bowerick Wowbagger says:

      2 stars
      4 cloves?! That’s insane! Can’t believe people put that much garlic. It’s too strong for me. I’d rather have more veggies than garlic any day. 🤨

  39. User avatar Daedric Prince says:

    4 stars
    Yum!! But why the sesame seeds? I don’t get that part.

  40. User avatar berry.weber5 says:

    4 stars
    Quick and easy! Made this for dinner and it was a hit. Will definitely make again!

  41. User avatar ruth.cronin says:

    4 stars
    The sauce is where it shines. Soy + oyster + sesame oil is such a good combo. I didn’t have oyster sauce so I used hoisin and it was “close,” but not the same vibe.

  42. User avatar malcolm.hahn41 says:

    3 stars
    It was okay, but I found the pork a bit chewy. Maybe I needed to cook it longer?

  43. User avatar Liet-Kynes says:

    5 stars
    Delish!

    1. User avatar walker.altenwerth says:

      5 stars
      Right?? That crispy garlic pork vibe is everything 😄

  44. User avatar roy.daugherty3 says:

    4 stars
    Simple and delicious! I added some chili flakes for a kick, and wow! Will make this again for sure.

  45. 3 stars
    Not gonna lie, my pork didn’t get golden—more like chewy. I might’ve overcrowded the pan or flipped too soon. Flavor is great regardless.

  46. 3 stars
    I tried this and the pork kinda stuck to the pan even though I used oil. Probably my skillet isn’t nonstick enough? Flavor was great though.

  47. User avatar eldora.reinger1995 says:

    5 stars
    OMG, so good!!! I’m not a cook, but this was super easy. Thanks for the recipe!

  48. User avatar ardell.kuhlman35 says:

    2 stars
    Too much garlic for my taste. I think I’ll cut it down next time.

  49. User avatar fernando.graham2016 says:

    5 stars
    Super easy weeknight meal. I served it with rice and added extra green onions because… why not. Sesame seeds make it look restaurant-y.

  50. User avatar jacquiline.bechtelar says:

    3 stars
    Flavor: 10/10. Texture: kinda meh. I think the pan was too crowded even though I tried to spread it. If you overcrowd, it steams, not crisps—lesson learned.

  51. 2 stars
    Who eats pork anymore? I thought this was a chicken recipe. Disappointed. 2 stars.

    1. User avatar Storm Atronach says:

      4 stars
      Pork is still quite popular in many cuisines! You might love it if you just give it a chance. 3 stars is a bit harsh honestly.

  52. User avatar Eddie the Computer says:

    5 stars
    Super quick and easy! Perfect for weeknight dinners! 🌟

  53. User avatar steven.wiza says:

    4 stars
    Substituted veggies for what I had, just some frozen ones. Still turned out delish, I think! 😊

    1. User avatar antonio.herzog35 says:

      5 stars
      Frozen veggies work great! I’m glad it still turned out delicious for you! 😊

  54. User avatar babara.damore33 says:

    4 stars
    Could you use chicken instead of pork? I don’t like pork, but I still want to try this.

    1. User avatar willie.leuschke51 says:

      5 stars
      Absolutely! You can definitely swap out the pork for chicken. Just be sure to cook the chicken thoroughly to avoid any issues. Enjoy your stir-fry!

  55. User avatar amos.champlin2025 says:

    5 stars
    The sauce step saved it. That cornstarch + broth glossy thing is legit. I added a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes too.

  56. User avatar flor.oreilly57 says:

    1 star
    Total disaster! I overcooked the pork and it ended up like rubber. Never again! 😩

  57. User avatar Ms. Tara Adams says:

    4 stars
    My dumb brain used pork shoulder (not loin) and it took longer to cook. Once it was right though, the sauce thickened nice and glossy. Would make again with the right cut.

  58. User avatar sergio.lynch2014 says:

    2 stars
    Not sure it be so crispy. I followed the instructions & it came out soggy. Not the best but maybe I did something wrong.

  59. 3 stars
    Could’ve used more sauce—by the time it thickened it felt a bit thin. I might double the cornstarch slurry next time.

  60. User avatar meggan.farrell says:

    2 stars
    I’m not sure about the sesame oil in the marinade—felt a little overpowering to me. Next time I’ll reduce to 1/2 tsp. Otherwise it tasted good.

3.79 from 152 votes
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