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Healthy Sweet Chili Pork Stir Fry - Fast, Flavorful, and Light

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb (450 g) pork tenderloin or lean pork loin, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 small red onion, thin wedges
  • 1 medium carrot, peeled and thinly sliced on a bias
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, minced or grated
  • 2 scallions, sliced (whites and greens separated)
  • 1 tablespoon avocado or light olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/3 cup store-bought sweet chili sauce (look for lower sugar if desired)
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (or arrowroot) mixed with 2 teaspoons water
  • Optional heat: 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper or a dash of sriracha
  • Steamed brown rice, jasmine rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice
  • Toasted sesame seeds and extra lime wedges

Method
 

  1. Slice the pork thin: Freeze the pork for 15 minutes so it firms up. Slice against the grain into thin strips. Pat dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Whisk the sauce: In a small bowl, mix sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and optional heat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry until smooth. Set aside.
  3. Prep the veggies: Keep everything bite-size and uniform for fast, even cooking. Separate scallion whites and greens.
  4. Heat the pan: Use a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high. Add oil and swirl to coat until shimmering.
  5. Sear the pork in batches: Add half the pork in a single layer. Sear 1–2 minutes per side until just browned. Remove to a plate. Repeat with remaining pork. Do not overcrowd or it will steam.
  6. Stir-fry aromatics: Lower heat slightly if needed. Add garlic, ginger, and scallion whites. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Add veggies: Toss in broccoli, bell pepper, onion, and carrot. Stir-fry 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender. Splash in a tablespoon of water if the pan gets dry.
  8. Combine and sauce: Return pork (and any juices) to the pan. Pour in the sauce and toss to coat. Cook 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes everything.
  9. Finish and serve: Remove from heat. Sprinkle scallion greens and sesame seeds. Taste and adjust with a squeeze of lime or a pinch of salt. Serve over your base of choice.