This simple and flavorful Spicy Garlic Ginger Pork recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a quick weeknight meal. Tender pork chunks are cooked with a delicious sauce made from garlic, fresh ginger, and soy sauce, with a touch of spice from sriracha. The balance of sweet and savory flavors makes this dish satisfying and unique, without being overly complicated. If you’re a fan of easy pork recipes with bold flavors, this dish is sure to become a favorite!
This Spicy Garlic Ginger Pork recipe was inspired by my love for bold, comforting flavors often found in takeout dishes. Like many people, I’ve always been drawn to the sweet, savory, and spicy combinations found in Asian-inspired meals, but I wanted to recreate something just as flavorful in my own kitchen. After experimenting with different ingredients, I found that using fresh garlic and ginger, combined with a touch of sriracha and soy sauce, could replicate those delicious takeout flavors without the need for a restaurant.
I remember the first time I made this dish for friends during a casual dinner at home. The aroma of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce sizzling together instantly filled the kitchen, making everyone eager for a taste. As the pork sizzled in the skillet and the sauce thickened, I knew I had something special. When we finally sat down to eat, the reaction was unanimous—everyone loved it! It was the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy, with tender, juicy pork chunks in every bite.
Since then, this recipe has become one of my go-to meals when I want to whip up something that feels indulgent but is easy to make. It’s a hit with family and friends alike, and best of all, it’s customizable. If someone prefers a little more heat, I add extra sriracha or red pepper flakes; for a sweeter version, I just up the brown sugar.
This dish has become a staple in my household, bringing together the flavors of my favorite takeout meals with the satisfaction of a home-cooked dinner. Every time I make it, it reminds me of that first evening with friends, the laughter, and the joy of sharing a meal made with love. I hope this recipe brings the same warmth and flavor to your table!
Gather these ingredients to recreate the fiery flavors of takeout-style spicy pork:
The secret to takeout-style dishes lies in the combination of tender meat, a flavorful sauce, and the right blend of seasonings. Here’s a complete list of ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious dish at home:
- Pork Tenderloin or Roast (1 ½ lbs.):
- You’ll want boneless, skinless pork tenderloin or roast, cut into small chunks. Pork tenderloin is great for this recipe because it’s lean and cooks quickly, absorbing the sauce perfectly.
- Egg (1 large):
- An egg is essential for coating the pork, helping the cornstarch stick, which gives it that crispy texture when fried.
- Cornstarch (3 tbsp + 1-2 tbsp extra if needed):
- Cornstarch is key for that crisp outer layer when frying the pork. It also helps thicken the sauce when you cook it together with the meat.
- Water (¾ cup):
- Used to thin out the sauce, allowing the flavors to blend together.
- Fresh Ginger (1 tbsp, finely chopped):
- Fresh ginger gives this dish its signature zing. Make sure to chop it finely for an even distribution of flavor.
- Garlic Cloves (2, minced):
- Garlic provides the dish with a rich depth of flavor. Freshly minced garlic will give the best results, but pre-minced garlic can also work in a pinch.
- White or Yellow Onion (2 tbsp, finely chopped):
- Finely chopped onion adds sweetness and an extra layer of flavor to the sauce.
- Soy Sauce (3 tbsp, low-sodium):
- Soy sauce is the base of the sauce, giving it a salty, umami-rich flavor. Using low-sodium soy sauce helps balance out the dish, especially with the other salty ingredients.
- Brown Sugar (3 tbsp):
- This adds a subtle sweetness that balances the spicy and savory elements of the dish. Brown sugar also helps create a caramelized effect in the sauce.
- Rice Vinegar (1 tbsp):
- Rice vinegar adds a tangy acidity that cuts through the richness of the meat and sauce.
- Sesame Oil (½ tsp):
- A little sesame oil gives the dish a nutty, Asian touch.
- Sriracha (2 tsp):
- Sriracha gives the dish its signature spicy kick. Adjust the amount to your desired heat level.
- Red Pepper Flakes (1 tsp):
- For an extra kick of heat and a bit of texture, red pepper flakes are a great addition. Like the sriracha, you can adjust the amount to suit your taste.
- Canola Oil (2 tbsp):
- Canola oil is perfect for frying the pork, as it has a high smoke point and doesn’t interfere with the other flavors.
- Green Onions (for garnish):
- Chopped green onions add a fresh and bright finishing touch to the dish. They also provide a bit of crunch.
Tools to Have on Hand:
To make this takeout-style dish as easy and efficient as possible, it’s important to have the right tools in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cutting Board and Sharp Knife
- For chopping the pork, onions, ginger, and garlic. A sharp knife will make the process much smoother and quicker.
- Mixing Bowls
- You’ll need at least two mixing bowls – one for preparing the sauce and another for coating the pork with cornstarch and egg.
- Whisk or Fork
- To mix the egg, as well as to stir together the ingredients for the sauce.
- Large Skillet or Wok
- A large skillet or wok is ideal for stir-frying the pork and cooking the sauce. Make sure it’s large enough to hold all the ingredients comfortably without overcrowding.
- Tongs or Spatula
- For turning and tossing the pork while cooking to ensure even browning.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups
- To ensure that the ingredient amounts are precise, especially when measuring seasonings, vinegar, and soy sauce.
- Instant-Read Thermometer (optional)
- Useful for checking the internal temperature of the pork to make sure it’s cooked to at least 150°F.
How to Make Spicy Garlic Ginger Pork: Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have all the ingredients and tools ready, let’s dive into how to make this delicious takeout-style spicy garlic ginger pork at home! Follow these steps for a restaurant-quality dish.
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the following ingredients: rice vinegar, sesame oil, finely chopped ginger, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, brown sugar, soy sauce, sriracha, red pepper flakes, and water. Whisk everything together until the sugar dissolves and the ingredients are fully combined. This mixture will become the flavorful sauce for the pork. Set the sauce aside for now.
Step 2: Simmer the Sauce
Heat your skillet over medium heat and pour in the prepared sauce. Bring the sauce to a light simmer, allowing it to bubble gently. Cook on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will start to thicken and darken slightly as the flavors meld together. Once it reaches the desired consistency, carefully pour the sauce back into the bowl and set it aside for later.
Step 3: Coat the Pork
In a large mixing bowl, add the chunks of pork and 3 tablespoons of cornstarch. Toss the pork until each piece is evenly coated with the cornstarch. This will help the pork develop a crispy exterior when fried. If the pork doesn’t seem fully coated, you can add another tablespoon or two of cornstarch as needed.
In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg until well beaten. Pour the whisked egg over the cornstarch-coated pork and gently mix to coat the pork pieces with the egg.
Step 4: Cook the Pork
In the same skillet used to simmer the sauce, heat 2 tablespoons of canola oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully add the pork to the skillet. Spread the pork out in an even layer and let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes, allowing the bottom to turn golden brown and crispy.
After the bottom has browned, use tongs or a spatula to flip the pork pieces over. Gently break them apart if they stick together, and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the pork is golden and cooked through. The pork should reach an internal temperature of 150°F for safe consumption.
Step 5: Combine the Pork and Sauce
Once the pork is fully cooked, drain any excess oil from the pan if necessary. Turn the heat to high and pour the reserved sauce over the pork. Stir frequently for a few minutes, allowing the pork to absorb the sauce and for the flavors to blend together. The sauce should slightly caramelize as it coats the pork.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the pork to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped green onions. For those who like extra heat, you can sprinkle some additional red pepper flakes on top.
Serve this delicious spicy garlic ginger pork over steamed rice or with a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Spicy Garlic Ginger Pork:
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of sriracha or omit the red pepper flakes. For those who love extra heat, feel free to add more sriracha or even throw in some fresh chili peppers.
- Crispy Pork: Don’t be alarmed if the pork looks strange during the frying process. It may clump together, but as you cook and break the pieces apart, they will become golden, crispy, and delicious.
- Make Ahead: The sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. This makes the cooking process quicker when you’re ready to serve the dish.
Spicy Garlic Ginger Pork
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs. pork tenderloin or roast boneless, skinless, cut into small chunks
- 1 egg
- 3 tbsp cornstarch plus 1-2 tbsp extra if needed
- ¾ cup water
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tbsp white or yellow onion finely chopped
- 3 tbsp soy sauce low sodium preferred
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- ½ tsp sesame oil
- 2 tsp sriracha adjust to taste
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp canola oil
- Green onions chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, onion, brown sugar, soy sauce, sriracha, red pepper flakes, and water. This mixture will be the sauce.
Simmer the Sauce:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and pour in the sauce. Let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and darkens slightly. Once done, transfer the sauce back into the bowl and set aside.
Coat the Pork:
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the pork chunks with cornstarch until fully coated. You may need to add an extra tablespoon or two of cornstarch if the pork is not fully covered.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg and pour it over the cornstarch-coated pork. Mix gently until the pork is evenly coated with the egg.
Cook the Pork:
- Using the same skillet you prepared the sauce in, heat the canola oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the pork, spreading it out evenly.
- Let the pork cook without disturbing it until the bottom is golden brown. It may look a bit unusual at this stage, but don’t worry—it will come together.
- Flip the pork pieces over, gently breaking them apart. Cook for 5-7 more minutes until the other side is golden brown. Lower the heat and let the pork cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. The pork should reach an internal temperature of at least 150°F.
Combine Pork and Sauce:
- If there’s any excess oil in the pan, drain it off. Turn the heat to high and pour the reserved sauce over the cooked pork. Stir the pork frequently, allowing it to absorb the sauce and glaze for a few minutes.
Serve:
- Garnish with freshly chopped green onions and sprinkle additional red pepper flakes for an extra kick (optional). Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust the Heat: If you love extra spice, feel free to add an additional 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or more red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Pork Coating: The cornstarch and egg coating gives the pork a crispy texture when fried. Don’t worry if the pork looks strange at first—it will crisp up and turn golden as it cooks!
- Cooking Temperature: Ensure the pork reaches an internal temperature of 150°F for safe consumption.
Spicy Garlic Ginger Pork is a flavorful, takeout-style dish that’s surprisingly easy to recreate at home. The combination of tender pork, a sweet and savory sauce, and a touch of spice creates a balanced and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress. With simple ingredients like ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and sriracha, you can elevate a humble pork tenderloin into a restaurant-quality dish. Whether you’re serving it over rice or with stir-fried veggies, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat. Adjust the spice to your liking, and enjoy the vibrant, bold flavors!
