There’s something special about a dish that comes together in minutes but tastes like it took hours to perfect. This Sweet and Spicy Pork Stir-Fry delivers exactly that—thin slices of pork caramelized in a sticky, bold sauce that balances heat and sweetness with every bite.
Crisp bell peppers, tender snap peas, and a glossy glaze coat the pork, making it an irresistible mix of textures and flavors. Whether you serve it over steaming white rice or toss it with noodles, this dish is an easy fix for those nights when you want big flavors without the long prep.
Why You’ll Enjoy This Sweet and Spicy Pork Stir-Fry
Not every quick meal has to be bland or predictable—this dish proves that with every forkful.
- A Bold Kick with a Sweet Finish – Honey adds a smooth contrast to the heat of chili paste, giving the sauce depth without overwhelming spice.
- Crispy, Juicy, and Perfectly Coated – The pork sears beautifully, staying juicy while picking up all the rich flavors from the sauce.
- No Complicated Steps – Everything comes together fast, making it ideal for weeknights when time is short but cravings are high.
- Pairs with Just About Anything – Whether you spoon it over rice or mix it with noodles, this stir-fry adapts to whatever’s on hand.
Each bite hits the right balance of heat, sweetness, and umami, making it one of those meals you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients for the Best Sweet and Spicy Pork Stir-Fry
A handful of simple ingredients come together to create a sauce that clings to every piece of pork like a glaze.
- Pork Tenderloin – The ideal cut for stir-frying—lean, tender, and quick to cook.
- Soy Sauce & Honey – A rich combination of salt, sweetness, and deep umami flavor.
- Garlic & Ginger – The base of every great stir-fry, adding bold aromatics that intensify as they cook.
- Chili Paste (or Sriracha) – Just enough heat to keep things exciting without overpowering the dish.
- Bell Peppers & Snap Peas – Their crisp texture contrasts beautifully with the glossy, caramelized sauce.
- Sesame Oil – A final touch that rounds out the flavors with a nutty, toasted finish.
With just a few key ingredients, this stir-fry packs layers of flavor into every bite.
How to Make Sweet and Spicy Pork Stir-Fry
This isn’t just a recipe—it’s a method for getting big flavors fast.
- Prep the Pork – Slice the pork thinly and toss it with soy sauce and cornstarch. This locks in moisture and gives the pork a crisp coating when seared.
- Whisk Up the Sauce – In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, chili paste, garlic, and ginger into a thick, fragrant sauce.
- Sear the Pork – Heat sesame oil in a pan, then cook the pork until golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges. Set it aside.
- Stir-Fry the Veggies – Add bell peppers and snap peas, cooking until they’re just tender but still have a crunch.
- Bring It All Together – Toss the pork back into the pan, pour in the sauce, and stir until everything is coated in a thick, sticky glaze.
- Plate and Serve – Spoon over rice or noodles, then sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions for a final burst of flavor.
With each step, the flavors build and intensify, making sure every bite is as bold as the last.
Tips for the Best Stir-Fry
It’s the little details that turn a good stir-fry into a great one.
- Slice Against the Grain – Cutting the pork this way ensures tender, easy-to-bite pieces.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Stir-frying works best when the meat has room to sear, not steam.
- Crank Up the Heat – High temperatures lock in moisture and build caramelization, giving the pork a deep, rich color.
- Balance the Sauce – Too spicy? Add a touch more honey. Need more heat? Stir in extra chili paste.
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With these tweaks, your stir-fry goes from great to unforgettable.
Best Sides to Serve with Sweet and Spicy Pork Stir-Fry
A bold dish like this needs fresh, simple sides to balance things out.
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Steamed Jasmine Rice | Soft, fragrant, and perfect for soaking up the extra sauce. |
| Garlic Bok Choy | Light, garlicky, and slightly crisp—a perfect contrast. |
| Asian Slaw | Crunchy, slightly tangy, and refreshingly cool. |
| Miso Soup | Deep umami flavor that pairs beautifully with the stir-fry. |
| Stir-Fried Noodles | A heartier alternative that makes the meal even more satisfying. |
Each side dish adds something fresh or hearty, making the entire meal feel complete.
How to Store & Reheat Sweet and Spicy Pork Stir-Fry
This dish keeps its flavor well, so leftovers are just as good the next day.
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Keep in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Avoid the microwave—it can dry out the pork and make the sauce too thick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of pork?
Pork loin or boneless chops work too, but pork tenderloin stays the juiciest and most tender.
How can I make this spicier?
Increase the chili paste, add red pepper flakes, or drizzle in some sriracha before serving.
Can I switch up the vegetables?
Absolutely! Try mushrooms, baby corn, or even thin-sliced carrots for variety.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos, and it’s fully gluten-free.
What’s the best way to serve this dish?
It’s fantastic over rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
This Sweet and Spicy Pork Stir-Fry is a go-to meal for bold flavors and quick cooking—you’ll want it in your rotation week after week.
Sweet and Spicy Pork Stir-Fry
Equipment
- Wok or Large Skillet For stir-frying the pork and vegetables
- Mixing Bowls For marinating the pork and preparing the sauce
- Tongs For tossing the pork while cooking
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork tenderloin thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce divided
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon chili paste or Sriracha
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 cup bell peppers sliced
- 1 cup snap peas trimmed
- sesame seeds for garnish
- green onions chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Thinly slice the pork tenderloin and toss with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and cornstarch. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, honey, chili paste, garlic, and ginger to create the sauce.
- Heat sesame oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add the pork and stir-fry until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Add bell peppers and snap peas to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Return the pork to the wok, pour in the sauce, and toss everything together until evenly coated and caramelized.
- Serve immediately over rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
- For extra heat, add more chili paste or red pepper flakes.
- Substitute pork with chicken or beef if preferred.
- Use fresh ginger for a stronger, more aromatic flavor.
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!
Sherry Eiler
Friday 7th of March 2025
Super easy, super delicious—can’t ask for more.
Frank Byrd
Friday 7th of March 2025
This was so good! The texture and taste were just right. Can’t wait to try more recipes.