Pork and Eggplant Stir-Fry with Garlic is a deeply flavorful, comforting dish rooted in Asian home-style cooking. Tender slices of pork are quickly stir-fried with soft, silky eggplant that soaks up every bit of the savory garlic sauce. The dish is bold yet balanced, combining umami-rich sauces with the natural sweetness of eggplant and the aromatic punch of fresh garlic. Perfect for busy weeknights, this stir-fry comes together quickly while delivering rich, satisfying flavor that pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it transforms simple, affordable ingredients into something incredibly comforting and restaurant-worthy. The eggplant becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, the pork stays juicy, and the garlic-forward sauce brings everything together. It is quick to cook, deeply satisfying, and always delivers consistent results.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

This is a must-try dish because it showcases how powerful simple cooking techniques can be. Pork and Eggplant Stir-Fry with Garlic is packed with flavor, easy to customize, and ideal for anyone who enjoys savory, umami-rich meals. It is also a great way to enjoy eggplant, even for those who are usually unsure about it.

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 430 calories per serving
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian / Chinese-inspired

Ingredients

For the Stir-Fry

• 1 lb pork tenderloin or pork shoulder, thinly sliced
• 2 medium eggplants, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

For the Sauce

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 cup water or light broth
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• Black pepper to taste

Optional Garnish

• Sliced green onions

Cooking Directions

Heat oil in a wok or large skillet.
Cook pork until lightly browned and remove from pan.
Stir-fry eggplant until tender.
Add garlic and ginger.
Return pork to the pan.
Pour in sauce and cook until thick and glossy.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, water, and cornstarch until smooth.
Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 3: Add sliced pork and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 4: Add remaining oil to the pan and add eggplant. Stir-fry until softened and lightly golden.
Step 5: Add garlic and ginger and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 6: Return pork to the pan and stir to combine.
Step 7: Pour in the prepared sauce and stir continuously until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.
Step 8: Season with black pepper and remove from heat.

How to Serve This Recipe

Serve Pork and Eggplant Stir-Fry with Garlic hot over steamed jasmine rice or white rice. It also pairs well with noodles or fried rice. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired and serve with a simple vegetable side dish.

Recipe Tips

Slice pork thinly against the grain for tenderness.
Stir-fry eggplant in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
Stir the sauce again before adding to the pan to prevent settling.
Adjust soy sauce to taste depending on salt preference.

Variations

Substitute pork with chicken, beef, or shrimp.
Use Chinese or Japanese eggplant for a softer texture.
Add dried chili flakes or chili paste for heat.
Include bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch.
Finish with a small drizzle of sesame oil for added aroma.

Freezing and Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze cooked stir-fry for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.

Special Equipment Needed

Wok or large skillet
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Mixing bowl
Wooden spoon or spatula

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground pork instead of sliced pork?
Yes, ground pork works well and cooks faster, though the texture will be different.

What type of eggplant is best for this recipe?
Chinese or Japanese eggplant is ideal, but regular globe eggplant also works.

Can this dish be made vegetarian?
Yes, substitute pork with tofu or mushrooms and use vegetarian oyster sauce.

Is this dish spicy?
No, it is savory and garlicky, but spice can be added easily.

Conclusion

Pork and Eggplant Stir-Fry with Garlic is a comforting, flavor-packed dish that proves simple ingredients can create incredible meals. With tender pork, rich eggplant, and a bold garlic sauce, this recipe is quick, satisfying, and perfect for everyday cooking. It is a reliable go-to meal that delivers warmth and depth of flavor in every bite.