Introduction

Few dishes capture the essence of quick, healthy, and flavorful cooking quite like a Pork Stir-Fry with Cashews and Broccoli. This vibrant Asian-inspired stir-fry is a perfect balance of savory, nutty, and slightly sweet flavors, all wrapped around tender slices of pork, crunchy cashews, and crisp-tender broccoli florets.

The dish is rooted in Chinese cuisine but has been lovingly adapted around the world for its simplicity and universal appeal. The key lies in the stir-fry technique — cooking ingredients over high heat so that they retain their color, texture, and natural goodness. The pork remains juicy, the broccoli stays bright and crisp, and the roasted cashews add a satisfying crunch with every bite.

Whether served over steaming jasmine rice or tossed with noodles, this stir-fry is a complete meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it perfectly combines speed, nutrition, and flavor in one skillet. The contrast between the tender pork and the crunchy broccoli and cashews is delightful, while the umami-rich stir-fry sauce brings everything together with harmony.

It’s one of my favorite weeknight dinners because it’s:

• Quick to make – ready in under 30 minutes.
• Packed with protein and veggies.
• Customizable – add more heat, sweetness, or vegetables as you like.
• Beautifully textured – soft, crisp, and crunchy all in one bowl.

Plus, the cashews bring a buttery richness that elevates this simple stir-fry into something restaurant-worthy.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it delivers everything you want in a homemade Asian meal — bold flavors, wholesome ingredients, and minimal effort. It’s:

1. Healthy yet indulgent, packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables.
2. Perfectly balanced, with sweetness from the sauce, saltiness from soy, and crunch from cashews.
3. Quick and versatile, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.
4. Family-friendly, appealing to both kids and adults.

Preparation & Cooking Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~420 kcal per serving

Course & Cuisine

• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Asian / Chinese-Inspired

Ingredients

For the Stir-Fry:

• 500 g (1.1 lbs) boneless pork loin or tenderloin, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• ½ tsp sesame oil (optional, for flavor)

Vegetables and Cashews:

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced thin
• ½ onion, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
• ¾ cup unsalted roasted cashews
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

For the Sauce:

• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or lime juice)
• 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• ½ cup chicken broth or water
• 1 tsp cornstarch, dissolved in 1 tbsp water

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Pork

1. Slice the pork thinly across the grain into bite-sized strips.
2. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Add the pork and toss to coat.
3. Set aside to marinate for 10–15 minutes while preparing the vegetables and sauce.

Step 2: Make the Stir-Fry Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, chicken broth, and cornstarch slurry.
2. Mix well and set aside — this will be your flavorful stir-fry sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Broccoli

1. Bring a small pot of water to a boil and blanch the broccoli florets for 1 minute.
2. Drain and immediately rinse with cold water to keep them crisp and green.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Pork

1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat.
2. Add the marinated pork in batches (do not overcrowd) and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until browned and nearly cooked through.
3. Remove pork from the wok and set aside.

Step 5: Stir-Fry Vegetables

1. In the same wok, add a little more oil if needed.
2. Add garlic, ginger, and onion, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add red bell pepper and broccoli. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.

Step 6: Combine Everything

1. Return the pork to the wok.
2. Pour in the prepared stir-fry sauce and toss everything together.
3. Add cashews and stir-fry for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the pork and vegetables evenly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

• Turn off the heat and drizzle with a few drops of sesame oil for aroma.
• Garnish with green onions.
• Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice or noodles.

How to Serve

• Serve hot over a bed of steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or rice noodles.
• Sprinkle with extra roasted cashews and fresh green onions for a restaurant-style touch.
• For extra flavor, serve with a side of chili-garlic sauce or soy dip.

Recipe Tips

1. Slice pork thinly: This ensures even cooking and tender texture.
2. High heat is key: Stir-frying should be quick and hot to seal in flavor.
3. Don’t overcook broccoli: Keep it crisp and vibrant.
4. Use roasted cashews: Adds rich, toasty flavor and crunch.
5. Prepare everything before cooking: Stir-fry moves fast — have all ingredients ready to go!

Variations

1. Spicy Pork Stir-Fry: Add 1 tsp chili flakes or 1 tbsp sriracha to the sauce.
2. Vegetable Boost: Include snap peas, carrots, or baby corn for color and crunch.
3. Sweet and Sour Version: Replace vinegar with pineapple juice and add pineapple chunks.
4. Nut-Free Option: Substitute cashews with toasted sesame seeds or sunflower seeds.
5. Beef or Chicken Substitute: Swap pork for thinly sliced beef or chicken breast — equally delicious!

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Can be frozen (without rice) for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

Special Equipment Needed

• Wok or large non-stick skillet (for even high-heat cooking)
• Sharp chef’s knife (for thin slicing)
• Mixing bowls (for marinating and sauce preparation)
• Spatula or tongs (for tossing ingredients)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can marinate the pork and prepare the sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Stir-fry fresh when ready to serve.

Q2. Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes, just thaw and pat dry before adding to prevent excess moisture.

Q3. What’s the best pork cut for stir-fry?
A: Pork tenderloin or pork loin — both are lean and tender.

Q4. How can I make it gluten-free?
A: Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your oyster or hoisin sauces are certified gluten-free.

Q5. Can I add tofu instead of pork?
A: Absolutely! Firm tofu works great for a vegetarian option — just pan-fry until golden before mixing it in.

Conclusion

Pork Stir-Fry with Cashews and Broccoli is the epitome of modern home cooking — fast, fresh, and full of flavor. It’s a dish that proves healthy doesn’t have to mean bland. Each bite brings you the perfect mix of tender pork, crunchy vegetables, and nutty richness, all coated in a luscious, glossy sauce.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a restaurant-quality Asian dish at home, this stir-fry will satisfy every craving. It’s vibrant, wholesome, and irresistibly delicious — a true celebration of taste and texture in one bowl.