There’s something incredibly satisfying about a stir fry — it’s quick, colorful, and full of flavor. The Amazing Sweet and Spicy Pork Stir Fry came about during one of those spontaneous “clean out the fridge” evenings. As a chef and home cook, some of my best recipe creations have come together that way — when I don’t overthink the ingredients and simply work with what I have. This recipe is exactly that: a celebration of simple, accessible ingredients transformed into something vibrant and mouthwatering.
At its core, stir fry is all about versatility. But what makes this particular dish truly special is its harmonious blend of flavors. The sweetness from the orange marmalade balances beautifully with the heat from the sriracha, while the savory depth of teriyaki and tangy brightness of ketchup round out the sauce. It’s a playful, sauce-forward dish that coats each bite of pork and veggies with a sticky, spicy, citrusy glaze — the kind of combination that keeps you going back for seconds… and thirds.
The idea actually stemmed from having a lonely jar of orange marmalade sitting at the back of my refrigerator. Typically reserved for toast (but let’s be honest, who really eats it regularly?), the marmalade seemed like a great way to add sweetness while using up what I already had. A few squeezes of sriracha and a dash of ketchup later, I stumbled upon a sweet and spicy sauce that perfectly complemented the hearty, savory pork.
Speaking of pork, lean ground pork — or pork tenderloin if you prefer — works great here because it cooks quickly and absorbs the bold flavors of the sauce well. Browning it in the wok along with punchy aromatics like garlic and ginger gives the dish its savory backbone. From there, it’s all about the veggies. I used broccoli, bell peppers, onion, and carrots — some of the most common refrigerator staples — but the truth is, almost any vegetable would work. Snow peas, baby corn, zucchini, mushrooms, or cabbage can all be subbed in based on what’s on hand or in season.
Another reason I love making this meal is because it’s a complete, balanced dinner in under 30 minutes. Served over brown rice, it provides lean protein, fiber-rich whole grains, and a rainbow of vegetables. It’s the ideal weeknight dinner for busy nights when you’re looking for something wholesome but crave something bold and flavorful.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this dish is accessible, forgiving, and highly customizable. Vegetarian? Swap the pork for tofu or tempeh. Low heat tolerance? Cut back on the sriracha. Looking to meal prep? This holds up beautifully for lunch the next day.
So the next time your fridge is full of odds and ends, think stir fry — and consider giving this Amazing Sweet and Spicy Pork Stir Fry a try. It may just become your go-to for a quick, delicious, and surprisingly complex meal that everyone at the table will love.
Amazing Sweet and Spicy Pork Stir Fry
Ingredients
1 pound ground pork (minced pork) - tenderloin
2 cloves garlic
1 teaspoon ginger
3 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
1 tablespoon ketchup (tomato sauce Australia and UK)
¼ teaspoon Sriracha sauce - or any hot chilli sauce- 1 tablespoon orange marmalade
2 cups brown rice - cooked
1 head broccoli - bite-sized pieces
2 medium red pepper (red capsicum) - cut into strips
1 medium yellow onion - cut into small wedges or half-moons
2 medium carrots - sliced on a bias into small rounds
2 teaspoons Canola oil
Instructions
- In a large wok, heat the oil. Add the garlic and ginger. Cook for a minute until fragrant. Add the remaining vegetables.
- Cook vegetables for several minutes until they are cooked through but still crisp.
- Add pork and cook until pork is no longer pink.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix the teriyaki, ketchup, sriracha and marmalade.
- Add sauce, pork and vegetables.
- Cook for a few minutes more until cooked through and sauce starts to thicken.
- Serve over some brown rice for a complete meal.
