Asian-Inspired Pulled Pork Stir-Fry with Cabbage is a vibrant, flavorful, and satisfying dish that brings together the best of bold Asian flavors and comforting textures. This dish is a celebration of balance—crunchy cabbage, tender pulled pork, and a tangy, savory sauce come together to create a meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.

This stir-fry is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a quick yet hearty solution to dinner. It’s also a fantastic way to make use of leftover pulled pork or any cooked, shredded meat, reducing food waste while delivering big flavors. The versatility of this recipe allows you to swap in different proteins or vegetables, making it a timeless addition to your meal rotation.

With its mix of fresh vegetables, aromatic garlic, and a tangy rice vinegar sauce spiked with a touch of heat, this dish appeals to a variety of palates. Whether you’re new to stir-frying or an experienced home cook, this recipe is easy to master and sure to impress.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 1 head green cabbage (sliced thinly)
• 1/2 cup sliced green onions (plus more for garnish)
• 1 red bell pepper (sliced into thin strips)
• 1 large carrot (julienned or grated)
• 2 cloves garlic (crushed)
• 4 cups pulled pork or other cooked, shredded meat

For Cooking:

• 1/4 cup avocado oil (divided, or as needed)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 2 teaspoons chile garlic sauce (such as Sriracha®)
• 1/3 cup seasoned rice vinegar
• 1/3 cup chopped cilantro

Instructions

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Thinly slice the green cabbage and red bell pepper. Julienne or grate the carrot, and chop the green onions. Crush the garlic cloves and chop the cilantro.
2. If using leftover pulled pork, shred it into bite-sized pieces if necessary.

Step 2: Heat the Pan

1. Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of avocado oil and let it heat until shimmering.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Add the sliced cabbage, bell pepper, and carrot to the hot skillet. Stir-fry for 5–7 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften but retain their crunch.
2. Add the crushed garlic, half of the green onions, salt, and black pepper. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set them aside.

Step 4: Cook the Pulled Pork

1. In the same skillet, add the remaining avocado oil. Add the pulled pork and cook for 3–4 minutes until heated through and slightly caramelized at the edges.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

1. While the pork is cooking, mix the chile garlic sauce and seasoned rice vinegar in a small bowl.

Step 6: Combine and Finish

1. Return the sautéed vegetables to the skillet with the pork. Pour the sauce over the mixture and toss to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
2. Cook for 2–3 more minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
2. Garnish with the remaining green onions and serve hot.

Why This Recipe Is Timeless

This Asian-Inspired Pulled Pork Stir-Fry is timeless because it takes everyday ingredients and transforms them into a dynamic, flavorful dish that feels fresh and exciting. It’s rooted in the age-old practice of stir-frying, a technique cherished for its ability to preserve the vibrancy of vegetables while infusing them with bold flavors.

Its adaptability ensures it remains a go-to recipe for years to come. Whether you have chicken, beef, or tofu in the fridge, this stir-fry accommodates substitutions seamlessly. The recipe also celebrates economical cooking by giving leftovers new life in a way that’s both delicious and sustainable.

The balance of textures, the simplicity of preparation, and the harmony of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors make this dish a perennial favorite. It’s the kind of meal that evolves with your pantry, preferences, and the seasons.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 8g

FAQs

1. Can I use a different protein?
Yes, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Replace pulled pork with cooked chicken, beef, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

2. What can I substitute for rice vinegar?
You can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar as a substitute, though rice vinegar provides the best flavor.

3. How do I keep the vegetables crisp?
Cook the vegetables over high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to retain their crunch.

Tips for Perfect Stir-Fry

1. Use high heat: Stir-frying is all about quick cooking at high temperatures. Make sure your skillet or wok is hot before adding ingredients.
2. Prep everything beforehand: Stir-frying moves quickly, so have all your ingredients sliced and ready to go before you start cooking.
3. Layer flavors: Add seasonings and sauces incrementally to build depth of flavor.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to preserve the texture of the vegetables.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well. Cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Conclusion

Asian-Inspired Pulled Pork Stir-Fry with Cabbage is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of flavor, freshness, and versatility. This dish is a reminder that with just a handful of ingredients and a little creativity, you can create something truly extraordinary. It brings together the bold, savory elements of Asian cuisine with the practical, no-waste ethos of home cooking.

The simplicity of this recipe makes it perfect for busy weeknights, while its sophisticated flavors make it equally suitable for serving to guests. Whether you’re looking to use up leftovers, incorporate more vegetables into your diet, or simply try something new, this stir-fry delivers on every front.

Beyond its immediate appeal, this dish is timeless because it’s a canvas for innovation. Swap the protein, mix up the vegetables, or tweak the sauce to suit your taste—the possibilities are endless. It’s a recipe that evolves with you, adapting to your preferences and what you have on hand.

In the end, this stir-fry isn’t just about the meal itself—it’s about the experience of cooking and the joy of sharing food that’s flavorful, nourishing, and made with care. So gather your ingredients, heat up your skillet, and savor every moment of preparing this Asian-Inspired Pulled Pork Stir-Fry. With every bite, you’ll taste the perfect balance of crunch, spice, and tang, making this dish one you’ll want to return to again and again.