Southwestern Stir-Fry
A vibrant and flavorful stir-fry combining tender pork with smoky cumin, fresh vegetables, and a touch of sherry, perfect for quick weeknight dinners and spice lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork tenderloin, cut in quarters lengthwise and sliced 1/4-inch thick ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp dry sherry ⓘ
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, seeded and cut into strips ⓘ
- 12 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tsp cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine sherry, cornstarch, cumin, garlic, and seasoned salt in a medium bowl.
- Add pork slices; stir to coat.
- Heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a heavy skillet.
- Add pork mixture; stir-fry for about 3 to 4 minutes until browned.
- Add green pepper, cherry tomatoes, and onion to the skillet.
- Cover the pan; simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Serve hot, optionally with chili salsa.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the pork in the dry sherry, cumin, and garlic for a few hours or overnight. If you don't have dry sherry, you can substitute with white wine or chicken broth. Use any bell pepper color for a different flavor profile. For a spicier kick, add sliced jalapeños or serve with a side of chili salsa.
Serving Suggestions
This flavorful stir-fry pairs beautifully with rice or quinoa for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside black beans or a fresh salad for added nutrition. For variation, it can also be used as a filling for tacos or burritos, making it a versatile dish for any night of the week.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Southwestern Stir-Fry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also microwave it for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southwestern Stir-Fry contains roughly 493 calories, with 23g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (85% of the Daily Value), and potassium (46% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1986mg per serving (86% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat instead of pork?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with chicken or beef. If using chicken, consider using chicken breast or thighs cut into similar sizes. For beef, flank steak or sirloin would be great alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time as needed for the different meats.
What can I add to make this dish more filling?
To make the dish more filling, you can add cooked rice or noodles directly into the stir-fry during the last few minutes of cooking. This will absorb the flavors and create a heartier meal. Additionally, serving with tortillas for wraps adds a satisfying element.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version, substitute the pork with tofu or tempeh, seasoned and sautéed until golden. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or broccoli. For added protein, consider including black beans or chickpeas for a nutritious twist.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).