Pork and Broccoli Slaw Stir Fry: 5 Reasons to Love It

Pork and broccoli slaw stir fry transforms convenient ingredients into an impressive weeknight dinner that’s on the table in just 25 minutes. This lightning-fast meal combines tender pork cutlets with pre-packaged broccoli slaw for a veggie-packed dish that delivers big on flavor while keeping carbs in check.

The umami-rich sauce coats every bite with savory satisfaction, while the crisp-tender vegetables provide perfect textural contrast to the juicy pork. Perfect for busy evenings when you need a nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen, this versatile stir fry proves that healthy eating can be both simple and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creates a complete, nutritious dinner using just one pan in under 30 minutes
• Provides a low-carb, gluten-free option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or satisfaction
• Uses convenient pre-packaged ingredients that dramatically reduce prep time without compromising quality

I discovered this recipe during a particularly hectic week when my daughter was turning five and life was filled with birthday preparations.

Looking for something quick but still nutritious, I combined two of my favorite shortcut ingredients – pork cutlets and pre-packaged broccoli slaw. What began as a time-saving experiment has become one of our most requested weeknight meals.

My husband, who typically reaches for seconds of anything carb-heavy, actually commented that he didn’t miss the rice because the vegetable-to-protein ratio was so satisfying.

Simple Ingredients

• Pork cutlets (1 pound): Provide lean protein that cooks incredibly quickly due to their thin cut
• Broccoli slaw (12-ounce package): Delivers convenient pre-shredded vegetables that maintain perfect crunch
• Bell pepper (1 medium, thinly sliced): Adds vibrant color, sweetness, and additional vegetable nutrition
• Soy sauce (3 tablespoons): Creates the savory umami foundation that gives the dish its distinctive flavor
• Garlic and ginger (2 cloves and 1 tablespoon, minced): Contribute aromatic depth that elevates the entire dish

Cooking Process

Vegetable Preparation Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil until shimmering.

Add broccoli slaw and bell peppers, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until vegetables begin to soften but still retain some crunch.

Transfer vegetables to a clean plate and set aside while cooking the pork.

Protein Cooking Add another tablespoon of oil to the same pan and allow it to heat briefly.

Place pork cutlets in a single layer and cook for approximately 2 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through.

Remove pork to a cutting board and slice into thin strips against the grain for maximum tenderness.

Sauce Creation Return the pan to heat and add minced garlic and ginger, stirring constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, and optional chili sauce in a small bowl, then pour into the hot pan.

Allow sauce to bubble for about 30 seconds, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Final Assembly Return vegetables and sliced pork to the pan, tossing everything together to coat evenly with the sauce.

Heat through for 1-2 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken.

Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving for added flavor and visual appeal.

You Must Know

• Pork cutlets can overcook quickly due to their thinness, so watch them carefully and remove from heat once they reach 145°F
• The stir fry continues cooking briefly after removing from heat, so it’s better to slightly undercook the vegetables
• For gluten-free preparation, simply substitute tamari for the regular soy sauce without any other adjustments

I particularly appreciate how this recipe has evolved alongside our family’s changing schedules. My grandmother always said the best recipes are those that bend to fit your life rather than requiring life to bend around them.

When my children began after-school activities, I started prepping the vegetables and mixing the sauce ingredients in the morning so dinner could come together in literally 15 minutes when we returned home hungry and tired. The convenience never compromises the fresh flavor, which is exactly what we need on our busiest days.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile stir fry works beautifully as a standalone meal or paired with simple sides for heartier appetites.

Serve in bowls exactly as is for a complete low-carb, high-protein meal that satisfies without weighing you down.

Add cauliflower rice underneath to maintain the low-carb profile while increasing the volume for bigger appetites.

For those not watching carbs, steamed brown rice or thin noodles like rice vermicelli make perfect accompaniments.

Consider a side of simple miso soup for an Asian-inspired meal that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together in minutes.

Flavor Variations

Customize this basic recipe with simple adjustments that create entirely new flavor experiences.

Add a tablespoon of almond or peanut butter to the sauce for a rich, slightly creamy texture with nutty undertones.

Include red pepper flakes or sriracha instead of chili sauce for different heat profiles that wake up your taste buds.

Try substituting thinly sliced chicken breast or shrimp for the pork to create variety in your weekly meal plan.

Experiment with different vegetable combinations like snap peas, water chestnuts, or mushrooms based on what’s available.

Storage Solutions

Refrigerate cooled leftovers in an airtight container where they maintain excellent quality for up to three days.

Reheat individual portions in a hot skillet with a teaspoon of water for just 2-3 minutes until warmed through.

For meal prep purposes, cook components separately and store them in individual containers until ready to combine and heat.

This stir fry doesn’t freeze well due to the texture changes in the vegetables, so plan to enjoy it fresh or within a few days.

For next-day lunches, consider bringing the components separately and assembling just before eating for optimal texture.

Cooking Secrets

• Slice vegetables and meat against the grain for the most tender texture and easiest eating
• Cook ingredients in batches if your pan isn’t large enough to avoid overcrowding, which leads to steaming instead of stir-frying
• Keep ingredients moving constantly in the pan for even cooking and to prevent any burning or sticking

My journey with this pork and broccoli slaw stir fry began from necessity but has evolved into a recipe that represents everything I value about cooking – efficiency, nutrition, and flavor that brings everyone to the table without complaints. There’s something deeply satisfying about creating a meal that checks all these boxes while still feeling like you’re serving something special.

What I treasure most about this recipe is how it’s adapted alongside our family’s changing seasons – from busy school nights to lazy summer evenings when we want something light yet satisfying. The combination of lean protein, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce creates a meal that nourishes both body and spirit, proving that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming to be completely delicious.