Ginger Honey Anise Pork Stir Fry – tender chunks of pork, simmered in a soy, honey, chili & star anise sauce until it thickens & becomes a sweet, dark glaze – just the quick fix for an easy ending to a busy day.
The key flavoring ingredient in this simple stir-fry, is without a doubt the star anise. It imparts a subtle licorice flavor that’s also the main ingredient in Chinese 5-Spice powder. Star anise can also be used to flavor warm ciders, toffee, stews & baked goods. Hands down it wins first place for being the prettiest spice.
Stir-fries are undisputedly speedy to make & this one is no exception. About all the energy you’ll need to muster once you’ve gathered the handful of ingredients required, is to chop green onions, garlic & ginger. Simple.
This recipe first made its appearance on my cooking show, Simple, Fresh Delicious, many moons ago in Canada. It was inspired by a chicken anise recipe my father used to make. Because of this the fragrance of this ginger honey anise pork stir fry reminds me of Australia, even though its origin is certainly Chinese.
This delicious pork meal is getting reheated for tonight’s dinner & served with some buttery green beans & a whole roasted cauliflower from a recipe I tested earlier today. So dinner is pretty much done. And who knows, if the mood strikes, I might even whip-up a small pot of jasmine rice. Have a perfect evening all. Cheers, Lovoni xo
- 1 tablespoon peanut (or canola) oil
- 1 lb (453g ) pork tenderloin, cut into chunks
- 1/4 cup finely chopped ginger
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons dry sherry
- 2 to 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 2 star anise
- sliced green onions for garnish, optional
- Heat peanut oil to a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork & cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until browned all over. Remove the pork to a plate.
- Add a little more oil to the wok. Add ginger & garlic & stir-fry 1 minute or until fragrant.
- Add soy sauce, sherry, honey, vinegar, sesame oil, both peppers & star anise. Cook, stirring occasionally until sauce is starting to thicken.
- Add pork & cook for 5 minutes or until pork is cooked (ensuring not to overcook) & sauce has become glaze-like. Remove star anise before serving. Sprinkle with green onions if desired.
This is EXACTLY what I have been looking for, a pork tenderloin recipe that tastes like Chinese takeout. Without the sodium. I have all of the ingredients on hand, so for sure will be making this in the next few days. Thank you Lovoni – and jasmine rice as well.