Pork with Garlic Sauce, also known as “Yu Xiang Rou Si” (鱼香肉丝) in Chinese, is a famous Sichuan dish that’s loved for its rich garlic aroma, balanced sweet–sour–spicy flavor, and tender pork strips. Despite the name “fish fragrance,” the dish doesn’t contain any fish — the name comes from a traditional seasoning style used in Sichuan fish dishes.

This is a perfect quick stir-fry recipe for garlic lovers who want bold flavors and juicy pork.

📝 Recipe Information

  • ⏱ Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • 🔥 Cook Time: 15 minutes

  • 🍽 Servings: 3–4

  • 🌶 Cuisine: Sichuan Chinese

🧂 Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

Pork tenderloin – 400 g (cut into thin strips)

Vegetable oil – 3 tbsp

Garlic – 4–5 cloves (minced)

Ginger – 1 tbsp (minced)

Spring onions – 2 stalks (chopped)

Dried wood ear mushrooms – ½ cup (rehydrated and julienned) (optional)

Carrot – 1 small (julienned)

Bamboo shoots – ½ cup (optional, sliced)

Marinade for Pork:

Light soy sauce – 1 tbsp

Shaoxing rice wine – 1 tbsp

Cornstarch – 1 tbsp

A pinch of salt

Garlic Sauce:

Light soy sauce – 2 tbsp

Dark soy sauce – 1 tsp

Chinkiang vinegar (or rice vinegar) – 1½ tbsp

Sugar – 1 tbsp

Chili bean paste (Doubanjiang) – 1 tbsp

Water or chicken stock – ½ cup

Cornstarch slurry – 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water

🥢 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Pork

Slice the pork tenderloin into thin, even strips.

In a bowl, mix soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt.

Add the pork strips and marinate for 15 minutes.

👉 Tip: Tenderloin is ideal because it stays juicy and cooks quickly.

Step 2: Mix the Garlic Sauce

In a small bowl, combine light and dark soy sauces, vinegar, sugar, chili bean paste, and water or stock.

Set aside — this sauce is the heart of the dish.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Pork

Heat 2 tbsp oil in a wok over high heat.

Add the marinated pork and stir-fry until it turns white and just cooked. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Aromatics & Veggies

In the same wok, add 1 tbsp oil.

Stir in garlic and ginger — fry until fragrant.

Add carrots, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots. Stir-fry for 1–2 minutes.

Step 5: Add Sauce & Finish the Dish

Pour in the prepared garlic sauce.

Let it simmer and bubble.

Add the pork back in and toss everything together.

Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.

Add spring onions, mix well, and cook for 1 more minute.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Serve the Pork with Garlic Sauce immediately over steamed jasmine rice or noodles. The thick glossy sauce coats the pork beautifully, making every bite flavorful and aromatic.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

Best paired with steamed white rice or fried rice.

Add extra chili paste if you prefer it hotter.

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or extra garlic oil on top for extra aroma.

🌶 Pro Tips for Perfect Garlic Sauce Pork

Use high heat for quick cooking — this keeps pork tender.

Don’t skip the vinegar and sugar — they balance the spicy garlic sauce perfectly.

Wood ear mushrooms add authentic texture, but you can skip them if unavailable.

If you like more garlic flavor, double the minced garlic.

🧡 Why You’ll Love This Dish

Bursting with garlic aroma and sweet–spicy flavors.

Ready in under 30 minutes.

Perfect balance of soft pork, crunchy veggies, and glossy sauce.

A classic Sichuan favorite that’s easy to make at home.

✨ Pork with Garlic Sauce is one of those dishes that turns a simple dinner into a full-on flavor explosion. If you love bold, garlicky Chinese food — this one’s for you!