Have you ever wondered why simple stir-fried dishes from Japan taste so balanced—savory, light, and satisfying all at once? Many people think delicious Japanese meals must take hours to prepare, but that’s not true! One of the best examples is Stir-fried Pork with Bell Peppers (豚肉とピーマンの炒め物), a quick, colorful dish that turns humble ingredients into something special.

This recipe is proof that everyday cooking can be full of flavor and freshness. With only a few simple ingredients like pork, green peppers, and bean sprouts, you can make a home-style Japanese stir-fry that’s ready in minutes and perfect for busy days.

Table of Contents

Overview

Stir-fried Pork with Bell Peppers (豚肉とピーマンの炒め物) is a popular home-cooked dish in Japan. It’s similar to the famous Chinese-style Chinjao Rosu (青椒肉絲), but this version uses minced pork instead of sliced meat. That change makes it easier, faster, and just as tasty.

This dish brings together the tender texture of pork, the crispness of bell peppers, and the juicy freshness of bean sprouts—all coated in a light, savory sauce. The combination of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce gives it a pleasant aroma that fills your kitchen.

• Cooking Time: About 15 minutes
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Perfect For: Quick dinners, lunch boxes, or a side dish for rice

Japanese Stir-fry (豚肉とピーマンの炒め物) @JapanDishes

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Essential Ingredients

Let’s look at the simple ingredients that make this dish shine.

Main Ingredients

• Minced Pork (200g):
  The heart of this dish. Using minced pork allows the flavors to blend easily with the seasonings. It cooks fast and stays tender when coated with potato starch. You can also substitute minced chicken or beef if you prefer.
• Bell Peppers (2 pieces):
  Bright green bell peppers add a refreshing, slightly bitter taste that balances the richness of the pork. You can mix in red or yellow peppers for color and sweetness.
• Bean Sprouts (100g):
  Bean sprouts add crunch and freshness. They cook quickly and absorb the sauce beautifully.

Seasonings and Sauce

For Marinating Pork:

• Salt and pepper – to bring out the flavor of the meat.
• 2 teaspoons of sake (cooking wine) – helps remove odor and tenderize the pork.
• 2 teaspoons of potato starch – keeps the pork juicy and adds a glossy finish.

For Stir-Fry Sauce:

• 2 teaspoons sake – enhances umami.
• 1 teaspoon chicken stock base – deepens flavor.
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce – adds saltiness and color.
• 3cm garlic paste – gives aromatic depth.
• 3cm ginger paste – adds warmth and brightness.

Other:

• ½ tablespoon sesame oil – for cooking and aroma.
• Salt, pepper, and coarsely ground black pepper – for final seasoning.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• No bean sprouts? Use shredded cabbage or thinly sliced onions instead.
• No sake? Use white wine or mirin (sweet rice wine).
• No chicken stock? Replace it with vegetable broth or a pinch of salt and sugar.
• Prefer less spice? Reduce the garlic and ginger to taste.

This flexibility makes the recipe easy to adjust for your taste or what you have at home.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pork

In a bowl, mix minced pork with a pinch of salt and pepper and 2 teaspoons of sake. Massage gently to season evenly. Then add 2 teaspoons of potato starch and mix again. This step keeps the pork moist and prevents it from drying out during cooking.

Step 2: Cut the Vegetables

Slice the green bell peppers into thin 5mm strips. Rinse the bean sprouts under cold water and drain well. Keeping them dry helps them stay crispy when stir-fried.

Step 3: Heat the Pan

Add ½ tablespoon of sesame oil to a frying pan and warm it over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned pork. Stir-fry until the pork changes color and begins to brown lightly. Break up any clumps so the meat cooks evenly.

Step 4: Add the Vegetables

When the pork is almost cooked, toss in the sliced bell peppers. Stir-fry for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Don’t overcook them—keeping a slight crunch makes the dish taste fresher.

Step 5: Add Bean Sprouts and Sauce

Add the bean sprouts, followed by all the (B) ingredients: 2 teaspoons sake, 1 teaspoon chicken stock, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 3cm garlic paste, and 3cm ginger paste. Stir everything quickly for about 1 minute, letting the sauce coat the ingredients evenly.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Finally, add salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of coarsely ground black pepper. Mix gently, then transfer to a plate. Serve hot with steamed rice for a balanced meal.

Secrets to Success and Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan. Stir-frying works best with high heat and space. Too many ingredients at once can make them steam instead of fry.
• Keep everything ready. Stir-frying is fast-paced, so have all your ingredients prepped before heating the pan.
• Use potato starch properly. It locks in the meat’s juices and helps create a smooth coating that blends beautifully with the sauce.
• Balance flavor and texture. The key to Japanese stir-fries is harmony—soft meat, crisp vegetables, and a sauce that ties everything together without being too heavy.

For an authentic touch, use a well-seasoned wok or a non-stick pan to maintain even heat and a slightly smoky aroma known as wok hei.

Japanese Stir-fry (豚肉とピーマンの炒め物) @JapanDishes

Assembly and Presentation

When your stir-fry is ready, serve it immediately while hot. Arrange it neatly on a shallow Japanese-style plate so that the bright green peppers and golden pork stand out. Sprinkle a bit of black pepper on top for color contrast.

You can also serve it over warm rice in a donburi bowl to make a complete meal called “Pork and Pepper Rice Bowl.”

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers:

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a frying pan or microwave for 1 minute. Add a splash of water or soy sauce to refresh the flavor.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the bean sprouts and peppers can lose texture.

For meal prep, you can marinate the pork ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day. When ready to cook, simply stir-fry it with fresh vegetables.

Recipe Variations

Here are some creative ways to enjoy this dish in new ways:

1. Spicy Version: Add chili oil or sliced red chili for a kick.
2. Sweet Soy Flavor: Mix 1 teaspoon of oyster sauce or hoisin sauce into the B mixture.
3. Vegetarian Option: Substitute minced pork with tofu crumbles or mushrooms.
4. Colorful Mix: Add red and yellow bell peppers for a vibrant presentation.
5. Egg Addition: Stir in a lightly beaten egg at the end for a richer flavor.

You can also serve this as part of a Japanese meal set with miso soup, pickled vegetables, and steamed rice for a complete home-style experience.

Health Benefits

Stir-fried Pork with Bell Peppers is not just tasty—it’s also nutritious.

• Protein: Pork provides high-quality protein for muscle health.
• Vitamins: Bell peppers are rich in vitamin C, which supports the immune system.
• Low Carb: The dish is light and fits easily into a balanced diet.
• Low Fat Cooking: Using sesame oil and quick stir-frying keeps the dish healthy without deep-frying.

This makes it a smart choice for anyone who wants a quick, satisfying, and wholesome meal.

Conclusion

Stir-fried Pork with Bell Peppers (豚肉とピーマンの炒め物) shows how simplicity can create true comfort. With just a few ingredients and less than 15 minutes, you can make a dish that looks beautiful, tastes amazing, and brings a bit of Japanese warmth to your table.

So next time you need a quick dinner, skip the takeout—try this easy stir-fry instead. You’ll love how fresh and flavorful it feels, especially when served with a warm bowl of rice.

If you enjoy this recipe, explore other delicious Japanese dishes like Harumaki (Japanese Spring Rolls) or Fried Gyoza (Japanese Potstickers).

And for travel inspiration, check out the beautiful gardens and light shows at Nabana no Sato a perfect place to dream about while enjoying your home-cooked Japanese meal!

FAQs

Q1. Can I use sliced pork instead of minced pork?
Yes. Thinly sliced pork or pork strips work perfectly. Just marinate and cook the same way.

Q2. What can I use instead of bell peppers?
You can substitute them with zucchini, carrots, or thinly sliced green beans for a similar crunch.

Q3. Is this dish spicy?
No, it’s mild. But you can add chili paste or chili oil if you prefer some heat.

Q4. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes. Replace the pork with firm tofu, mushrooms, or soy meat and follow the same steps.

Q5. How can I keep the vegetables crisp?
Cook them briefly at high heat and don’t overcrowd the pan. Stir quickly to retain their texture.

Q6. Can I prepare it ahead of time for lunch boxes?
Yes. It stays tasty even when cold, making it a great bento dish.

Q7. What does this dish pair well with?
Serve it with white rice, miso soup, or pickled cucumbers for a classic Japanese meal.