15-Minute Garlic Pepper Pork Stir-Fry (Moo Gratiem)

Praew August 4, 2023 0 Comments

Enjoy tender pieces of pork stir-fried to perfection with garlic and black pepper.

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This garlic pepper pork recipe, better known as “moo gratiem” in Thailand, comes together in just 15 minutes. It’s a quick and easy stir-fry that’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

Thai garlic pepper pork stir-fry in a blue-white bowl with a lime wedge on a white background. There's also a rice basket with sticky rice and a banana leaf.

Table of Contents

What is garlic pepper pork

In Thailand, we refer to this pork stir-fry as “moo tod gratiem prik Thai”.

Stir-fried pork with garlic and pepper is a staple at many street food stalls, but it has also taken its spot on the menus of countless Thai restaurants. It’s easy to whip up, with an irresistible layer of fried garlic.

Close-up of garlic pepper pork stir-fry topped with crispy fried garlic in a blue and white bowl. In the distance is a sticky rice basket with white rice.

For me and many Thai children, this dish is a childhood memory.

It has a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and garlicky. It isn’t focused on spiciness, but rather a gentle heat of pepper.

And that’s why this is the perfect dish to add to your weekly dinner rotation, it’s the perfect family dinner!

A simple combination of light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, white sugar and a sprinkle of flavor seasoning give the pork umami, sweetness, and a salty flavor.

Right side of a blue-white bowl with stir-fried garlic pepper pork garnished with cilantro, and a lime wedge. There's also a clove of garlic, chili peppers, and a rice basket.

The duo of garlic and coriander root adds flavor and depth, while black pepper adds a subtle hint of spice.

How to customize this recipe

The beauty of Thai food is how versatile it is, and this recipe is a great example.

Close-up of stir-fried pork with garlic and pepper in a blue-white bowl with a lime wedge. There's also a banana leaf with chili peppers and a purple flower.

Feel free to experiment with different flavors. Other recipes might call for fish sauce or other Asian seasonings.
This Thai pork garlic pepper stir-fry can be made with other protein as well. In our former Thai restaurant, we had “gai tod kratiem prik Thai” on the menu, which is the same dish but with chicken. You can also add seafood such as shrimp or squid, beef, or tofu for a vegetarian version.
For extra spiciness, add chopped chilies or garnish with red chili flakes. Additionally, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like coriander or mint can add a refreshing flavor.

Crispy fried garlic

One of my favorite toppings for garlic pepper pork is crispy fried garlic.

It adds an irresistible crunch and extra garlic flavor. It’s easy to whip up in a pan, simply make a generous batch of fried garlic and save some for later.

The garlic-scented oil can be stored for later as well. This oil transforms anything you fry in it into a garlic-infused delight!

Crispy fried garlic in a black spoon on a wooden cutting board.

Ingredients

For the exact measurements, please scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

Pork meat – Slice the pork into thin slices, this will speed up the cooking time. Pork tenderloin, pork loin, pork shoulders, or pork sirloin are great cuts for this recipe.
Oyster sauce – This sauce is savory and umami-rich. It’s often used in stir-fries or meat marinades in Southeast Asian cuisine.
Light soy sauce – Used in Asian cooking for a salty flavor.
Dark soy sauce (not pictured) – As I approached the final stage of stir-frying, I noticed the pork needed an extra touch of color. I added some dark soy sauce, which we often use to darken the color of our dishes. This is the beauty of intuitive cooking, you can craft delicious meals on the go.
Flavor seasoning – Rosdee is a Thai brand of flavor seasoning, which is used to add extra flavor to food. Golden mountain seasoning sauce can be used as a substitute.
Coriander root – Brings a pungent and peppery flavor.
White sugar – Can be substituted with palm sugar or brown sugar for a healthier meal.
Black pepper – Alternatively, you can use black peppercorns and crush them with a mortar and pestle.
Garlic – Use as much garlic as you’d like!

How to cook garlic pepper pork

When I’m cooking this pepper garlic pork stir-fry, I cook it on intuition. Cooking Thai food is about taste testing as you go, and finding the balance of flavors while making your meal.

Total Time: 10 minutes

Heat a non-stick wok or skillet over medium-high heat and add oil. Stir-fry the garlic, coriander root, and add a few twists of black pepper. Cook until the garlic turns fragrant and golden, or 20 seconds.
Add the slices of pork meat and cook until around 80 percent cooked through.
Add oyster sauce, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and flavor seasonings. Stir-fry until pork is cooked through, and ensure you coat each slice of pork with the sauce. Serve immediately with a portion of white rice.

How to serve

This meal can be enjoyed for dinner or as a side-dish with other food.

Serve it alongside steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice. Additionally, you can add fresh vegetables like long beans or Thai eggplants, and don’t hesitate to add a touch of spice with red chili flakes. Sprinkle black pepper and crispy fried garlic for extra taste.

Optionally, serve with a lime wedge, and garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or chopped green onions.

How to store

To store your leftovers, let the dish cool down to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in your refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days.

To freeze: store in your freezer in freezer-safe bags or container. Thaw in your fridge overnight.

To reheat: Use the microwave or a non-stick pan on the stove top, if needed, add a splash of oil.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ’s)

Can I make this with tofu?

Yes, simply substitute the pork with tofu and adjust the cooking time accordingly. For a complete vegetarian meal, sub oyster sauce with mushroom soy sauce.

Is this a spicy meal?

This meal has a subtle hint of spice since it’s made with black pepper. To make it spicier, you can add fresh chili peppers or chili flakes.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, this recipe is not suited for a gluten-free diet.

More Thai stir-fry recipes you’ll love

Gai pad king – Thai ginger chicken with mushrooms.
Pad kra pao moo – A Thai street food delight with minced pork.
Beef pad see ew – Fresh rice noodles with beef, coated in a delicious sauce.
Stir-fried Thai beef and broccoli.

Did you fall in love with this garlic pepper pork recipe? I’d be thrilled if you would leave a star rating and/or a comment below! And if you’re craving more Thai recipes like this one, make sure to subscribe to my newsletter.

Print Recipe

15-Minute Garlic Pepper Pork Stir-Fry (Moo Gratiem)

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 5 min Cook Time 10 min Total Time 15 mins

Servings: 1 Calories: 639

Description

This delicious recipe for garlic pepper pork comes together in no more than 15 minutes.

Instructions

Heat a non-stick wok or skillet over medium-high heat and add oil. Stir-fry the garlic, coriander root, and add a few twists of black pepper. Cook until the garlic turns fragrant and golden, or 20 seconds.
Add the slices of pork meat and cook until around 80 percent cooked through.
Add oyster sauce, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and flavor seasonings. Stir-fry until pork is cooked through, and ensure you coat each slice of pork with the sauce. Serve immediately with a portion of white rice.