Ground pork is a versatile ingredient that can transform any meal into a flavorful delight. From juicy burgers to hearty stir-fries, it offers endless possibilities for delicious dinners. Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy, sweet, or savory, these 25 easy ground pork recipes will inspire your next culinary adventure. Get ready to enjoy simple dishes that pack a punch of flavor and satisfy any craving.
Steps
- Begin by cooking the rice according to the package instructions. If using a pot, rinse the rice several times before placing it in the pot. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 25 minutes, and let it steam off the heat for an additional 10 minutes.
- Heat a large pan or wok over high heat, add the ground pork, and allow it to cook undisturbed until it’s browned on the bottom. Flip and repeat on the other side, then add soy sauce and break up the meat, cooking until fully browned.
- Remove the pork from the pan and set it aside. Reduce the heat to medium-high, drain excess oil, but leave enough to cook the vegetables, adding more oil if necessary.
- Sauté the onions and mushrooms in the pan until the mushrooms have browned. Add the carrots and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or add them with the leafy greens if grated.
- Add ginger, garlic, cayenne powder, rice vinegar, and soy sauce, along with the leafy greens. Cook until the greens are wilted, then mix back in the cooked meat.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired, adding more soy sauce if needed. Serve the stir fry over the prepared rice and enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked brown rice
- 1.5-2 cups water
- 8-12 oz ground pork or beef (or other ground meat), ½-¾ lb
- 1 ½ cups mushrooms, sliced
- ½ medium onion, sliced into wedges or diced
- 1 cup carrots, julienned or grated
- 3 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 4 cups chopped leafy greens (such as bok choy, spinach, kale, collards, chard)
- 3 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce, divided (or 2 tablespoons coconut aminos and 1 tablespoon fish sauce for Paleo)
- ½ tablespoon rice vinegar (or white or apple cider vinegar)
- ¼ – ½ teaspoon cayenne powder or red pepper flakes
- Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1480 kcal | Carbohydrates: 180g | Protein: 68g | Fat: 56g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 24g | Cholesterol: 164mg | Sodium: 3356mg | Potassium: 3012mg | Fiber: 16g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 32800 IU | Vitamin B1: 4mg | Vitamin B2: 1.6mg | Vitamin B3: 28mg | Vitamin B5: 8mg | Vitamin B6: 4mg | Vitamin B12: 1.6µg | Vitamin C: 52mg | Vitamin D: 0.4µg | Vitamin E: 4mg | Vitamin K: 596µg | Calcium: 300mg | Copper: 1.6mg | Folate: 352µg | Iron: 12mg | Manganese: 8mg | Magnesium: 476mg | Phosphorus: 1232mg | Selenium: 72µg | Zinc: 12mg | Choline: 92mg
FAQ
- Can I substitute ground pork with another type of meat in this stir fry?
- Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or beef in place of ground pork. If using a leaner meat like turkey or chicken, you may need to add a bit of oil to prevent it from sticking during cooking.
- What vegetables can I use in this ground pork stir fry recipe?
- The recipe is versatile, so you can use a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, green beans, broccoli, or any leftover veggies you have in your fridge. Feel free to swap out any vegetables you don’t prefer.
- How can I make this dish gluten-free or paleo-friendly?
- To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce. For a paleo-friendly version, replace soy sauce with coconut aminos and fish sauce, and serve the stir fry over cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables instead of rice.
- What are some tips for cooking perfect brown rice for this recipe?
- A useful method is to use your fingers to measure the water level. Place your three middle fingers flat on top of the rice, and fill the water up to the first knuckle of your middle finger. Bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 25 minutes, and let steam off the heat for 10 minutes.
- How can I make this stir fry healthier?
- To enhance the healthiness, use high-quality pork, mix with ground turkey or chicken for leaner meat, add more vegetables, soak rice overnight for better digestion, and cook rice in bone broth for added nutrients.
Tips
- Brown the Pork First: Ensure you brown the ground pork on one side before breaking it up. This creates a Maillard reaction, adding a depth of flavor to the dish.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap out any vegetables you don’t like with those you prefer. This recipe is versatile, allowing for additions like bell peppers, broccoli, or even shrimp.
- Enhance Flavor with Extras: Consider adding ingredients like fish sauce, sriracha, or sesame oil to boost the flavor profile of your stir fry.
- Use the Finger Method for Rice: To measure water for cooking rice, place your three middle fingers flat on top of the rice and add water until it reaches the first knuckle of your middle finger. This method helps achieve perfectly cooked rice without the need for precise measurements.
Equipment
- Wok or Large Skillet – Essential for stir-frying and cooking the pork and vegetables.
- Rice Cooker – Useful for cooking rice perfectly every time; recommended in the recipe.
- Grease Saver or Grease Bags – For safely disposing of or saving cooking grease.
