Easy Ground Pork Stir Fry

This easy ground pork stir fry packs a punch with savory flavors, crisp veggies, and tender meat over rice. It’s one of those ground pork dinner ideas that comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights when you’re short on time but craving something hearty. Drawing from Asian-inspired pork mince recipes, it uses simple ingredients you probably have on hand. Whether you’re new to cooking with ground pork or a pro, this dish turns basic staples into a restaurant-worthy meal. Trust me, it’ll become a staple in your rotation too.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This ground pork stir fry is lightning-fast, clocking in at just 25 minutes of active cooking. No need for fancy tools or rare spices—it’s all about everyday pantry items coming together for big flavor.

It’s super versatile. Swap in whatever veggies you’ve got lurking in the fridge, making it one of the best healthy ground pork recipes out there. And let’s not forget the crowd-pleasing factor; even picky eaters in my house devour it.

It’s nutritious too, loaded with protein, fiber, and vitamins from the greens and carrots. If you’re into quick pork stir fry recipes, this one’s a winner for balancing taste and health without the hassle.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Diet: Can be gluten-free (use tamari), Paleo-friendly with swaps

This recipe scales up easily if you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. It’s budget-friendly too, since ground pork is often cheaper than other meats but just as versatile in pork mince dinner ideas.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these simple items for your ground pork meal. I love how flexible this list is—feel free to tweak based on what’s in season or on sale.

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked brown rice (or white rice if you prefer quicker cooking)
• 1.5-2 cups water (for cooking the rice)
• 8-12 oz ground pork (about ½-¾ lb; lean or regular works)
• 1 ½ cups sliced mushrooms (shiitake for extra umami, but button mushrooms are fine)
• ½ medium onion, sliced into wedges or diced
• 1 cup carrots, julienned or grated
• 3 Tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chopped leafy greens (like bok choy, spinach, or kale)

Sauce and Seasonings

• 3 Tablespoons tamari or soy sauce, divided (for Paleo, use 2 Tbsp coconut aminos and 1 Tbsp fish sauce)
• ½ Tablespoon vinegar (rice wine, apple cider, or white)
• ¼-½ teaspoon cayenne powder or red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level)

Garnishes

• Sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions

These ingredients make for a balanced, flavorful dish. Ground pork absorbs the ginger and garlic beautifully, turning it into one of those savory ground pork recipes for dinner that feels gourmet.

Pro tip: If you’re watching sodium, opt for low-sodium soy sauce. This keeps it healthy without losing that punchy taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s dive in. I’ll walk you through this easy ground pork stir fry like I’m right there in your kitchen. Keep things moving—stir fries love high heat!

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Start by rinsing your brown rice 2-4 times under cold water. This removes excess starch for fluffier results. Add it to a pot with 1.5-2 cups water, cover, and bring to a boil.

Once boiling, reduce to a simmer for 25 minutes. Turn off the heat and let it steam for 10 more minutes. Fluff with a fork when done. If you’re in a rush, use microwaveable rice packets—they work great in quick dinner recipes with ground pork.

Step 2: Brown the Pork

Heat a large pan or wok over high heat. Add the ground pork and let it sit undisturbed for a few minutes to get that nice caramelized crust. Flip and repeat until it’s browned but not fully cooked.

Stir in 1 Tablespoon of soy sauce or tamari. Break up the meat as it cooks through, getting those crispy bits. Remove from the pan and set aside. This step builds flavor, key in tasty pork mince meals.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

Lower the heat to medium-high. Drain excess fat from the pan, leaving about 1 Tablespoon (or add oil if your pork was lean). Toss in the onions and mushrooms.

Cook until the mushrooms brown and release their moisture, about 5 minutes. Add the carrots next and stir for another 5 minutes. If using grated carrots, hold off—they cook faster.

Step 4: Add Aromatics and Greens

Now for the magic: Stir in the grated ginger, minced garlic, cayenne or red pepper flakes, vinegar, and another Tablespoon of soy sauce. Throw in the leafy greens.

Cook just until the greens wilt, about 2-3 minutes. Don’t overdo it—you want them vibrant and crisp. Mix the pork back in and taste. Add the last Tablespoon of sauce if needed.

Step 5: Serve It Up

Spoon the stir fry over your cooked rice. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions for that fresh pop. Boom—dinner’s ready!

These steps are straightforward, making it ideal for beginners exploring ground pork dinner ideas. The whole process flows like a breeze.

Helpful Tips

I’ve made this dozens of times, and here’s what I’ve learned. First, grate your ginger fresh—it makes a world of difference over powdered stuff. Peel it with a spoon for ease.

If your pan gets too dry, a splash of water or broth keeps things from sticking without adding oil. For extra heat, amp up the cayenne; my family loves it spicy.

Try prepping veggies ahead to shave off time. And if you’re using frozen greens, thaw them first to avoid sogginess. These little tricks turn good into great in healthy ground pork recipes.

One more: Don’t crowd the pan when browning the pork. It steams instead of sears if you do. Patience pays off with better texture.

How to Serve

Serve this ground pork stir fry hot over steamed rice for a complete meal. It’s fantastic on its own, but pair it with a simple side salad or steamed edamame for more veggies.

For fun twists, wrap it in lettuce leaves for low-carb pork lettuce wraps. Or top with a fried egg for breakfast vibes. It’s versatile enough for family dinners or casual get-togethers.

Kids in the house? Let them build their own bowls—it makes eating veggies exciting. This dish shines in easy pork stir fry recipes, always hitting the spot.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers? No problem. Cool the stir fry completely, then store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Rice stores separately to avoid sogginess.

To reheat, zap in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. Or warm in a skillet with a dash of water to refresh the flavors.

Freezing works too—portion into freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat. It’s a lifesaver for meal prep in ground pork meal ideas.

Just note: Veggies might soften a bit after freezing, but the taste holds up well.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (based on 4 servings), this recipe delivers solid nutrition without feeling heavy.

Calories: 370 kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 17g
Fat: 14g (Saturated: 5g, Polyunsaturated: 2g, Monounsaturated: 6g)
Cholesterol: 41mg
Sodium: 839mg
Potassium: 753mg
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 3g

It’s packed with vitamins like A (8200 IU), C (13mg), and K (149µg), plus minerals such as iron (3mg) and magnesium (119mg). A great option for balanced, nutritious ground pork dinners.

These numbers can vary slightly based on exact ingredients, but it’s generally a wholesome choice.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of pork?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well for a leaner twist. Just add a bit more oil if it’s too dry, as pork has natural fat for flavor in these recipes.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if you use tamari instead of soy sauce. It’s naturally adaptable for gluten-free ground pork stir fry ideas.

How spicy is it?

Mild to medium, depending on your cayenne amount. Start low and add more—easy to customize for family dinners.

Can I make it ahead?

Prep the veggies and sauce in advance. Cook fresh for best texture, but it reheats like a champ.

What if I don’t have fresh ginger?

Ground ginger works in a pinch—use half the amount. But fresh is best for that zing in Asian pork mince recipes.

Conclusion

This ground pork stir fry is a quick, comforting, and versatile dinner that brings bold flavors to your table with minimal effort. It’s healthy, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy nights. Save it for your go-to meals, experiment with different veggies, or try new ground pork recipes. Give it a shot tonight and share your tweaks in the comments—I’d love to hear how it turned out!