Description
This Irresistibly Juicy Ginger Lime Pork recipe pairs flavorful ground pork cooked with fresh ginger, garlic, scallions, and a tangy-sweet lime and sriracha sauce. Served over creamy coconut rice and garnished with crushed peanuts, fresh herbs, and lime wedges, this dish delivers a vibrant, fragrant, and satisfying meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Ginger Lime Pork
- 1 pound ground pork
- 3 tablespoons scallions, sliced thin (use white parts for cooking, green parts for garnish)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil (preferably grapeseed oil)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Coconut Rice
- 1 cup rice (jasmine or long-grain preferred)
- 1 cup coconut milk (for extra flavor and creaminess)
- Water as needed according to rice cooking method
Optional Garnishes
- Crushed peanuts
- Extra lime wedges
- Fresh herbs (cilantro, mint, Thai basil)
Instructions
- Prepare Coconut Rice: Start by cooking rice using your preferred stovetop or slow cooker method. For additional flavor, substitute part or all of the cooking liquid with coconut milk, which provides a creamy and fragrant base that complements the pork.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the grapeseed oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the white parts of the scallions, minced garlic, and ginger. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, ensuring they do not burn, which would impart bitterness.
- Cook Pork: Add the ground pork to the pan. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat and stir occasionally. Continue cooking until the pork loses its pink color, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the brown sugar, fresh lime juice, and sriracha. Mix well to evenly coat the pork in the sticky, flavorful sauce.
- Caramelize Pork: Allow the pork to cook undisturbed for 2 minutes to form a caramelized crust. Then gently stir and let cook undisturbed for an additional 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor and texture.
- Season: Taste the pork and adjust the flavor with salt, freshly ground black pepper, or a splash of fish sauce if desired. This step ensures the balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors is perfect.
- Serve: Spoon the ginger lime pork over a bed of hot coconut rice. Garnish with crushed peanuts, extra lime wedges, and fresh herbs for a burst of freshness and texture. Serve immediately to enjoy the full vibrancy of the dish.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh ginger and garlic to maximize flavor.
- Adjust sriracha amount based on your heat preference.
- Substitute pork with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
- Using coconut milk in the rice elevates the dish but can be omitted to reduce calories.
- Adding fish sauce during seasoning adds umami, but it is optional.
- This dish can be quickly doubled to serve more guests.
