How to Make Easy Pork Fried Rice: A Flavorful 30-Minute Dinner
A speedy, flavorful dinner that transforms kitchen staples into a satisfying feast.
Easy Pork Fried Rice: The Ultimate 30-Minute Family Meal
If you’re searching for a quick, satisfying weeknight meal that everyone will love, look no further than pork fried rice. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is a lifesaver for those busy evenings when you need dinner on the table fast and tasty. Using leftover or frozen rice, ground pork, and convenient freezer veggies, you can serve a restaurant-worthy fried rice right at home.
Why Pork Fried Rice is a Weeknight Hero
Pork fried rice isn’t just fast—it’s flexible, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor. The dish comes together in one skillet and makes smart use of kitchen staples, including pre-cooked rice and frozen vegetables, to save prep time. Combined with a savory sauce and light, fluffy scrambled eggs, this meal quickly becomes a family favorite.
- Time-saving: Takes 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Versatile: Adaptable with whatever vegetables or proteins you have on hand.
- Great for leftovers: A perfect use for cold rice and stray fridge veggies.
- One-pan meal: Less cleanup and maximum flavor in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Toasted sesame oil | 1 Tbsp. | For rich, nutty flavor |
| Green onions | 3 (thinly sliced, dark green parts separated) | Divide: whites for frying, greens for garnish |
| Ground pork | 1 lb. | Main protein |
| Fresh ginger (minced) | 1 Tbsp. | For aromatic depth |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves | Classic flavor base |
| Cooked white rice (frozen or leftover, thawed) | 3 cups | Day-old is best for texture |
| Frozen mixed vegetables | 1 (16 oz.) bag, thawed | Peas, carrots, corn, green beans |
| Low-sodium soy sauce | 1/3 cup | Savory seasoning |
| Oyster sauce | 3 Tbsp. | Rich, umami flavor |
| Eggs | 4 large | Lightly whisked |
| Kosher salt | 1/2 tsp. | For eggs |
| Vegetable oil | 1 Tbsp. | For frying eggs |
| Red pepper flakes | 1 tsp. | Optional, for heat |
Step-by-Step Directions
- Sauté Aromatics & Ground Pork
In a large deep skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium-high. Add the white and light green parts of the green onions. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the ground pork, ginger, and garlic. Break apart the pork and cook until no longer pink, about 5–6 minutes.
- Add Rice & Veggies
Stir in the rice, thawed mixed vegetables, and 1/4 cup water. Cook, stirring constantly, until everything is warmed through and the water has evaporated, about 2 minutes. Add the soy sauce and oyster sauce. Mix well and keep cooking for 4–5 minutes until the rice is heated and no longer wet.
- Scramble the Eggs
Whisk eggs with salt in a bowl. Push the rice mixture to the outer edges of the skillet, creating space in the center. Drop the heat to medium. Add vegetable oil to the center, then add eggs. Let sit undisturbed for about 1 minute. Then, gently scrape and stir until just cooked through. Fold eggs into the rice and pork mixture.
- Finish & Serve
Divide fried rice among serving bowls. Top with red pepper flakes for a little heat and scatter over reserved dark green onion slices for freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy your speedy, comforting dinner!
Pro Tips for Perfect Pork Fried Rice
- Use cold, day-old rice: Cold rice fries up better than freshly cooked rice, preventing it from getting mushy.
- Thaw frozen rice fully: If using frozen cooked rice, microwave in short bursts until just thawed, but still cool to the touch.
- High heat = crispier rice: For even browning and that signature fried flavor, give your skillet time to heat up before adding ingredients.
- Prep all ingredients before cooking: Fried rice comes together fast, so have everything ready before you start.
- Customize your veggies: Add diced broccoli, onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrients. If using raw, sauté with the onions in the first step.
Fried Rice Variations & Add-ons
The beauty of homemade fried rice is in how easily it adapts to what you have on hand. Here are a few inspiration ideas:
- Alternate Proteins: Swap ground pork for shredded chicken, diced ham, tofu, shrimp, or leftover steak.
- Flavor Boosters: Finish with a drizzle of chili oil or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
- Extra Veggies: Stir in snap peas, spinach, shredded cabbage, or diced zucchini for an added veggie punch.
- Rice Options: Brown rice, jasmine rice, or even cauliflower ‘rice’ work well for different textures and nutrition profiles.
- Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes or toss in sriracha or hot sauce for more heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What other vegetables can I add to pork fried rice?
Almost any vegetables will work! Great options include diced broccoli, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, snap peas, or spinach. If your veggies are raw, add them at the beginning to give them time to soften.
Can I use fresh rice instead of leftover?
You can, but it’s best to cool freshly cooked rice quickly by spreading it on a tray and refrigerating for at least 30 minutes. This prevents mushy fried rice.
How long does pork fried rice keep in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, leftovers remain fresh for up to three days. Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through.
Can I freeze pork fried rice?
Yes, fried rice freezes well. Cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers. Reheat from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What’s the best way to reheat fried rice?
For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water until hot. The microwave also works for quick reheating.
What others are reading
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in a shallow, airtight container to cool rapidly and maintain freshness.
- Reheating: Add a splash of water before reheating in a skillet to refresh moisture and prevent dryness. Microwave in short bursts, stirring between each.
- Freezing: Portion out cooled fried rice into zip-top bags or containers. Label and freeze for up to 2 months.
Serving Suggestions
Pork fried rice is a filling, all-in-one meal, but it pairs well with simple sides for a fuller spread:
- Asian cucumber salad
- Quick sautéed bok choy or greens
- Steamed or roasted broccoli florets
- Crispy spring rolls or dumplings
- Hot sauce or chili oil drizzle
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Tips
- Batch Cooking: Double the recipe for extra portions—fried rice is an excellent meal-prep dish for lunches or busy nights.
- Prep Ingredients Ahead: Thaw and measure veggies, dice aromatics, and scramble eggs the morning of to speed up dinnertime assembly.
More Recipes To Try Next
- Ground Pork Stir-Fry: Use any leftover pork for a fast Asian-inspired stir fry.
- Chicken Fried Rice: Swap pork for chicken for a lighter, leaner fried rice.
- Vegetable Stir-Fry with Rice: A fully vegetarian option packed with fresh and colorful veggies.
- Shrimp Fried Rice: When in the mood for seafood, shrimp is a quick-cooking and flavorful addition.
Frequently Asked Questions: Pork Fried Rice
Q: Can I use brown rice?
A: Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and more fiber. Just cook as you would with white rice.
Q: What’s the secret to restaurant-style fried rice texture?
A: Using cold, day-old rice and cooking quickly over high heat, plus letting the rice sit in the hot pan for a minute or two without stirring, creates just the right crispness.
Q: What protein can I substitute for pork?
A: Try chicken, shrimp, tofu, or diced ham as delicious alternatives.
Q: Is pork fried rice gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free soy sauce and confirm your oyster sauce is wheat-free to make the dish gluten-free.
Q: How can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Omit pork and double the veggies or add tofu for protein.
Recipe Card: Pork Fried Rice
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
20 minutes
Total Time:
30 minutes
Yield:
4 servings
Summary
Packed with savory pork, tender-crisp veggies, fluffy eggs, and seasoned with soy and oyster sauce, this easy pork fried rice is the answer for busy weeknights. Enjoy its comforting, customizable flavor tonight!
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a46411670/pork-fried-rice-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a10529/pork-chops-with-pineapple-fried-rice/
- https://www.youtube.com/shorts/FZhxo6McHQg
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g46971097/stir-fry-recipes/
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