Stir-fried ground pork is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that can be prepared with simple ingredients. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or when you crave something hearty and nutritious.
The recipe in this article combines ground pork with fresh vegetables, aromatics, and seasonings to create a well-balanced dish that pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or even lettuce wraps.
1. Ground Pork Stir Fry Recipe
Ingredients
- 8-12 oz ground pork (½-¾ lb)
- 1 ½ cups button mushrooms, sliced (any variety works)
- ½ medium onion, cut into wedges or diced
- 1 cup carrots, julienned, matchstick-cut, or grated
- 3 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 4 cups chopped leafy greens ( You can use bok choy, spinach, kale, collard greens, or chard)
- 3 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce, divided (For Paleo, use 2 tbsp coconut aminos + 1 tbsp fish sauce)
- ½ tablespoon vinegar (rice wine vinegar, white vinegar, or apple cider vinegar)
- ¼-½ teaspoon cayenne powder or red pepper flakes
- Garnish: sesame seeds and chopped green onions
Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients
Before cooking, chop all vegetables, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger. Having everything ready ensures a smooth and quick cooking process.
Step 2. Cook the Ground Pork
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add a splash of oil (such as sesame or avocado oil) and then add the ground pork.
Break the pork apart with a spatula and cook until it’s browned and slightly crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
Once fully cooked, remove the pork with a slotted spoon and set it aside.
Step 3. Sauté the Aromatics & Vegetables
In the same pan, add another small drizzle of oil if needed. Next, toss in the onions, mushrooms, and carrots, stirring frequently. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly. Then add the garlic and ginger, stirring for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Step 4. Combine Everything & Add Seasonings
Return the cooked pork to the pan.
Pour in 2 tablespoons of tamari/soy sauce and vinegar, stirring well to coat everything. Sprinkle in cayenne powder or red pepper flakes for heat.
Add the chopped leafy greens, stirring until they wilt down, about 2 minutes. Taste and adjust with the remaining 1 tablespoon of tamari/soy sauce if needed.
Step 5. Garnish & Serve
Transfer the stir fry to a serving dish. Next, sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for garnish. Serve ground pork stir fried with your favorite side dishes.
2. Tips for a Perfect Stir-Fried Ground Pork
Use High Heat
Cooking on high heat ensures the pork gets crispy and that the vegetables retain their crunch. A wok works best, but a large skillet will do.
Grate the Ginger & Garlic Fresh
Freshly grated ginger and garlic provide a more robust flavor than pre-minced versions.
Adjust Seasonings to Your Taste
For a bolder taste, add a dash of hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, or a drizzle of sesame oil at the end.
Make It Spicy or Mild
If you love heat, add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha. For a milder version, reduce the spice level.
Swap the Greens
Spinach wilts quickly, while kale and collard greens hold their texture better. Choose based on your preference.
3. What to Eat with Stir-Fried Ground Pork
This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with various sides. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy it:
Steamed Rice
Fluffy white or brown rice soaks up the flavorful sauce, making it a classic choice. I personally love jasmine rice for its fragrant aroma.
Noodles
Serve the stir fry over rice noodles, soba, or even ramen for a delicious noodle bowl. Adding a soft-boiled egg on top makes it extra special.
Lettuce Wraps
For a low-carb option, scoop the savory pork mixture into lettuce leaves like butter lettuce or romaine. The crispness of the lettuce balances the rich flavors of the stir-fry.
Quinoa or Cauliflower Rice
If you’re aiming for a healthier alternative, quinoa or cauliflower rice is a fantastic substitute for traditional rice.
Egg Rolls or Dumplings
Pairing this dish with crispy egg rolls or dumplings creates a satisfying meal, especially if you’re serving it for guests.
Fried Rice
Leftovers can be turned into fried rice by stir-frying the pork mixture with day-old rice and scrambled eggs.
This stir-fried ground pork recipe is one of my go-to meals because it’s quick, packed with nutrients, and incredibly customizable. The combination of tender pork, crisp vegetables, and savory seasonings makes it a dish that never gets boring.
If you’re looking for a meal that delivers bold flavors with minimal effort, this ground pork stir-fry is a must-try. Give it a shot, experiment with your favorite veggies, and enjoy a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious!
