If you are craving a fast, flavorful dinner that packs a punch of savory goodness, this Ground Pork Stir Fry Recipe is exactly what you need on your weeknight table. Ground pork cooks quickly, soaking up the vibrant notes of soy, ginger, and chili oil while the crisp baby bok choy adds a fresh crunch and splash of color. This dish manages to be both comforting and exciting, making it a top pick for busy evenings or whenever you want something satisfying without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Ground Pork Stir Fry Recipe are straightforward yet each one plays an essential role in balancing flavors and textures. From the tender, well-browned pork to the zingy ginger and the slightly spicy chili oil, every component elevates the dish in its own way.
- Ground pork: Provides a juicy, rich base that absorbs all the delicious seasonings perfectly.
- Neutral oil (canola or safflower): Ensures the pork browns nicely without overpowering the other flavors.
- Yellow onion, diced: Adds natural sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Garlic, minced: Brings a savory aroma that awakens your taste buds.
- Fresh ginger, minced: Adds brightness and a subtle peppery kick to the stir fry.
- Baby bok choy, roughly chopped: Offers a tender, crisp texture and vibrant green color.
- Soy sauce: Delivers a perfectly salty and umami-rich glaze that ties the dish together.
- Rice wine vinegar: Provides a gentle acidity that cuts through the richness.
- Chili oil: Infuses the dish with subtle heat and complexity.
- Green onions, diced: Lends freshness and a mild onion bite as a finishing touch.
- Sesame seeds: Adds a toasty crunch and visual appeal on top.
How to Make Ground Pork Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Pork
Begin by heating a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork and use a spoon or spatula to break it up into small pieces. Cook the pork for approximately 4 to 5 minutes until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. This step is key for building the rich flavor foundation of your stir fry. Once done, remove the pork from the skillet and set it aside to keep the pan clear for the vegetables.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Next, add your neutral oil to the now-empty skillet, letting it heat until shimmering. Toss in the diced yellow onion and cook it for about 3 minutes until it softens and becomes fragrant. Then quickly add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing them for just 30 seconds while stirring continuously. This brief cooking brings out their bold flavors without burning, making your stir fry aromatic and inviting.
Step 3: Combine Pork and Bok Choy
Return the browned ground pork to the skillet and add the chopped baby bok choy. Stir everything well together and let it cook for about 3 minutes. The bok choy will slightly wilt but still hold onto its lovely crunch and fresh green color, which creates a perfect contrast to the tender pork.
Step 4: Add the Flavor Boosters
Now it’s time to add the savory magic: pour in the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and chili oil. Give it a good stir to ensure all the ingredients are coated evenly. Cook for an additional minute, allowing the seasoning to blend and slightly thicken, coating every bit of pork and veggie perfectly.
Step 5: Finish with Green Onions and Sesame Seeds
Take the skillet off the heat and gently fold in the diced green onions, which add a fresh, crisp bite. Finally, sprinkle the sesame seeds over the top for a subtle nutty crunch and pretty presentation. These small touches elevate the dish to restaurant-worthy status easily at home.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Serve this Ground Pork Stir Fry Recipe right away while it’s hot and bursting with flavor. The textures and aromatic flavors are best enjoyed fresh from the skillet for maximum delight.
Step 7: Optional Rice Accompaniment
If you want to make the meal more substantial, simply serve each portion with half a cup of hot cooked rice, which complements the saucy pork beautifully and makes the dish extra comforting.
How to Serve Ground Pork Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes like freshly chopped cilantro, crushed peanuts, or a squeeze of lime juice can add extra dimension to this dish. A drizzle of extra chili oil can also spice things up for those that enjoy heat.
Side Dishes
This stir fry pairs wonderfully with simple steamed jasmine rice or brown rice to soak up the savory sauce. For a vegetable side, consider quick-pickled cucumbers or a crisp Asian cucumber salad for a refreshing counterbalance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the ground pork stir fry wrapped in lettuce cups for a light and handheld option. You could also use it as a filling for steamed buns or top crispy noodles for added crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Ground Pork Stir Fry Recipe to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. This makes for an easy lunch or quick dinner on busy days.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. When freezing, it’s better to exclude fresh garnishes and add those fresh upon reheating to maintain texture.
Reheating
Reheat the stir fry gently in a skillet over medium heat to keep the pork tender and the bok choy crisp. Adding a splash of water if needed will help rehydrate the veggies without making them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of pork?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground pork, but keep in mind they tend to be leaner and may cook more quickly, so watch closely to avoid drying out.
Is this recipe spicy?
The dish has a mild to moderate heat from the chili oil, which you can easily adjust up or down to your taste or omit entirely if you prefer a milder version.
What can I do if I don’t have baby bok choy?
Other greens like Napa cabbage, spinach, or even kale work well as substitutes. Just chop them similarly and adjust cooking times to keep the texture you like.
How long does this dish take to prepare?
From start to finish, this Ground Pork Stir Fry Recipe takes about 17 minutes, making it speedy enough for busy weeknights.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
While it’s designed for ground pork, you could use tofu or tempeh crumbles in place of meat to create a vegetarian-friendly version with similar textures.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Pork Stir Fry Recipe is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug yet excites your taste buds with every bite. It’s simple enough for any day but flavorful enough to impress family or friends. I can’t recommend it highly enough for anyone looking for an easy, vibrant dish that comes together in no time. Give it a try and watch it become a fast favorite in your home!
Print
Ground Pork Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A quick and flavorful Ground Pork Stir Fry featuring tender pork, fresh baby bok choy, and a savory blend of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner with minimal prep and cooking time.
Ingredients
Meat and Oils
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (like canola or safflower)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch ginger, minced
- 3 heads of baby bok choy, roughly chopped
- 3 green onions, diced
Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons rice wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons chili oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cook Ground Pork: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork and break it up with a spoon or spatula. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, heat the neutral oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and ginger and sauté for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add Pork and Bok Choy: Return the cooked ground pork to the skillet. Add the roughly chopped baby bok choy. Stir and cook for 3 minutes until the bok choy is wilted but still crisp.
- Season the Stir Fry: Add soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and chili oil to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients and cook for an additional 1 minute to blend the flavors.
- Finishing Touches: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the diced green onions. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for garnish.
- Serve Immediately: Plate the stir fry and serve hot. Optionally, pair with 1/2 cup of cooked rice per serving for a more filling meal.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of chili oil or add fresh chili flakes.
- Use any neutral oil such as canola, vegetable, or safflower for best results.
- You can substitute baby bok choy with other leafy greens like spinach or Napa cabbage.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid drying out the pork.
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
