Take leftover rice and turn it into a classic Chinese side dish that’s better than ordering takeout.
For whatever reason, I think Chinese food is always better with a side of rice. I’m sure that I’m not the only one who feels that way. Luckily, there is no shortage of ways to jazz up your rice. One of my favorites is pork fried rice, especially if you want rice to accompany a full Chinese entree. This recipe for pork fried rice is no different than what you’ve come to expect from traditional Chinese restaurants. In fact, it’s even better when you make it at home and have full control of the ingredients. This enables you to make small changes if you want. You don’t even need to make fresh rice; this recipe is ideal if you have cold or leftover rice you want to use.
Flavor-wise, I don’t think it gets much better than pork fried rice. The white rice truly comes alive for your taste buds when it’s combined with pork tenderloin, multiple types of veggies, and a few scrambled eggs. The rice also gets plenty of aroma and flavor from garlic, ginger, and a few tablespoons of soy sauce. This combination is sure to give every bite that classic umami flavor.
Is Pork Fried Rice Healthy?
If you make pork fried rice at home, it’s easier to reduce the fat, oil and sodium that restaurants often use, making the homemade version healthier. Keep in mind that this dish also includes a diverse collection of vegetables that add a lot of vitamins and other nutrients. The garlic and ginger have anti-inflammatory properties, while pork tenderloin is a good source of protein. It’s also a lean meat that’s lower in sodium and saturated fat than other cuts of meat.
Customize Your Rice
With homemade pork fried rice, there is always an opportunity to get creative and make the dish exactly how you want it. This can be done in a variety of ways. For instance, if you want more meat and protein, you can add a little bacon or sausage. You also have the freedom to substitute pork for beef or shrimp.
It’s also common to either add more vegetables to the dish or substitute the vegetables at your preference. Bell peppers, for example, are a wonderful addition that adds taste, texture, and vitamin C to the rice. Depending on what types of veggies you like, corn, broccoli, mushrooms, and cauliflower are all delicious options.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover pork fried rice can be stored in an airtight container and should remain good in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
Pork fried rice is a great side dish that’s commonly eaten with Chinese entrees or stir-fry meals. Some of my favorite dishes to combine with pork fried rice include Firecracker Pineapple Chicken and Healthy Homemade Orange Chicken. I also suggest making this rice with stir-fry dishes like Chinese Spicy Zucchini Stir-Fry or Easy Paleo Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry. Both of these stir-fry options offer a delicious way to marry the flavors in the pork fried rice.
If the meat in the pork fried rice is enough for you, it’s a good idea to combine the rice with a salad or vegetable side dish to create a balanced meal. Therefore, consider having pork fried rice alongside Cucumber-Avocado Salad or Carrot Salad, perhaps with Crispy Air-Fryer Egg Rolls as an appetizer.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil divided
- 1 pound pork tenderloin cut into small cubes
- 1 small yellow onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots thawed
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 3 cups cooked white rice preferably cold or leftover
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Season the pork with salt and pepper.
- Add the pork to the pan and cook until browned and cooked through, about 4-7 minutes. Remove the pork from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the peas and carrots to the pan and cook for 2-4 minutes until heated through.
- Push the vegetables to one side of the pan. Pour the beaten eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs until just set.
- Add the cooked rice and pork back into the pan. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Pour the soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice mixture. Stir well to combine, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired. Serve hot.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
Leave a Comment