Ginger Lime Pork with Coconut Rice

The combination of tender pork caramelized in a sticky ginger-lime sauce served over creamy coconut rice makes this dish an instant favorite. The contrast of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors with the richness of coconut rice creates a comforting and flavorful meal. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal to impress your family and friends. Customize the dish with your favorite proteins or toppings for a personalized twist. Serve it with fresh veggies or a side salad for a complete and satisfying experience.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Coconut Rice:

  • 1 cup jasmine rice (or any long-grain white rice)
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

For the Pork:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 scallions, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated or minced
  • 1 1/2 pounds ground pork (or substitute chicken, turkey, or beef)
  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 3 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
  • Fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper

Optional Toppings:

  • Chopped peanuts
  • Extra lime wedges
  • Fresh herbs (cilantro, mint, or Thai basil)

Directions:

  1. Cook the Coconut Rice: Combine jasmine rice, coconut milk, water, sea salt, and sugar in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large sauté pan, heat olive oil over high heat. Add the white parts of the scallions, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Cook the Pork: Add ground pork to the pan. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks until no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the Sauce: Stir in brown sugar, lime juice, and sriracha. Cook undisturbed for 2 minutes to allow the pork to caramelize. Stir and repeat for another 1-2 minutes until the pork achieves a sticky texture.
  5. Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra sriracha. Serve over coconut rice, garnished with green scallions, peanuts, lime wedges, and fresh herbs.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 425 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

The Magic of Ginger Lime Pork with Coconut Rice

The Ginger Lime Pork with Coconut Rice recipe is a culinary delight that blends vibrant Asian-inspired flavors with the comforting richness of coconut rice. It’s the kind of dish that turns a regular weeknight meal into something extraordinary, leaving your taste buds singing with every bite. Bursting with sweet, savory, tangy, and mildly spicy notes, this recipe is a fantastic addition to your dinner rotation and offers plenty of opportunities for customization. Whether you’re hosting a small dinner party or preparing a quick meal for your family, this dish is a showstopper that’s both simple to make and deeply satisfying.

Why This Recipe Works

What makes this dish truly special is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The pork is caramelized in a sticky, flavorful sauce made from fresh ginger, lime juice, brown sugar, and a touch of sriracha for heat. This caramelization process is a game-changer, as it locks in the natural juices of the pork and creates a golden, slightly crispy texture that is irresistible.

The coconut rice, on the other hand, adds a creamy, subtly sweet base that complements the bold flavors of the pork. Cooked with coconut milk, the rice is fragrant and rich, enhancing the overall depth of the dish. The addition of toppings such as chopped peanuts, fresh herbs like cilantro and mint, and extra lime wedges for an added burst of freshness elevates the presentation and taste, making it a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

A Versatile Recipe for All Occasions

One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is its versatility. While it’s made with ground pork in its original form, you can easily swap the protein to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Ground chicken, turkey, beef, or even plant-based proteins like seitan work beautifully with the ginger-lime sauce. Similarly, if coconut rice isn’t your thing, you can serve the pork over plain jasmine rice, brown rice, or even rice noodles for a different take on the dish.

The toppings also allow for endless customization. Crushed peanuts bring a satisfying crunch, while fresh herbs like Thai basil or mint add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pork and rice. For those who enjoy an extra kick, more sriracha or diced fresh chiles can be added to amplify the heat.

The Appeal of Quick and Flavorful Meals

In today’s fast-paced world, having a recipe that is both quick to prepare and full of flavor is a must. This Ginger Lime Pork with Coconut Rice fits the bill perfectly, as it comes together in just 30 minutes. The key to its quick preparation lies in the simplicity of the ingredients and the efficiency of the cooking process. By preparing the rice first and sautéing the pork while the rice cooks, you can save time without sacrificing quality.

This makes the recipe ideal for busy weeknights when you want a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s also a fantastic choice for meal prepping, as the flavors develop even more over time, making leftovers just as delicious as the freshly cooked dish.

Health and Nutritional Benefits

While the dish is undeniably indulgent, it also offers a variety of nutritional benefits. Ground pork is an excellent source of protein and contains essential vitamins and minerals such as B12, zinc, and iron. The ginger and lime juice used in the sauce not only add incredible flavor but also provide antioxidants and vitamin C, which support immune health. Coconut milk, while rich, is a good source of healthy fats and lauric acid, known for its antimicrobial properties.

If you’re looking to lighten up the dish, there are easy adjustments you can make. Opt for a leaner protein like ground turkey or chicken, use light coconut milk for the rice, or reduce the amount of brown sugar in the sauce. These tweaks can help you tailor the recipe to fit your dietary goals while still enjoying its vibrant flavors.

Tips for Success

To ensure your Ginger Lime Pork with Coconut Rice turns out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips:

  1. Caramelization is Key: Allow the pork to sit undisturbed in the pan for a minute or two at a time. This step is crucial for achieving that golden, sticky texture that makes the pork so flavorful.
  2. Prep Ingredients Ahead: The cooking process moves quickly, so having all your ingredients chopped, measured, and ready to go will make the experience seamless.
  3. Balance the Flavors: Taste the dish as you cook and adjust the seasoning. Add more lime juice for acidity, sriracha for heat, or brown sugar for sweetness to achieve the perfect balance.
  4. Play with Toppings: Don’t skip the toppings they’re more than just a garnish. The crunch of peanuts, the brightness of fresh herbs, and the zing of lime wedges add layers of flavor and texture that take the dish to the next level.

Pairing Suggestions

While the dish is delightful on its own, it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. A crisp cucumber salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pork and rice. Alternatively, roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans add a hearty, nutritious element to the meal. For a fun twist, you can serve the pork in lettuce cups, creating a light, handheld version of the dish that’s perfect for gatherings or casual dining.

Conclusion:

The Ginger Lime Pork with Coconut Rice is more than just a recipe it’s a celebration of bold flavors, simple ingredients, and the joy of cooking. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner looking to expand your repertoire, this dish is a must-try. Its quick preparation, versatility, and irresistible taste make it a staple for any occasion, from busy weeknights to special dinners.

By customizing the recipe with different proteins, toppings, and sides, you can create a meal that feels fresh and exciting every time. So the next time you’re in the mood for something deliciously different, give this recipe a try it’s sure to become a new favorite in your household.

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