What if dinner could be bold, comforting, and ready in just 30 minutes? According to Nielsen’s global survey on food trends, 74% of consumers crave spicy flavors—and this Spicy Ground Pork Rice Bowl hits the mark with chili heat, savory depth, and satisfying textures. Perfect for busy evenings, this one-bowl wonder combines protein-packed ground pork, crisp green beans, sweet peas, and fragrant jasmine rice.
The best part? It’s endlessly customizable and deeply satisfying. If you’ve been looking for a new weeknight go-to that’s fast, flavorful, and family-approved, let this stir-fry become your new staple.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and halved
- 1/2 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 red chilies, sliced (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
- Cooked jasmine rice (for serving)
Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Wash and trim your green beans, slice chilies, and mince garlic. Have your sauces and seasonings measured out to streamline cooking.
Step 2: Blanch the Green Beans
Bring a pot of water to boil and blanch the green beans for 2 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to keep them crisp and bright.
Step 3: Cook the Pork
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork, breaking it up as it browns. Cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and crispy in parts.
Step 4: Add Aromatics
Stir in minced garlic and sliced red chili. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 5: Add Veggies and Sauce
Toss in the blanched green beans and green peas. Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Add red pepper flakes if you like extra heat. Cook for another 3–4 minutes until well coated.
Step 6: Serve It Hot
Scoop jasmine rice into bowls and top generously with the pork and vegetable stir-fry. Garnish with extra chili slices if desired.
Variations
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or shredded cabbage.
- Add Crunch: Sprinkle chopped peanuts or cashews on top.
- Vegetarian Twist: Substitute pork with tofu or textured soy protein.
- Sauce Swap: Use Thai basil and fish sauce for a different Southeast Asian flair.
Cooking Note
- Pork Tips: Use 80/20 ground pork for juicy texture.
- Bean Texture: Blanching preserves color and crunch—don’t skip it.
- Sauce Balance: Adjust sugar or hoisin to taste for perfect sweet-spicy balance.
Serving Suggestions
This spicy ground pork bowl pairs beautifully with:
- Pickled vegetables or kimchi for contrast
- A fried egg on top for added richness
- Cold cucumber salad or seaweed salad
- Iced green tea or a crisp lager
Tip: Serve it family-style and let everyone build their own bowl!
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Fridge: Store cooked pork mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Pork stir-fry freezes well for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat before serving.
- Meal Prep Tip: Keep rice and stir-fry stored separately to maintain texture.
Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 3–4
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 460 kcal
Protein: 25 g
Sodium: 820 mg
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
- Lower Sodium: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce and skip hoisin.
- Lean Protein: Swap in ground turkey or chicken breast.
- Add Veggies: Boost fiber and nutrients by adding bell peppers, shredded carrots, or mushrooms.
- Whole Grains: Serve over brown rice or quinoa.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: Leads to steaming instead of browning. Cook pork in batches if needed.
- Skipping the Blanch: Directly stir-frying green beans may lead to tough texture.
- Unbalanced Flavor: Taste the sauce before serving—adjust sugar, spice, and salt as needed.
- Undercooked Pork: Ensure pork is fully browned and cooked through.
Conclusion
The Spicy Ground Pork Rice Bowl is a bold, balanced, and beautifully simple dish that’s perfect for weeknight cooking. With minimal prep and maximal flavor, it brings the heat in all the right ways. Try it tonight, experiment with your own twists, and enjoy the magic of a stir-fry done right.
Ready to spice up dinner? Share your version with us and explore more sizzling recipes below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this dish less spicy?
Yes! Use one chili or omit it entirely. You can also increase hoisin for sweetness. See PepperScale for more ways to dial down spice.
What can I use instead of oyster sauce?
Try a mix of soy sauce and a dash of Worcestershire, or mushroom stir-fry sauce.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes! Let cool fully, then freeze in airtight containers. Defrost in fridge before reheating.
Is this a kid-friendly dish?
You can make a milder batch for kids by skipping the chilies and red pepper flakes.
