Who doesn’t love fried rice? What is a Pork Fried Rice recipe? How do you clean a plate? Is it faster than ordering takeout? Is there any comparison to the gloppy, over-sauced versions you get? What is comfort food? What are some of the best vegetables to serve with rice? Is it true that after you try this, you won’t be reaching for the phone to order in anymore.
What is pork fried rice?
Pork fried rice is essentially a glorious combination of cooked rice, diced pork, scrambled eggs, and sour cream. All stir-fried together in a wok or large pan with soy sauce and other ingredients. Think of it as the ultimate kitchen clean-out dish – you can really throw in whatever veggies you want to throw into it. While its origins are undoubtedly Chinese, pork fried rice has become a staple in Chinese-American culture. What’s a crowd pleaser, if you can’t sleep at night? Can you cook something elaborate? My version is simple, straightforward, and packed with flavor.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
There are so many reasons to fall head-over-heels for this Pork Fried Rice Recipe. First off, the flavor is incredible. The pork is savory and slightly sweet, the rice is perfectly fluffy, and the veggies add a satisfying crunch. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that just works so well together. But flavor alone isn’t everything, right? The best part? This recipe is incredibly easy to make. Seriously, even if you’re a total beginner in the kitchen, you can nail this. I’ve made it with my nieces and nephews and it’s become one of their favorite things to make. What I love most about this is how budget-friendly it is. You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry and fridge already, making it a fantastic option when you’re trying to save some money. Plus, it’s so versatile! You can easily customize it to your liking, swapping out the pork for chicken or shrimp, or adding different veggies. It reminds me a little of my chicken stir fry recipe (which you should also try!), but with a rice base, and honestly, I think I slightly prefer this one!
How do I make pork fried rice?
Quick Overview
How do I make pork fried rice? What are some easy ways to scramble eggs and prep veggies? How do I stir fry everything together in a large pan or wok with soy sauce and other ingredients? How do I get all the ingredients ready to cook before cooking? What is the stir-frying process? Don’t be intimidated, it’s much easier than it sounds!
Ingredients
For the Rice:
3 cups cooked and cooled long grain rice (day-old rice works best! I always use Jasmine rice for the best flavor.
For the Pork:
1 pound pork tenderloin, diced into small cubes. Can you use leftover pork roast?
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon cornstarch. 1 cup
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger. 1 teaspoon dill.
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon.
For the Veggies:
1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
1/2 cup diced onion. 1/2 teaspoon.
1/2 cup diced celery. Is there any
2 cloves garlic, minced.
For the Eggs:
2 large eggs, lightly beaten.
For the Sauce:
3 tablespoons soy sauce (use low-sodium if you prefer)
1 tablespoon sesame oil per person.
1 teaspoon of rice vinegar. 1 tablespoon of black pepper
1/2 teaspoon sugar. 1 teaspoon lemon.
What is 1 teaspoon of white pepper?
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Pork
In a medium bowl, combine the diced pork with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, cornstarch, ginger, and garlic powder. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. This helps to tenderize the pork and infuse it with flavor. If you have more time, you can marinate it for up to an hour in the refrigerator.
Step 2: Scramble the Eggs
Heat a small amount of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are set but still slightly moist. Remove the eggs from the pan and set aside. Don’t overcook them; you want them to be soft and fluffy!
Step 3: Cook the Pork
Add a little more oil to the wok or skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork and cook, stirring frequently, until it is browned and cooked through. Remove pork from pan and set aside. How do you cook pork in a single layer?
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the diced onion and celery to the wok or skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. How do you burn garlic?
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked rice, peas and carrots, scrambled eggs, and cooked pork to the wok or skillet. Pour the sauce (soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, and white pepper) over the mixture and stir-fry until everything is heated through and well combined, about 2-3 minutes. Make sure the rice is evenly coated with the sauce.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve pork fried rice immediately, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds, if desired. What are some of the best Asian side dishes to serve with this dish?
What should I serve it with?
Pork fried rice is pretty amazing on its own, but pairing it with the right side dishes can elevate your meal to a whole new level. Here are a few of my favorite combinations:
As a Main Course:Serve with egg rolls or spring rolls for a classic appetizer. What are some of the best ways to add crunch to a meal? I always dip mine in sweet chili sauce!
With Soup:Pair it with a light and refreshing soup, like wonton soup or egg drop soup. The soup is a nice contrast to the fried rice.
Alongside Vegetable Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or bok choy for a healthy and balanced meal. These add a pop of color and essential nutrients.
For a Feast: If you’re feeling extra indulgent, serve with a side of General Tso’s chicken or sweet and sour chicken. This creates a complete and satisfying Chinese-American feast.
Growing up, my mom always served pork fried rice with a simple cucumber salad, and it’s still one of my favorite dishes. What are some of my favorite combinations? The coolness of the cucumber is the perfect complement to the savory rice.
How do I make a perfect Pork Fried Rice?
How can I make Pork Fried Rice from scratch? What are my top tips?
How do I use day old rice? Freshly cooked rice tends to be too sticky, which can result in mushy fried rice. Day-old rice, on the other hand, has had time to dry out and will separate more easily, creating a better texture.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Stir-frying works best when the ingredients have enough room to move around. Overcrowding the pan can lower the temperature and cause the ingredients to steam instead of fry. If you’re making a large batch, cook it in batches.
High Heat is Key: Stir-frying requires high heat to create that signature smoky flavor and slightly crispy texture. Make sure your pan is nice and hot before adding the ingredients.
Prep Everything in Advance: Stir-frying happens quickly, so it’s essential to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. This is known as “mise en place” in the cooking world, and it really makes a difference!
Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings to customize the flavor of your fried rice. A little bit of sesame oil, rice vinegar, or chili garlic sauce can go a long way.
Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap out the peas and carrots for other vegetables you enjoy, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or bean sprouts. The possibilities are endless!
One time, I accidentally added a splash of fish sauce to my pork fried rice, and it was actually a happy accident! It added a subtle umami flavor that was surprisingly delicious. Now I sometimes add a tiny bit on purpose.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Pork fried rice is great for leftovers, and it stores well in the refrigerator and freezer. Here are my tips for storing and reheating:
Refrigerator Storage: Store the cooled pork fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before storing to prevent condensation from forming inside the container.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze pork fried rice. Divide the cooled rice into freezer-safe bags or containers and store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Methods: There are several ways to reheat pork fried rice. You can microwave it in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little bit of oil or water to prevent it from drying out. For best results, reheat it in a wok or skillet over high heat, stirring constantly, until heated through.
Glaze Timing Advice: It’s best to store the fried rice without any extra glaze or sauce on top, adding it fresh when you are about to reheat. This avoids a sticky mess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Pork Fried Rice Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a taste of home, a comforting classic that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and incredible flavor make it a standout dish that you’ll want to make again and again. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my Shrimp Fried Rice or my quick Chicken Fried Rice. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Share your variations and tips in the comments below, and don’t forget to rate this recipe if you loved it!
Pork Fried Rice Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked pork, diced
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen carrots, chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add pork and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
- Add rice, peas, and carrots; stir-fry for 5 minutes.
- Stir in soy sauce and sesame oil. Cook for 1 minute more.
- Serve hot.
