Ginger Lime Pork with Coconut Rice Recipe

If there ever was a recipe that could instantly transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched streets of Southeast Asia, this Ginger Lime Pork with Coconut Rice is it! Imagine tender ground pork, sizzling with fresh ginger, scallions, and garlic, tossed in a jelly-bright glaze of brown sugar and lime, all piled high over creamy, coconut-scented jasmine rice. With every bite, you’ll get pops of crunch from peanuts, coolness from fresh herbs, and an irresistible hit of heat from sriracha. It’s hearty and light all at once—the perfect weeknight meal that’s as impressive for guests as it is comforting for a solo dinner. Trust me: you’ll want this dish on repeat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Ginger Lime Pork with Coconut Rice is how each simple ingredient packs a punch, creating layers of flavors that truly sing. Don’t skip these essentials—the combination is what makes this dish so special, from aromatic ginger to the luscious coconut rice.

• Olive Oil: Gives the pork sizzle and helps bloom the aromatics for a flavorful base.
• Scallions: Use both white and green parts for depth and a peppery pop of color at the end.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds richness and warmth you can’t get from the jarred stuff.
• Fresh Ginger: Don’t skimp! Its brightness is what wakes up the whole dish.
• Ground Pork: Choose 80-90% lean for the juiciest, most flavorful results.
• Light Brown Sugar: Balances the lime and spice with a subtle sweetness and helps caramelize the pork.
• Lime Juice: Must be fresh-squeezed—it brings out the zing and keeps flavors lively.
• Sriracha: Just enough heat to make every bite exciting; adjust to suit your spice preference.
• Fine Sea Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
• Coconut Rice: The creamy, slightly sweet foundation that ties everything together (see note for how to prepare).
• Chopped Peanuts: Adds the ultimate crunch and savory finish.
• Extra Lime Wedges: Squeeze over just before eating for a final fresh burst.
• Fresh Herbs (Cilantro, Mint, and/or Thai Basil): Bring color, fragrance, and that fresh herbaceous quality to your bowl.

How to Make Ginger Lime Pork with Coconut Rice

Step 1: Cook the Coconut Rice

Start by preparing a cozy nest for your pork: the all-important coconut rice. Use jasmine rice simmered in coconut milk, seasoned with a pinch of sea salt and sugar. Follow your favorite stovetop method or your rice cooker’s instructions for perfectly tender, fragrant grains. Fluff with a fork and keep warm—it’s the luscious base that makes Ginger Lime Pork with Coconut Rice taste like a treat.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat a large sauté pan over high heat and swirl in the olive oil. Add the white parts of the scallions, along with the minced garlic and ginger. Stir and cook for just 1 to 2 minutes, until the kitchen is filled with their tantalizing aroma. This step is quick but critical: you want everything fragrant and just golden, not burned.

Step 3: Brown the Pork

Add the ground pork directly into the pan, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until there’s no pink left—this usually takes about 5 minutes. Let it sit undisturbed once in a while to get those crave-worthy crispy brown bits. Season lightly with salt and black pepper.

Step 4: Glaze with Sauce

Push the pork to the sides of the pan and stir in the brown sugar, fresh lime juice, and sriracha right to the center. Mix well so every morsel gets evenly coated and takes on that sticky, glossy sheen. Let the pork caramelize undisturbed for 2 minutes, stir, and then let it caramelize again for another minute or two—the magic happens right here!

Step 5: Taste, Adjust, and Serve

Give everything a final taste and adjust the flavors with an extra splash of lime juice, more sriracha, or a pinch more salt. Spoon the rich, tangy pork over warm coconut rice. Scatter on chopped peanuts, the green parts of the scallions, a generous shower of fresh herbs, and serve with extra lime wedges for squeezing. Dive in!

How to Serve Ginger Lime Pork with Coconut Rice

Garnishes

Garnishes aren’t just pretty— they turn each bowl of Ginger Lime Pork with Coconut Rice into a flavor-packed masterpiece! Sprinkle with a hefty handful of chopped peanuts for crunch, the green top of your scallions for color, and let everyone add their favorite fresh herbs (cilantro, mint, or Thai basil). Don’t forget those extra lime wedges—one last squeeze makes all the flavors shine.

Side Dishes

Pair your Ginger Lime Pork with Coconut Rice with something green and crisp: steamed bok choy, snap peas, or an Asian cucumber salad are all perfect. If you want to make it a feast, try some lightly pickled veggies or pan-seared broccolini. The bright, fresh sides provide balance and keep the meal light.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not have fun with it? Pile the pork and coconut rice into lettuce cups for a DIY appetizer, or layer it into meal-prep jars with all the garnishes on top for a grab-and-go lunch. For parties, set up a “build your own” Ginger Lime Pork with Coconut Rice bar—kids and adults alike will love crafting their own bowls.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers of Ginger Lime Pork with Coconut Rice, lucky you! Store the pork and rice separately in airtight containers in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 4 days, and keeping them apart preserves the rice’s fluffiness.

Freezing

For longer storage, the pork freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, pack into resealable bags or freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze the coconut rice separately—just reheat gently with a splash of coconut milk to revive its creamy texture.

Reheating

To reheat Ginger Lime Pork with Coconut Rice, warm the pork in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until hot. Sprinkle a bit of water over the rice before reheating to keep it moist, or even better, add a spoonful of coconut milk if you have extra. Top with fresh garnishes after warming to keep them vibrant.

FAQs

Can I substitute ground pork with another meat?

Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey will also work for Ginger Lime Pork with Coconut Rice. Just note that they’re a little leaner, so you may want to add a splash more olive oil to keep the mixture juicy and flavorful.

How spicy is this dish?

Ginger Lime Pork with Coconut Rice has a gentle kick, thanks to the sriracha, but you control the heat. Feel free to adjust the amount up or down, or serve the sriracha on the side for a milder version the whole family can enjoy.

Can I make the coconut rice in advance?

Yes! Coconut rice can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving. A splash of coconut milk or water will bring it back to a soft, creamy consistency, making meal prep for Ginger Lime Pork with Coconut Rice a breeze.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

While fresh herbs add incredible brightness, don’t stress if you’re out. The dish will still be delicious with dried cilantro or a squeeze of extra lime—just use a smaller quantity as dry herbs are more concentrated.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Ginger Lime Pork with Coconut Rice is naturally gluten-free, as long as all your ingredients (like sriracha and coconut milk) are certified gluten-free. Always double-check if you’re cooking for someone with celiac or gluten sensitivity.

Final Thoughts

Give Ginger Lime Pork with Coconut Rice a try—you might just find it becomes your new go-to weeknight recipe. Bursting with bold flavor, quick to make, and endlessly adaptable, it’s one of those dishes you’ll want to share with everyone you love. Let yourself fall in love with every zesty, silky, crunchy bite!

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