Pork Fried Rice: A Deliciously Simple Weeknight Meal

Pork fried rice is a classic comfort food that’s quick, easy, and satisfying. It’s a fantastic way to use leftover rice and pork, making it a perfect weeknight meal. This recipe delivers flavorful and perfectly textured fried rice every time. We’ll cover all the essential steps, from preparing the ingredients to mastering the wok technique, ensuring you can confidently create this dish at home. Get ready to impress your family and friends with your newfound fried rice skills!

Why This Pork Fried Rice Recipe Works

Several factors contribute to the success of this pork fried rice recipe:

• Using Cold Rice: This is crucial. Cold rice has had time to dry out slightly, preventing it from clumping and becoming mushy during the frying process.
• Proper Wok Technique: High heat and constant stirring ensure the rice grains are evenly coated with oil and develop a slightly crispy texture.
• Flavor Balance: A combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and other seasonings creates a savory and umami-rich flavor profile that is irresistible.
• Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh vegetables and high-quality pork enhances the overall taste and texture of the dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Cooked Rice: 4 cups, preferably day-old and refrigerated. Long-grain rice like jasmine or basmati works best. Avoid short-grain rice, as it tends to be stickier.
• Pork: 1 cup, cooked and diced. Leftover roasted pork, grilled pork chops, or even cooked bacon work well. You can also use ground pork, cooked and crumbled.
• Eggs: 2 large, lightly beaten.
• Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons, divided. Use a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, such as canola, peanut, or vegetable oil.
• Onion: 1/2 medium, finely chopped.
• Carrot: 1/2 medium, finely diced.
• Frozen Peas: 1/2 cup.
• Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness.
• Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon. Adds a nutty aroma and flavor.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
• Ginger: 1 teaspoon, minced (optional, but highly recommended).
• Green Onions: 2, thinly sliced, for garnish.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.

Equipment

• Wok or Large Skillet: A wok is ideal for fried rice because of its sloped sides and even heat distribution. However, a large skillet will also work.
• Spatula: Use a sturdy spatula to stir and toss the ingredients.
• Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping vegetables and pork.
• Small Bowl: For beating the eggs.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create perfect pork fried rice:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Before you start cooking, it’s essential to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. This will ensure a smooth and efficient cooking process.

1. Dice the Pork: If you’re using leftover pork, dice it into small, bite-sized pieces.
2. Chop the Vegetables: Finely chop the onion and carrot. Mince the garlic and ginger (if using). Slice the green onions for garnish.
3. Beat the Eggs: In a small bowl, lightly beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 2: Cook the Eggs

Cooking the eggs separately ensures they are cooked to perfection and don’t overcook or become rubbery in the fried rice.

1. Heat Oil: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in the wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Scramble the Eggs: Pour in the beaten eggs and cook, stirring constantly, until they are set but still slightly moist. Remove the eggs from the wok and set aside. Chop them into smaller pieces.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Sautéing the vegetables softens them and releases their flavors, adding depth to the fried rice.

1. Add Oil: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Sauté Onion and Carrot: Add the chopped onion and carrot and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are softened, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add Garlic and Ginger: Add the minced garlic and ginger (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4: Add the Pork and Rice

This is where the magic happens. Adding the pork and rice to the vegetables creates the foundation of the fried rice.

1. Add Pork: Add the diced pork to the wok and cook, stirring, until it is heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add Rice: Add the cold cooked rice to the wok. Use a spatula to break up any clumps and stir to combine the rice with the pork and vegetables.

Step 5: Season the Fried Rice

Seasoning is crucial for achieving the perfect flavor balance in your fried rice.

1. Add Soy Sauce and Sesame Oil: Pour the soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice. Stir well to ensure the rice is evenly coated.
2. Add Peas: Add the frozen peas and stir to combine. Cook until the peas are heated through, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Add Eggs: Return the cooked eggs to the wok and stir to combine.
4. Season to Taste: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that soy sauce is already salty, so add salt sparingly.

Step 6: Stir-Fry and Serve

The final stir-fry ensures all the flavors meld together and the rice develops a slightly crispy texture.

1. Stir-Fry: Continue to stir-fry the rice for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring that all the ingredients are well combined and the rice is heated through.
2. Garnish: Remove the fried rice from the wok and transfer it to a serving dish. Garnish with sliced green onions.
3. Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Pork Fried Rice

Here are some additional tips to help you achieve fried rice perfection:

• Use Day-Old Rice: As mentioned earlier, using day-old rice is crucial. If you don’t have day-old rice, you can spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and refrigerate it for at least an hour to dry it out.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Wok: Overcrowding the wok will lower the temperature and prevent the rice from getting crispy. If necessary, cook the fried rice in batches.
• Use High Heat: High heat is essential for achieving the signature wok hei (wok breath) flavor. Make sure your wok or skillet is hot before adding the ingredients.
• Stir Constantly: Constant stirring prevents the rice from sticking to the wok and ensures even cooking.
• Customize Your Ingredients: Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, bean sprouts, or broccoli. You can also substitute the pork with other proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
• Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the fried rice and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more soy sauce, sesame oil, or other seasonings to suit your preferences. A dash of oyster sauce can also add depth of flavor.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: Fried rice is a very forgiving dish, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors.

Variations

Here are a few variations of pork fried rice to try:

• Spicy Pork Fried Rice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the fried rice for a spicy kick.
• Pineapple Pork Fried Rice: Add diced pineapple to the fried rice for a sweet and tangy flavor.
• Kimchi Pork Fried Rice: Add kimchi to the fried rice for a spicy and fermented flavor.
• Vegetarian Fried Rice: Omit the pork and add more vegetables such as mushrooms, tofu, or edamame.

Serving Suggestions

Pork fried rice is a complete meal on its own, but it can also be served as a side dish with other Asian-inspired dishes such as:

• Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls are a perfect appetizer to pair with pork fried rice.
• Egg Drop Soup: A warm and comforting egg drop soup complements the savory fried rice.
• Kung Pao Chicken: The spicy and flavorful Kung Pao Chicken is a great main course to serve alongside pork fried rice.
• General Tso’s Chicken: Another popular chicken dish that pairs well with fried rice.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

If you have any leftover pork fried rice, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat, you can microwave the fried rice for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a wok or skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent the rice from drying out.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

The nutritional information for pork fried rice can vary depending on the ingredients and portion size. However, a typical serving (about 1 cup) contains approximately:

• Calories: 350-450
• Protein: 15-20g
• Fat: 15-25g
• Carbohydrates: 40-50g

This recipe is a delicious and versatile meal that can be customized to your liking. With a few simple steps and tips, you can create restaurant-quality pork fried rice in the comfort of your own home. Enjoy!

More Delicious Rice Recipes

If you enjoyed this pork fried rice recipe, here are a few other rice recipes you might like:

• Chicken Fried Rice
• Shrimp Fried Rice
• Vegetable Fried Rice
• Coconut Rice
• Jambalaya

Conclusion

Pork fried rice is a classic dish for a reason. It’s quick, easy, customizable, and incredibly satisfying. With this recipe, you can confidently make delicious fried rice at home, using up leftovers and creating a complete meal in minutes. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your wok, and get ready to enjoy a flavorful and comforting bowl of pork fried rice!