If you are craving a dish that bursts with flavor, texture, and makes weeknight dinners a breeze, look no further than this Quick Easy Pork Fried Rice Recipe. It’s comfort food at its finest—a delightful combination of tender pork, savory soy sauce, fresh mixed vegetables, and fluffy rice, all brought together with scrambled eggs for a mouthwatering finish. Whether you’re feeding a family or just yourself, this recipe promises to deliver a satisfying, colorful plate that’s as quick to prepare as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple but essential ingredients is the first step toward achieving that perfect balance of flavors and textures in this dish. Each component plays a vital role, from the juicy pork adding protein and richness, to the vegetables providing color and crunch, while the sauce ties everything together with its savory and slightly sweet notes.
- 2 cups cooked rice: Use day-old rice if possible for better texture and less mushiness.
- 1 pound boneless center cut pork chops: Choose lean cuts for a tender and juicy bite.
- 1 16oz bag frozen mixed vegetables: A colorful medley that adds freshness and nutrition.
- 1/2 cup soy sauce: The backbone of flavor, providing that signature umami taste.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Balances the saltiness with a touch of sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds warmth and a subtle zing to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic: Infuses a fragrant depth that wakes up the palate.
- 3 eggs: Scrambled in at the end for creaminess and protein boost.
How to Make Quick Easy Pork Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Prepare the Pork
Start by heating a lightly greased large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the boneless pork chops in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until nicely browned. Don’t worry if they’re not fully cooked through at this point; they will finish cooking later with the rice. Once browned, remove the pork from the pan and let it cool just enough to handle, then chop into bite-sized pieces. This step ensures tender, flavorful pork bites in your fried rice.
Step 2: Whip Up the Savory Sauce
While the pork is cooking, combine your soy sauce, brown sugar, ground ginger, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Stir it together until the brown sugar dissolves and all the ingredients harmonize into a rich, savory sauce that will coat the rice and vegetables beautifully, bringing everything together in a perfect flavor symphony.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
With the pan still hot, toss in the frozen mixed vegetables. Stir and cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until they thaw and lose their icy crunch but still retain a firm texture. This step adds a vibrant mix of colors and nutrients, making your pork fried rice not only tasty but pretty to look at too!
Step 4: Combine Rice, Sauce, and Pork
Now for the main event: add the cooked rice to the skillet along with your pre-mixed sauce. Toss everything gently to combine, ensuring the rice is evenly coated. Bring back the chopped pork into the pan and stir everything together. Cook for another 5 to 6 minutes, stirring about every minute so the pork finishes cooking and the rice soaks up all those scrumptious flavors. This step makes your fried rice that irresistible, mouthwatering dish you’ve been dreaming of.
Step 5: Scramble the Eggs Into the Rice
Push the rice and pork mixture to the edges of the skillet, creating a hole in the center. Crack the eggs right into this well and begin scrambling them with a spatula. As the eggs start firming up, gradually pull in rice from the edges to gently combine. This technique creates fluffy, tender scrambled eggs interspersed throughout the rice, adding both texture and richness.
Step 6: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Once the eggs are fully incorporated and the mixture is piping hot, remove the skillet from heat. Your Quick Easy Pork Fried Rice Recipe is ready to be devoured right away or stored for later. The irresistible aroma and vibrant colors make it perfect for an immediate family meal or quick weekday lunch.
How to Serve Quick Easy Pork Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds over your pork fried rice instantly elevates the dish with fresh flavor and a subtle crunch. Adding a drizzle of sriracha or chili oil can also bring a nice kick if you love a little heat. These finishing touches make the dish feel special and inviting on any plate.
Side Dishes
This pork fried rice pairs beautifully with a simple cucumber salad or steamed dumplings for a fuller Asian-inspired feast. A bowl of miso soup or a gentle stir-fried bok choy can add balance and variety to the meal without overwhelming the flavors. The simplicity of the main dish allows for many creative side options.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your pork fried rice in individual pineapple bowls for a fun, tropical twist that turns an everyday meal into a conversation starter. Alternatively, spoon the fried rice into crispy lettuce cups for a light and fresh presentation that adds delightful texture contrasts. Don’t shy away from a brightly colored serving platter to make the colors of the vegetables pop!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this pork fried rice keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure it’s cooled completely before sealing to avoid sogginess. This recipe is perfect for meal prepping, giving you flavorful lunches or dinners ready to go.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your Quick Easy Pork Fried Rice Recipe, cool it entirely then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It will maintain its delicious flavor for up to two months. When freezing, keep the sauce well mixed in so the rice doesn’t dry out during storage.
Reheating
Reheat your fried rice in a skillet over medium heat for best results to keep the rice fluffy and the pork juicy. Add a splash of water and cover the pan to generate steam and prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwaving works well too, but stirring halfway through prevents hot spots.
FAQs
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen mixed vegetables?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables like diced carrots, peas, and corn work wonderfully in this recipe. Just stir-fry them until tender before adding the rice to maintain the best texture.
What type of rice makes the best fried rice?
Day-old or leftover rice is ideal for fried rice because it’s drier and less sticky, helping to achieve that perfect fluffy texture. Jasmine or long-grain rice varieties are great choices.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the pork and add extra vegetables or tofu for protein. The sauce and eggs still deliver a rich, satisfying flavor.
Can I prepare this recipe without eggs?
Of course, skipping the eggs won’t compromise the overall flavor, although they do add a lovely creaminess and protein boost. You can also substitute with a scrambled tofu alternative if preferred.
How can I adjust the seasoning if I like it spicier?
Add chili flakes, sriracha, or diced fresh chili peppers when stirring in the sauce or as a garnish. This allows you to control the heat level to suit your taste perfectly.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly satisfying about a home-cooked dish that comes together quickly, tastes incredible, and pleases everyone at the table. This Quick Easy Pork Fried Rice Recipe is just that—a brilliant blend of savory pork, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice that will become a go-to in your kitchen rotation. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and enjoy every bite as much as I do!
