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This Ginger Lime Pork with Coconut Rice is a quick, flavor-packed dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes. Sweet, spicy, savory, and bright with lime, the caramelized pork is cooked with ginger, garlic, scallions, and a hint of sriracha, then served over creamy coconut rice. Topped with fresh herbs, peanuts, and lime wedges, it’s a satisfying weeknight meal with a tropical twist.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Pork:

1 tablespoon Olive Oil
3 Scallions, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated)
4 cloves Garlic, minced
1½ tablespoons Fresh Ginger, minced or grated
1½ pounds Ground Pork
⅓ cup Light Brown Sugar (packed)
3 tablespoons Lime Juice
1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust to taste)
Fine Sea Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste

For Serving:

1 batch Coconut Rice* (see note below)
Chopped Peanuts
Extra Lime Wedges
Fresh Herbs (Cilantro, Mint, and/or Thai Basil)

*Coconut rice is made with jasmine rice, coconut milk, sea salt, and a bit of sugar.

Directions

Cook Coconut Rice:
Prepare coconut rice according to your preferred recipe or package instructions.
Sauté Aromatics:
In a large sauté pan, heat olive oil over high heat.
Add the white parts of scallions, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Cook the Pork:
Add ground pork to the pan. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until no longer pink.
Add Sauce Ingredients:
Stir in brown sugar, lime juice, and sriracha. Mix until evenly coated.
Let the pork cook undisturbed for 2 minutes until caramelized on the bottom.
Stir and repeat for another 1–2 minutes for added caramelization.
Season & Serve:
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more sriracha.
Serve over coconut rice and garnish with peanuts, scallions (green parts), herbs, and lime wedges.

Nutrients (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: ~600–700 kcal
Protein: ~30–35g
Carbohydrates: ~45g
Fat: ~35g
Sugar: ~12g
Sodium: ~500mg
Fiber: ~2g

Why This Recipe Works

What makes this dish exceptional is its smart use of contrasting flavors and textures in a simple, efficient process. Ground pork cooks quickly, making it ideal for fast meals, and it absorbs flavor well, acting as the perfect canvas for the ginger, lime, and garlic infusion. The caramelization technique—letting the pork sit undisturbed—develops a slightly crispy bottom that gives the dish a deeper, more complex flavor.

Coconut rice offers a creamy, slightly sweet base that balances the tangy pork. Jasmine rice cooked in coconut milk becomes rich and aromatic, turning a simple grain into something special. Finishing with peanuts, herbs, and lime wedges adds brightness, crunch, and freshness that elevate the dish to restaurant-quality in both taste and presentation.

The Power of Ginger, Garlic, and Lime

This trio forms the heart of many Southeast Asian cuisines, and here, they work in harmony to elevate humble ground pork. Ginger brings a warm, peppery zest, garlic offers savory umami depth, and lime adds brightness and acidity that cuts through the richness of the pork and coconut rice. When sautéed together at high heat, the ginger and garlic become fragrant and mellow, forming a robust aromatic base that permeates the dish without overwhelming it.

Fast and Flavorful: Ideal for Busy Weeknights

One of the best parts of this recipe is how quickly it comes together. With just one main pan and a pot for the rice, cleanup is minimal. It’s an excellent go-to recipe for when you want something satisfying, nutritious, and exciting on the table in under 30 minutes. Most of the ingredients are pantry or fridge staples—ground pork, garlic, ginger, lime, and sriracha—which means you can whip it up on short notice.

Even better, this dish is easy to scale for families or meal prep. It reheats beautifully, and the coconut rice stays creamy and flavorful for days.

Customizable for All Palates

This recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be adjusted for various diets or preferences:

Spice Level: Adjust the sriracha to taste, or omit entirely for a milder version. Add sliced chili or chili oil for more heat.
Protein Swap: Substitute ground chicken, turkey, or even tofu for pork. Beef also works well for a heartier twist.
Lower Carb: Swap coconut rice for cauliflower rice or serve over a bed of sautéed greens or shredded cabbage.
Vegan Option: Use crumbled tofu or tempeh and a plant-based fish sauce alternative for similar depth.

With so many flavor-forward ingredients, this dish is flexible while still maintaining its bold identity.

Aromatic and Creamy Coconut Rice

The coconut rice is more than just a side—it’s a creamy, fragrant anchor that complements the spicy pork beautifully. Cooked with jasmine rice and full-fat coconut milk, it delivers subtle sweetness and a rich texture that soaks up the pork’s flavorful juices. A touch of salt and sugar balances the coconut’s natural richness, while the aromatic nature of jasmine rice enhances the tropical feel.

You can prepare coconut rice on the stovetop, in a rice cooker, or even in an Instant Pot. It also holds well in the fridge, making it a perfect base for leftovers or repurposed meals.

Garnish Game: Texture and Brightness

Don’t skip the toppings—they’re essential to the dish’s character. Fresh herbs like cilantro, Thai basil, or mint provide a cooling contrast to the caramelized pork and sriracha heat. Chopped peanuts add a toasty crunch, and lime wedges deliver that extra citrus burst that enhances every bite. Scallion greens bring freshness and a subtle bite that echoes the aromatics used in the base.

For added flair, you can also top with:

Shredded coconut (toasted for extra aroma)
Fried shallots for an extra crunchy finish
Pickled red onions for a tangy pop
Sesame seeds for a nutty note

Each element adds its own flair, making every plate a mix of vibrant flavors and satisfying textures.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is fantastic on its own, but it also works as part of a broader spread:

Serve alongside a cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame oil for contrast.
Pair with a simple soup like miso broth or Thai-inspired coconut soup.
Add stir-fried veggies like bok choy, snap peas, or bell peppers to boost the veggie count.
Turn it into lettuce wraps for a low-carb, handheld version.
Use the pork as a taco filling with cabbage slaw and extra lime crema for fusion flair.

The adaptability of the ginger lime pork means it can be repurposed in creative ways throughout the week.

Tips for Best Results

Use high heat: Cooking the aromatics and pork quickly at high heat ensures the flavors develop fast and the pork caramelizes instead of steaming.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give the pork room to brown properly—work in batches if necessary.
Taste and balance: Adjust lime juice, sugar, and sriracha at the end to suit your taste preferences.
Prep ahead: Mince the garlic and ginger and pre-slice scallions to streamline cooking.
Let the pork rest: After cooking, let the pork sit for a couple of minutes off the heat to absorb flavor and moisture.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Ginger Lime Pork holds up well for meal prep. Store pork and coconut rice in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or lime juice to rehydrate.

The pork also freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before portioning and freezing for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat as desired.

Leftovers can be reinvented into fried rice, stuffed into wraps, or served over noodles for variation.

Conclusion

Ginger Lime Pork with Coconut Rice is a bold and balanced meal that proves quick dinners don’t have to be boring. Packed with zesty lime, aromatic ginger and garlic, a touch of sweetness, and a hint of spice, this 30-minute dish is satisfying, nourishing, and restaurant-level delicious. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or looking for a new twist on ground pork, this recipe delivers flavor and ease in equal measure. With creamy coconut rice and a customizable list of toppings, it’s the kind of weeknight winner you’ll want to make again and again.

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