This One Pot Thai Pork Stir-Fry is a simple meal that’s perfect for the busy back-to-school season. Ready in less than 30 minutes and mega tasty!
Effortless Weeknight Delight: Your Guide to the Best One-Pot Thai Pork Stir-Fry
As the leaves begin to change and school bells ring, the return to routine often brings a familiar challenge: what’s for dinner tonight? For many parents and busy individuals, finding a meal that is both delicious and quick to prepare feels like a constant quest. The solution needs to be simple, satisfying, and ideally, leave minimal mess behind. Enter the ultimate weeknight hero: the One-Pot Thai Pork Stir-Fry. This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary triumph that promises maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it the perfect choice for hectic schedules.
Gone are the days of juggling multiple pots and pans, only to face a mountain of dishes after dinner. This Thai-inspired dish is designed for efficiency, delivering a vibrant, savory, and wholesome meal all in a single pot. It’s packed with lean ground pork, colorful vegetables, and aromatic jasmine rice, all swimming in a savory-sweet sauce that tantalizes the taste buds. Whether you’re racing against the clock after work or coordinating homework sessions, this quick and easy stir-fry ensures a nutritious and incredibly tasty dinner is on the table in under 30 minutes.
Why This One-Pot Thai Pork Stir-Fry Will Become Your Go-To Recipe
This easy Thai pork stir-fry isn’t just another recipe; it’s a lifestyle upgrade for busy weeknights. Here’s why you’ll absolutely fall in love with it:
- One-Pot Wonder: The biggest draw is undoubtedly the “one-pot” aspect. Imagine cooking a complete meal, including your protein, vegetables, and rice, all in a single skillet. This drastically cuts down on cleanup time, giving you back precious moments to spend with family or relax.
- Packed with Healthy Veggies: We’ve loaded this dish with vibrant bell peppers and earthy mushrooms, providing a fantastic dose of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables, ensuring your family gets their daily dose of greens (and reds, and yellows!).
- Maximum Flavor, Minimal Fuss: The Thai-inspired sauce, a delightful blend of savory soy sauce and a hint of spice, perfectly coats every ingredient. The flavors meld beautifully as everything cooks together, creating a harmonious and deeply satisfying taste profile that’s incredibly appetizing.
- Lightning Fast Preparation: From start to finish, this meal is ready in under 30 minutes. This makes it an ideal candidate for those nights when time is of the essence but you still crave a homemade, flavorful dinner.
- Versatile and Customizable: While ground pork is fantastic, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. You can easily swap in ground chicken, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust the spice level to your preference, making it family-friendly for all palates.
- Budget-Friendly: Using common pantry staples and affordable ground pork makes this an economical meal solution that doesn’t compromise on taste or nutrition.
It’s truly a winner in every aspect – a truly satisfying and fuss-free dinner solution for any busy individual or family.
Essential Ingredients for Your Thai Pork Stir-Fry
Crafting this incredible Thai-inspired dinner requires a few key ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry or are easily found at any grocery store. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way these humble components come together to create something truly special.
- Olive Oil: The foundation for sautéing our fresh vegetables and browning the pork, adding a rich, subtle base.
- Green and Red Bell Peppers: These add vibrant color, a crisp-tender texture, and a sweet, slightly peppery flavor. Feel free to use any color bell pepper you have on hand – yellow and orange work wonderfully too!
- Button Mushrooms: Earthy and savory, mushrooms absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully, adding depth to the stir-fry. Sliced cremini mushrooms are also an excellent choice.
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of our ingredients, balanced perfectly throughout the dish.
- Ground Pork: The star protein of this dish. Lean ground pork cooks quickly and absorbs the Thai flavors wonderfully. You can also experiment with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter alternative.
- Jasmine Rice: This aromatic long-grain rice is crucial for the authentic Thai experience. Its delicate fragrance and fluffy texture make it the perfect accompaniment, cooking directly in the pot with the other ingredients.
- Vegetable Stock: Provides the liquid base for cooking the rice and creating a flavorful sauce. Chicken broth can also be used for a richer taste.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: A cornerstone of Asian cuisine, low-sodium soy sauce offers umami depth without making the dish overly salty. Adjust to your taste.
- Hot Sauce: A dash (or more!) of your favorite hot sauce adds that signature Thai kick. Sriracha, sambal oelek, or even a few dashes of chili garlic sauce would be fantastic.
- Scallions (Green Onions): Sliced scallions provide a fresh, mild onion flavor and a beautiful green garnish.
- Carrots: Shredded carrots add a hint of sweetness, an extra pop of color, and a boost of nutrients.
- Fresh Parsley: While not traditionally Thai, fresh parsley brightens the dish with its clean, herbaceous notes. Cilantro is a more classic Thai herb and can be substituted for an authentic touch.
- Fresh Lime Juice: A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end is non-negotiable! It adds a crucial burst of bright acidity that balances the richness of the pork and the savory sauce, elevating all the flavors.
Gathering these ingredients is the first step towards a truly magnificent one-pot meal that will impress your taste buds and simplify your kitchen routine.
Step-By-Step Instructions for Your Perfect One-Pot Stir-Fry
Creating this flavorful One-Pot Thai Pork Stir-Fry is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these simple steps to bring a delicious and healthy meal to your table in under 30 minutes:
Step 1: Sauté the Vibrant Vegetables
Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add your prepared green and red bell peppers and sliced button mushrooms. Season generously with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Sauté the vegetables, stirring frequently, for about 4 minutes until they are slightly softened but still retain a pleasant crispness. You want them tender-crisp, not mushy. Once cooked, remove the vegetables from the skillet and transfer them to a bowl. Set aside for later.
Step 2: Brown the Pork and Combine Ingredients
Return the same skillet to the heat (no need to clean it). Add 1 pound of ground pork to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Sauté the pork until it is no longer pink and has browned nicely, typically about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for developing rich flavor. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess fat from the pan. This prevents the final dish from becoming greasy. Next, return the sautéed vegetables to the skillet with the cooked pork. Stir in 1 cup of jasmine rice, 3 cups of vegetable stock, 1/4 cup of low-sodium soy sauce, and 1-2 teaspoons of your favorite hot sauce (adjust to your preferred spice level).
Step 3: Simmer and Cook the Rice to Perfection
Bring the mixture in the skillet to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer, cover the skillet tightly with a lid, and let it cook for 15-18 minutes. The key here is patience – resist the urge to lift the lid, as this releases steam essential for cooking the rice. The rice should absorb all the liquid and become tender and fluffy. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the cooking time to prevent overcooking.
Step 4: The Finishing Touches and Serving
Once the rice is cooked and all the liquid has been absorbed, remove the skillet from the heat. Keep it covered and let it stand for an additional 5 minutes. This resting period allows the rice to steam further and become perfectly tender. Finally, stir in 4 sliced scallions, 2 shredded carrots, 4 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley, and 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice. Give it a gentle toss to combine all the fresh ingredients. Serve immediately and savor the vibrant flavors!
This comprehensive dish truly needs no additional sides, as it’s a complete meal bursting with protein, grains, and a generous array of vegetables. It’s the ultimate one-pot wonder, designed to simplify your life and bring authentic Thai-inspired flavors to your family dinner table. I encourage you to try this amazing recipe and let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
Expert Tips & Variations for Your Thai Pork Stir-Fry
Even though this easy weeknight recipe is incredibly simple, a few extra tips and tricks can elevate your cooking experience and allow for delicious customization:
- Vegetable Customization: While red and green bell peppers are used here for their color and flavor, feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand or prefer. Broccoli florets, snap peas, sliced zucchini, or even a handful of spinach (stirred in at the very end) would be fantastic additions, adding more nutrition and variety.
- Perfect Rice Every Time: The cooking time for rice can vary slightly depending on your stove and the exact type of rice. Typically, 15-18 minutes covered on a low simmer is ideal for jasmine rice. To ensure your rice is perfectly tender and fluffy, keep an eye on it. If it seems too dry but not quite done, you can add a tablespoon or two of extra stock and continue to simmer for a few more minutes. Conversely, if it’s done but there’s a little liquid left, remove the lid and let it evaporate for a minute or two on low heat.
- Spice Level Adjustment: The amount of hot sauce is entirely up to your personal preference. For a milder dish, start with 1 teaspoon or omit it altogether. If you love a fiery kick, feel free to add more or include some fresh sliced chilies with the vegetables.
- Protein Swaps: Not a fan of pork? This recipe works beautifully with other ground meats like chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based ground substitute for a vegetarian version. Adjust cooking times slightly as needed.
- Enhance the Aromatics: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of minced fresh ginger or garlic to the skillet when sautéing the vegetables. These aromatics will infuse the entire dish with a wonderful fragrance.
- Garnish for Freshness: Don’t skip the fresh herbs and lime juice! They truly make the dish pop. Fresh cilantro can be used in place of or in addition to parsley for a more traditional Thai flavor profile. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds can also add a delightful crunch and nutty aroma.
More Delicious One-Pot Recipes to Simplify Your Life
If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience and flavor of this One-Pot Thai Pork Stir-Fry, you’re in for a treat! One-pot meals are a fantastic way to enjoy delicious homemade food without the endless cleanup. Here are a few more recipes that will keep your kitchen tidy and your taste buds happy:
One Pot Beef Taco Pasta: A hearty and flavorful pasta dish that combines all your favorite taco flavors into one comforting meal.
The BEST One Pot Cheesy Potatoes: Indulgent, creamy, and utterly delicious – these cheesy potatoes are the perfect side dish or a light main.
Jambalaya: A classic, robust dish packed with sausage, chicken, and rice, all cooked to perfection in a single pot.
One Pot Thai Pork Stir-Fry
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Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch thick strips
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch thick strips
- 1/2 lb. white button mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1 lb. ground pork
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 3 cups vegetable stock
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1-2 tsp. hot sauce, use your favorite
- 4 scallions, sliced
- 2 carrots, shredded
- 4 Tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the peppers, mushrooms kosher salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often for 4 minutes. Remove the vegetables from the skillet.
- Add the pork to the skillet and cook until no longer pink. Drain. Stir in the vegetable mixture, rice, vegetable stock, soy sauce and hot sauce. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15-18 minutes or until the rice is done.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes before adding the scallions, carrots, parsley and lime juice. Serve.
Notes
My rice took about 15 minutes to cook until the broth was all absorbed and the rice was tender. Keep and eye on yours so it doesn’t overcook.