Effortless 20-Minute Pork Fried Rice: Your Ultimate Weeknight Family Favorite
Get ready to transform your weeknight dinners with a recipe that’s not just delicious, but also incredibly quick and simple to make. This **Pork Fried Rice** is a bona fide family favorite, earning rave reviews every single time. Imagine a dish packed with savory flavor, tender pieces of pork, and perfectly cooked rice, all ready in 20 minutes or less using only seven staple ingredients. It’s truly a culinary marvel that will impress everyone at your table!
The Unbeatable Appeal of Homemade Pork Fried Rice
For years, this **easy pork fried rice recipe** has been a secret weapon in my kitchen, consistently delivering a satisfying and flavor-packed meal that my boys adore. It’s one of those recipes you make again and again because of its simplicity and the sheer joy it brings. It’s hard to believe I haven’t shared it on Yummy Healthy Easy until now, but the timing couldn’t be more perfect!
My renewed appreciation for pork stems from a recent eye-opening experience. A few weeks ago, I had the incredible opportunity to visit Iowa for the first time with the **National Pork Board**. This immersive “Pass the Pork Tour” allowed me to witness firsthand the dedication and care involved in modern pig farming, from seeing piglets being born to learning about pork fabrication. It was a truly profound and amazing experience that deepened my respect for this versatile protein. If you’re curious, you can read more about my journey and get the recipe for **The Best Pork Lettuce Wraps** – a recipe that is absolutely to-die-for!
It’s no coincidence that October is designated as **National Pork Month**, and this recent experience has certainly put pork front and center in my cooking. I’ve been experimenting with pork much more than usual over the last several weeks, and I’ve developed a newfound appreciation for its incredible flavor and versatility. Now, when I’m at the grocery store, I proudly share my insights with the butcher, recounting my “behind-the-scenes” knowledge of pig farming. My butchers, I assure you, are quite impressed by my newfound expertise! And honestly, I feel pretty proud of it, too.
Why Pork Tenderloin is the Star of This Fried Rice
Among the many cuts of pork, the tenderloin has emerged as my absolute favorite. What’s not to love about it? It’s renowned for being incredibly healthy, remarkably lean, and yet exceptionally tender. You don’t need to cook it for long to achieve succulent, juicy slices that elevate any dish. The tenderloin is incredibly forgiving, allowing even novice home cooks to produce results that taste like they came from a professional chef’s kitchen. Its mild flavor also makes it a perfect canvas for the savory notes of fried rice, absorbing the soy sauce and other ingredients beautifully.
As I pondered some of my top pork recipes, this **homemade pork fried rice** immediately came to mind. It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly spectacular. My boys would vouch for it being their ultimate favorite, and I’m thrilled to finally share the straightforward steps to bring this dish to your table.
The Simple Seven: Essential Ingredients for Success
One of the beauties of this **quick pork fried rice** is its minimalist ingredient list. You only need seven easy-to-find items, making it perfect for last-minute meals: diced pork tenderloin, cooked rice (ideally cold day-old rice for the best texture), a couple of beaten eggs, fresh chopped green onions, a splash of good quality soy sauce, a little cooking oil (I prefer canola for its neutral flavor), and a pinch of salt. That’s it! While I often use white rice for its traditional texture and quick re-heating properties in fried rice, brown rice works just as well if you prefer a whole-grain option. This recipe is also a fantastic way to utilize leftover rice languishing in your fridge, transforming it into a delightful new meal that tastes far better than any takeout. Gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
Mastering the Technique: Wok vs. Skillet for Perfect Fried Rice
For authentic fried rice, a wok is often preferred due to its high sides and ability to distribute heat evenly and quickly, allowing for fast cooking and efficient stir-frying. This high heat is crucial for achieving that characteristic fried rice texture with slightly crispy grains and preventing the rice from becoming soggy. However, don’t fret if you don’t own a wok! A large, heavy-bottomed skillet or frying pan on your stovetop will work perfectly. The most important tip is to ensure your pan is *smoking hot* before adding any ingredients. Make sure all your ingredients are prepped, measured, and ready to go before you begin cooking, as fried rice cooks very quickly once you start.
Step-by-Step Guide to Your Best Pork Fried Rice
1. Cook the Pork Tenderloin
Begin by heating about 1/2 tablespoon of oil in your wok or large pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced pork tenderloin. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the pork is beautifully browned on all sides and cooked through. The tenderloin cooks incredibly quickly, ensuring it remains juicy and tender. If you happen to have any leftover cooked pork, such as pork chops or roast pork, you can simply dice them up and toss them in for a minute or two to heat through – this is an excellent shortcut that makes the recipe even faster!
2. Scramble the Eggs
Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside in a clean bowl. Add another 1/2 tablespoon of oil to the wok. Pour in your beaten eggs and quickly scramble them until they are just set and fluffy. Break them into small pieces as they cook. Once cooked to your liking, immediately transfer the scrambled eggs to the bowl with the pork. Cooking these elements separately ensures they are perfectly done and don’t overcook when combined with the rice.
3. Prepare the Rice
Pour about 1.5 tablespoons more oil into the wok. Then, add your cooked rice. This is where using cold, day-old rice truly shines, as it’s less sticky and fries up beautifully, achieving that desirable slightly crispy texture. If your rice was cooked fresh for this recipe, you’ll only need to heat it for a short time to evaporate excess moisture. If it’s been in the fridge, take a moment to break up any clumps with your spatula or spoon, ensuring it heats evenly and gets that perfect fried rice consistency. Keep stir-frying until the rice is thoroughly heated through and lightly toasted.
4. Combine and Season
Once the rice is hot and slightly crispy, toss in the chopped green onions and stir-fry for about a minute. This allows them to soften slightly and release their fresh, aromatic flavor. Next, return the cooked pork and scrambled eggs to the wok. Pour in the soy sauce and add the salt. Stir everything together enthusiastically, ensuring the rice is evenly coated with the savory soy sauce and all ingredients are well combined and thoroughly heated through. This final stir-fry stage brings all the wonderful flavors and textures together into a harmonious dish.
BOOM! Dinner is ready! Seriously, it’s that fast and that easy. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a stress-free solution for busy evenings, and one that consistently gets a thumbs-up from every member of the family, especially the kids! It’s the perfect blend of savory, comforting, and remarkably simple.
The Versatility of Pork: More Than Just Fried Rice
The pork in this recipe truly stands out. It’s perfectly tender and infuses the fried rice with a rich, satisfying depth of flavor that makes every bite enjoyable. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe, and also to explore the vast array of delicious pork recipes available on the **Pork Be Inspired website**. Pork is an incredibly versatile meat that, in my opinion, is often overlooked. It’s not only inexpensive and widely available, but also healthy and remarkably easy to cook, making it an ideal choice for a variety of meals and culinary adventures.
Consider incorporating more pork into your weekly menu. For instance, try swapping out ground beef for ground pork in your next chili or taco night for a different flavor profile, or experiment with different preparations of pork tenderloin – it’s a cut that lends itself beautifully to grilling, roasting, and sautéing with various marinades and spice rubs. You’ll be amazed at the diverse and delicious dishes you can create with this underestimated protein!
Wishing you a wonderful weekend and a Happy Halloween filled with delicious food!
Easy 20 Minute Pork Fried Rice
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Ingredients
- 1 cup diced pork tenderloin
- 4 cups cooked rice
- 2 beaten eggs
- 2 green onions chopped
- 2 Tbsp. soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 2 1/2 Tbsp. oil I use canola
Instructions
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Heat 1/2 Tbsp. of oil in a wok heated to about 375ºF (or use a pan over the stovetop). Cook diced pork tenderloin until browned and cooked through. Set aside in a bowl. (I’ve also used leftover pork, diced up and just heated in pan for a minute or two.)
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Heat another 1/2 Tbsp. of oil in wok and scramble the beaten eggs. Pour into bowl with cooked diced pork.
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Pour about 1 1/2 Tbsp. of oil into wok and pour in the cooked rice, breaking up big pieces until heated through.
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When heated through, add green onions and cook for a minute.
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Add in soy sauce, pork and scrambled eggs. Stir to cover the rice with soy sauce. Add salt and stir until all heated through.
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Serve and enjoy!
Discover More Delicious Pork Dinner Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed this quick and easy **Pork Fried Rice**, you’ll love exploring other fantastic ways to prepare pork. Here are some of my top recommendations for versatile and delicious pork-centric meals that are perfect for any occasion:
Teriyaki-BBQ Pork Shish Kabobs
Perfect for grilling season or any time you crave a sweet and savory skewer! These kabobs feature tender pork cubes marinated in a delightful teriyaki-BBQ sauce, skewered with colorful vegetables like mushrooms, red peppers, tomatoes, and onions. They’re a fantastic choice for parties, game days, or a healthy family dinner. Easy to assemble and quick to grill, they offer a burst of flavor in every bite.
Crock Pot BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
For those days when you need a hearty, comforting meal with minimal effort, these crock pot BBQ pulled pork sandwiches are an absolute dream. The pork slow-cooks to tender perfection, soaking up a rich, smoky barbecue flavor. Shred it, pile it high on buns, and serve with your favorite coleslaw for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s ideal for gatherings or a cozy family dinner. Every time I make these, the recipe requests pour in!
Pork Lettuce Wraps
Light, fresh, and bursting with Asian-inspired flavors, these pork lettuce wraps are a fantastic healthy alternative. Ground pork is stir-fried with savory seasonings and served in crisp lettuce cups, making for a fun, interactive, and flavorful meal. They’re quick to prepare and perfect for a lighter lunch or dinner, offering a delightful crunch and a taste that’s hard to beat.
Quick BBQ Pork Sandwiches
When time is of the essence but you’re craving that classic BBQ flavor, these quick BBQ pork sandwiches hit the spot. Featuring perfectly seasoned pork in a tangy, homemade barbecue sauce, these sandwiches come together in a flash. They’re hearty, satisfying, and deliver big on flavor, making them an excellent choice for a speedy lunch or a no-fuss dinner any day of the week.
A special thank you to the National Pork Board for their sponsorship of this post. As always, all opinions and enthusiasm expressed are entirely my own!
