Pork Fried Rice
Quick, satisfying pork fried rice with tender pork, fluffy rice, and crisp vegetables in a savory, umami-packed sauce. A classic takeout-style dish made easily at home in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights and a great way to use up leftover rice.
For 4 servings
- prep
Prep all ingredients before heating the wok.
1.Cut pork tenderloin into small ¼-inch cubes.2.Finely dice the carrot and chop the onion.3.Mince garlic, grate ginger, and slice green onions (keep whites and greens separate).4.Lightly beat eggs in a small bowl. Have all ingredients within arm's reach. - fry · ~4 min
Sear the pork quickly over high heat.
Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over high heat until shimmering. Add pork cubes in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 1 minute, then stir-fry 2-3 minutes until golden and just cooked through. Remove pork and set aside.
TIPAvoid crowding the pan — cook in batches if needed so the pork sears instead of steaming. - fry · ~1 min
Scramble the eggs and set aside.
Add a little oil if the wok is dry. Pour in beaten eggs and let them set briefly, then scramble gently until just cooked. Remove and chop into small pieces with the spatula. Set aside with the pork.
- saute · ~5 min
Stir-fry the aromatics and vegetables.
1.Add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the wok over high heat.2.Add onion and white parts of green onions; stir-fry 1 minute.3.Add garlic and ginger; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.4.Add diced carrot; stir-fry 2 minutes until slightly softened.5.Add thawed peas; toss for 1 minute. - fry · ~5 min
Add rice and fry until heated through and slightly crispy.
Add the cold rice, breaking up any clumps with the spatula. Spread rice against the wok surface and let it sear undisturbed for 30 seconds, then toss. Repeat 2-3 times until rice is hot and lightly toasted, about 4-5 minutes total.
TIPCold, day-old rice is key — fresh warm rice turns mushy. Break clumps with your fingers before adding if very compacted. - mix · ~2 min
Combine everything and season.
Return the cooked pork and scrambled eggs to the wok. Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil evenly over the rice. Add salt and black pepper. Toss everything together over high heat for 1-2 minutes until well combined and heated through.
- garnish
Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
Scatter the reserved green onion tops over the fried rice. Give one final toss and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use day-old cold rice so grains stay separate and don't turn mushy.
- 2Cook pork in a single layer without stirring for the first minute to develop a good sear.
- 3Break up cold rice clumps with your fingers before adding to the wok for even frying.
- 4Let rice sit undisturbed in the wok for 30 seconds between tosses to get light crispiness.
- 5Prep all ingredients before heating the wok – stir-frying goes very fast.
- 6Taste the finished dish and add a pinch more salt or a dash of soy sauce if needed.
Adapt it for your goals.
Chicken/shrimp fried rice
Substitute pork with diced chicken breast or peeled shrimp for a different protein. Cook chicken as directed; shrimp needs only 1-2 minutes per side.
vegetarianVegetarian
Omit pork and eggs, add extra vegetables like bell peppers, corn, and edamame. Use mushroom-based soy sauce for deeper umami.
spicySpicy
Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or chili garlic sauce along with soy sauce, or stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic and ginger.
low sodiumLow-sodium
Replace regular soy sauce with low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos, and skip the added salt. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean Protein Source
Pork tenderloin is one of the leanest cuts of pork, providing high-quality protein essential for muscle repair and satiety.
Vitamin A from Carrots
Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A, supporting eye health and immune function.
Iron from Peas
Green peas contribute a modest amount of iron, which helps transport oxygen in the blood and reduce fatigue.
Low Added Sugar
This savory dish contains no added sugars, relying on natural flavors from ingredients and soy sauce for taste.
Frequently asked questions
Fresh rice is too moist and sticky; it will clump and become mushy. Spread cooked rice on a tray and refrigerate uncovered for at least 1 hour to dry it out slightly.
