If you’re looking for a vibrant, flavorful dish that feels both fresh and indulgent, you absolutely must try Ginger Lime Pork with Coconut Rice. This recipe perfectly balances the zesty brightness of lime and ginger with the rich, sweet depth of coconut rice, creating a meal that’s as comforting as it is exciting. Ground pork simmered in a fragrant garlic and ginger sauté, lightly caramelized with brown sugar, and brightened with a splash of sriracha and lime juice takes each bite to the next level. Paired with pillowy coconut rice and topped with crunchy peanuts and fresh herbs, this dish really brings a little sunshine to your dinner table.

Ginger Lime Pork with Coconut Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for Ginger Lime Pork with Coconut Rice is a breeze, but each one plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect harmony of flavors, textures, and colors that define this dish.

Olive Oil: A neutral, fruit-forward oil perfect for sautéing aromatics without overpowering the dish.
Scallions: White parts add sharp depth during cooking while green parts provide fresh color and crunch as a garnish.
Garlic: Minced to release its aromatic punch, building the foundation for bold flavor.
Fresh Ginger: Grated or minced finely for a lively, spicy zest that wakes up the palate.
Ground Pork: The hearty, tender protein that soaks up all those delicious seasonings.
Light Brown Sugar: Adds a hint of caramel sweetness to balance the tangy lime and spicy sriracha.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed for bright acidity that lifts the whole dish.
Sriracha: Adjustable level of heat and a touch of smokiness to make the flavors pop.
Fine Sea Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every ingredient.
Coconut Rice: Jasmine rice cooked creamy with coconut milk, a pinch of sea salt, and a hint of sugar for a smooth, sweet base.
Chopped Peanuts: For adding a satisfying crunch and nutty richness.
Extra Lime Wedges: For that extra burst of citrusy freshness on the side.
Fresh Herbs: Cilantro, mint, and Thai basil bring an herbal brightness and aromatic complexity as garnish.

How to Make Ginger Lime Pork with Coconut Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Coconut Rice

Start by making your coconut rice, the soul-soothing sidekick to the zesty pork. Use jasmine rice cooked gently in coconut milk with just a touch of sea salt and sugar. This subtly sweet, creamy rice acts as the perfect canvas to soak up all those vibrant ginger lime pork juices.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil over high heat in a large sauté pan, then add the white parts of scallions, minced garlic, and fresh ginger. Sauté them together for only a minute or two until the kitchen fills with that intoxicating, fragrant aroma. This step creates the flavor base that brings everything to life.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Pork

Next, add the ground pork to your pan, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat turns no longer pink and begins to brown. This is where the texture starts to develop—ground pork holds the sauce beautifully, making every bite juicy and satisfying.

Step 4: Add the Sauce Ingredients

Stir in the brown sugar, lime juice, and sriracha. Mix everything to coat the pork evenly, then let it cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes. This caramelizes the pork at the bottom of the pan, adding an irresistible depth and a slight crust of flavor. Repeat the stirring and caramelizing process once more to really lock in those layers of flavor.

Step 5: Season and Finish

Give your pork a final taste, seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional sriracha if you want a bit more heat. Your Ginger Lime Pork with Coconut Rice is now ready to be plated and garnished for maximum enjoyment.

How to Serve Ginger Lime Pork with Coconut Rice

Garnishes

For the perfect finishing touch, sprinkle chopped peanuts over the pork for delightful crunch. Scatter the green parts of the scallions on top for a fresh burst of color and mild onion flavor. Don’t forget the fresh herbs—cilantro, mint, and Thai basil add a garden-fresh brightness that contrast beautifully with the richness of the pork. And of course, a couple of lime wedges on the side let everyone add an extra squeeze of zinginess if they like.

Side Dishes

While the coconut rice is the classic companion, Ginger Lime Pork with Coconut Rice also pairs beautifully with lightly sautéed greens like bok choy or spinach to add a healthy crisp counterpoint. A simple cucumber salad with a quick vinaigrette offers a refreshing crunch that cuts through the richness and rounds out the meal nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Ginger Lime Pork over warm lettuce cups to enjoy it as a fresh, hand-held bite. Alternatively, pile the pork on top of steamed bao buns with fresh herbs and a drizzle of sriracha mayo for an irresistible appetizer. You can even turn the dish into a vibrant rice bowl topped with pickled veggies for extra tang and texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your Ginger Lime Pork with Coconut Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, maintaining its bold flavors and juicy texture. Keep the garnishes separate if possible to preserve their freshness.

Freezing

This dish freezes well if you want to prepare in advance for busy days. Portion the pork and coconut rice into freezer-safe containers, leaving any fresh herbs or peanuts out until serving. Frozen, it will last for up to 3 months without loss of flavor.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or coconut milk while reheating can help keep the pork moist. Garnish freshly after reheating to maintain that perfect burst of freshness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken instead of pork for this recipe?

Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey can substitute ground pork, though the flavor and fat content will be slightly different. You might want to adjust seasoning and cooking time accordingly.

Is the coconut rice difficult to make?

Not at all. Coconut rice is as simple as cooking jasmine rice in a mixture of coconut milk, water, a pinch of salt, and a bit of sugar. It’s an easy way to add rich flavor without much extra effort.

How spicy is the Ginger Lime Pork with Coconut Rice?

The recipe includes sriracha, which can be adjusted to your heat preference. If you like things milder, reduce the amount or omit it altogether. The lime and ginger still offer plenty of vibrant flavor even without much heat.

Can I prepare this dish gluten-free?

Yes! All ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check labels on condiments like sriracha to ensure they meet your dietary needs.

What herbs work best as garnish?

Cilantro is classic and adds a bright, lemony note, but fresh mint and Thai basil add wonderful herbal complexity. Feel free to mix or match according to your taste and availability.

Final Thoughts

I really hope you’ll give Ginger Lime Pork with Coconut Rice a try soon. It’s one of those dishes that feels special yet comes together quickly, perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. The way the tangy lime and ginger brighten the savory, lightly caramelized pork on a bed of creamy coconut rice is simply unforgettable. Once you taste it, I’m sure it will become a much-loved recipe in your kitchen too!