Name: Ginger Honey Ground Pork
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: asian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground pork; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp honey; 3 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tsp sesame oil; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 2 green onions, chopped; 1 tbsp sesame seeds; 1 tbsp cooking oil; Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Short Description

Ginger Honey Ground Pork is a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors, making it a versatile and easy dish to prepare. This dish combines aromatic ginger, rich honey, and umami-packed ground pork to create a meal that pairs well with rice, noodles, or even lettuce wraps. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is both satisfying and full of bold flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy – This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Balanced Flavors – The combination of ginger, honey, soy sauce, and garlic creates a delicious balance of sweetness, saltiness, and spice.
Versatile Serving Options – Enjoy it with rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
Minimal Ingredients – Uses pantry staples to create a gourmet-level meal.
Family-Friendly – The mild sweetness makes it appealing to kids while still being flavorful enough for adults.

Ingredients

Ground pork
Fresh ginger
Garlic
Honey
Soy sauce
Rice vinegar
Sesame oil
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Green onions
Sesame seeds
Cooking oil
Salt
Black pepper

Directions

Prepare the Ingredients – Mince the garlic and ginger, chop the green onions, and measure out all sauce ingredients for easy cooking.
Cook the Pork – Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add cooking oil. Add ground pork, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink.
Add Aromatics – Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Prepare the Sauce – In a small bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well.
Combine Everything – Pour the sauce over the pork and stir to coat evenly. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Final Touches – Drizzle in sesame oil, then sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve and Enjoy – Pair with steamed rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps.

Variations

Make it Spicy – Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for extra heat.
Use Different Proteins – Substitute ground chicken, turkey, or beef for a different take on the dish.
Add Vegetables – Toss in bell peppers, shredded carrots, or snap peas for added nutrition and crunch.
Low-Carb Option – Serve over cauliflower rice or in lettuce cups.
Extra Tangy Flavor – Add a splash of lime juice for a citrusy kick.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing – Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating – Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to retain moisture. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground pork or swap for ground turkey. Reduce the honey slightly and add more vegetables for extra fiber.

Can I use ground beef instead of pork?

Yes! Ground beef works well, but it may have a slightly different texture and flavor.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make it gluten-free.

What can I serve with Ginger Honey Ground Pork?

Steamed rice, quinoa, noodles, or a fresh salad make great accompaniments.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the pork and sauce in advance, then reheat it when ready to serve.

How do I prevent the pork from drying out?

Avoid overcooking and add a little broth or extra sauce when reheating.

Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes, but it’s best cooked on the stovetop for texture. If using a slow cooker, cook on low for 4 hours after browning the pork.

Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?

Absolutely! Fresh ginger adds more flavor and depth compared to ground ginger.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of chili oil.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just make sure to use a larger pan to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.

Conclusion

Ginger Honey Ground Pork is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight meals. With its balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, it pairs well with various sides and can be easily customized to suit your preferences. Whether served over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps, this dish is sure to be a household favorite!

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