Perfect (and Easy!) Pork Fried Rice
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Pork Fried Rice is a staple of Chinese and hibachi grill restaurants across the country. And this pork fried rice recipe uses juicy tenderloin and frozen veggies for an easy alternative to takeout. Learn how to make pork fried rice in just 30 minutes!
Pork Fried Rice
Not only is it easy to replicate your favorite takeout dishes right at home, but you can make adjustments as needed, so it comes out exactly how you like.
And because this recipe for pork fried rice makes such a large amount, you can feed the whole family or have leftovers for lunch at a fraction of the cost!
We also have a classic fried rice recipe ready in just 30 minutes, or try a unique twist with hot dogs!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Meat – While pork fried rice is typically made with Char Siu, or Chinese barbecued pork, you can use whatever cut is easily accessible.
Even leftover pork chops would work! I took a whole tenderloin and marinated it in an Asian-inspired BBQ sauce, then cooked it on the outdoor grill.
You could also use smoked tenderloin if you’d like. - Veggies – Feel free to swap out the peas and carrots for other stir-fry veggies like bell peppers, corn, finely chopped broccoli, snow peas, or bean sprouts.
- Rice – Jasmine is the best variety to use for this dish. Be sure to cook it ahead of time and let it cool before adding it to the pan.
Otherwise, it may become sticky and clumpy from the residual heat.
It doesn’t have to be completely chilled first, but add a few minutes to the cooking time if using leftovers from the refrigerator.
How to Make Pork Fried Rice at Home
- Get ingredients prepped and ready.
Both the rice and the pork will need to be cooked and cooled ahead of time — at least a few hours, but the night before is even better.
Store both in the refrigerator until you’re ready to start this recipe for pork fried rice.
- Use a wok.
A curved skillet is ideal for any stir fry as the high, sloped sides cook all the ingredients evenly at high heat.
The shape also makes it easy to stir and toss the ingredients together quickly.
- Cook onions and garlic first.
This softens the veggies and brings out their natural sweet flavor. Be gentle with the garlic — it only needs a minute or two before it burns.
Once fragrant, add the remaining ingredients, tossing and cooking until everything is well combined and warmed through.
- Add some heat!
Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. If you want to feel the flames on your tongue, mix in some Sriracha or hot chili oil.
I recommend starting with a small amount and seeing how the pork fried rice tastes. You can always add more, but it’s harder to tone it down when there’s too much!
Prep Ahead
- Make rice the night before
- Cook and chop pork
- Scramble eggs
- Mix sauce together
Serving Suggestions
Want more restaurant-inspired dinner ideas? Panda Express Broccoli Beef and Cheesecake Factory Bang Bang Shrimp are sure to hit the spot, and you can easily serve them alongside this pork fried rice recipe.
I also have a Crockpot Mongolian Beef recipe that is the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
Or, try One-Pan Chicken Teriyaki with vegetables for a complete meal without any extra dishes!
Kitchen Tools You Will Need
- Use a standard Skillet to scramble the eggs, but use a Wok to make this recipe for pork fried rice.
- Mixing Bowls – I like to have a variety of sizes on hand, and this set has them all.
- Wood Turner – My most used spoon or spatula in my kitchen! It’s amazing for sautéing vegetables and browning meat.
Storing and Reheating
Leftover pork fried rice can be kept in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
This dish also freezes really well and can be stored for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Just thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Add leftovers back to a skillet on the stove and heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
Add a splash of water as needed for moisture or pop a lid on top to create steam.
Pork Fried Rice Recipe FAQ
It’s perfectly fine (and safe!) to enjoy this recipe for pork fried rice either way, but it tends to taste better when it’s warm.
Typically, “fresh is best” is the key to stellar recipes — but not if you want the best pork fried rice recipe!
Day-old rice is a must when making fried rice. It’s dryer and sturdier than freshly cooked rice, providing the best texture to the whole dish.
Plus, it really brings out the individual flavors of the other ingredients!
Sure, swap the pork for chicken or beef. It’s also fine to use salmon or shrimp. They all taste great and will go with the other flavors in the dish.
Can I use different meat?
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Perfect Easy Pork Fried Rice (30 Minute Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- salt and Pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon hot water
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 Teaspoon sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/4 Teaspoon white pepper
- 1 Tablespoon Canola Oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound cooked pork tenderloin, chopped into small pieces
- 5 Cups Cooked jasmine rice
- 12 ounces frozen peas and carrots
- 3 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Melt butter in a skillet and add the eggs then add salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook eggs until they’re just soft then set aside.
- In a small bowl mix the hot water, honey, sesame oil, soy sauce and white pepper. Set aside.
- In a large wok (if you don’t have one a large skillet will be enough) add the canola oil and diced onion, cook until translucent then add the garlic. Cook a further 2 minutes.
- Add the pork, jasmine rice and peas and carrots and sauté, stirring in the honey/oil mixture. Continue to cook until all the ingredients are hot.
- Add the green onions and serve.
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published April 2021, updated and republished January 2024
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Ok no more restaurant fried rice for me. This tastes so much better and fresh made at home!
What can I substitute for the honey? Thanks.
Delicious!!! And simple!!! Thanks so much!!!
When do you add the eggs in with the other ingredients?
This is the best pork fried rice that I have ever had period . It definitely takes more than 30 minutes . More like an hour but worth it .