Ginger Lime Pork Coconut Rice

This ginger lime pork with coconut rice transforms simple ingredients into a bold, aromatic meal that brings restaurant-quality Thai flavors right to your dinner table. The caramelized pork with its perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes pairs beautifully with the creamy coconut rice for a satisfying meal any night of the week.

I first made this dish when craving Thai takeout during a rainy evening but didn't want to leave the house. My family was so impressed they requested it three times the following week, and it's become our go-to meal when we want something flavorful without much fuss.

Ingredients

• Jasmine rice: absorbs the coconut milk perfectly while maintaining its structure
• Coconut milk: creates rich, fragrant rice that complements the tangy pork
• Fresh ginger: provides warming, aromatic notes that define this dish
• Lime juice: adds brightness and cuts through the richness
• Brown sugar: caramelizes beautifully with the meat for depth of flavor
• Sriracha: brings customizable heat that wakes up all the flavors
• Scallions: provide both aromatic base and fresh garnish
• Ground pork: offers the perfect fat content for maximum flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Rice:

Rinse jasmine rice thoroughly until water runs clear to remove excess starch. This crucial step prevents gummy rice and allows the coconut flavor to shine through. Combine with coconut milk, water, salt, and sugar in a saucepan, bringing to a gentle boil before reducing to a simmer. Cover tightly and cook for exactly 15 minutes undisturbed to allow the rice to absorb all the liquid evenly.

Build the Flavor Base:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add white parts of scallions, minced garlic, and fresh ginger, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The aromatics should become fragrant within 1 to 2 minutes, releasing their essential oils into the oil. This foundation creates the distinctive Thai-inspired flavor profile.

Brown the Meat:

Add ground pork to the aromatic base, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook over high heat, stirring occasionally, until no pink remains. Ensure the meat develops some caramelized edges by allowing it to sit undisturbed for brief periods between stirring. This caramelization develops deeper umami flavors.

Create the Glaze:

Stir brown sugar, fresh lime juice, and sriracha into the cooked meat, mixing thoroughly to coat every piece. Spread the mixture evenly across the pan and let it cook undisturbed for 2 minutes until the sugars begin to caramelize on the bottom. Stir once and repeat to develop multiple layers of caramelization, creating a sticky, flavorful glaze.

Final Seasoning:

Taste the mixture and adjust with salt, pepper, additional lime juice for brightness, or more sriracha for heat. The flavor should be balanced between sweet, sour, spicy, and savory elements. This personalization step ensures the dish matches your exact preferences.

The fresh ginger is truly the star ingredient in this recipe. I discovered its importance when I once substituted powdered ginger in a pinch and noticed the dish lacked that distinctive aromatic quality. Now I keep fresh ginger in my freezer at all times. It grates easily when frozen and the flavor remains intact even when stored for months.

Perfect Rice Technique

The secret to perfect coconut rice lies in the resting period after cooking. Once your timer goes off, resist the urge to peek inside the pot. Leave it covered and off the heat for a full 10 minutes. This allows the rice grains to absorb any remaining moisture and firm up slightly, resulting in distinct grains rather than mushy rice. If your coconut milk has separated in the can, whisk it thoroughly before measuring to ensure even creaminess throughout the rice.

Make It Your Own

This recipe welcomes adaptation based on what you have available. Ground chicken or turkey works beautifully for a leaner option, while ground beef adds richness. For vegetarians, crumbled firm tofu or tempeh makes an excellent substitute when you cook it longer to remove excess moisture. The sauce components can be adjusted too. No sriracha? Try sambal oelek, gochujang, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes. The brown sugar can be replaced with honey or maple syrup, though you may need slightly less as they're sweeter.

Serving Suggestions

Turn this dish into a complete meal by adding vegetables either mixed in or served alongside. Steamed broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers add color and nutrition. For a traditional presentation, serve the pork mixture in lettuce cups with the rice on the side, allowing diners to create their own wraps. A quick cucumber salad with rice vinegar makes a refreshing side that balances the rich flavors. Set out small bowls of additional toppings like chopped peanuts, fresh herbs, lime wedges, and extra sriracha to create an interactive dining experience.

Storage and Reheating

This dish actually improves overnight as the flavors meld together in the refrigerator. Store the pork and rice separately in airtight containers for up to four days. When reheating, add a splash of water to the rice before microwaving covered to restore moisture. The pork mixture reheats beautifully in a skillet with a tablespoon of water to loosen the sauce. For freezing, cool completely then portion into freezer containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ How does coconut milk affect the rice?

Coconut milk provides creaminess and subtle sweetness, resulting in tender, aromatic rice with a richer flavor than water alone.

→ Can I swap pork for another protein?

Yes, ground chicken, turkey, beef, or plant-based alternatives like tofu or seitan work well and soak up the tangy sauce.

→ What garnishes work best for this dish?

Chopped peanuts, scallion greens, fresh cilantro, mint, Thai basil, and extra lime wedges add texture and freshness.

→ How spicy is the sauce?

The sriracha adds mild heat, but the amount is adjustable to taste. Feel free to increase or decrease for your preference.

→ Are there suggested side vegetables?

Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas make great accompaniments to round out the meal.