Ginger Lime Pork with Coconut Rice – Easy, Flavor-Packed Dinner Ready in 30 Minutes
Samantha
This Ginger Lime Pork with Coconut Rice is bursting with zesty citrus flavor, bold ginger spice, and creamy tropical notes. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that’s high in protein, meal prep-friendly, and ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re feeding your family or stocking up your lunchbox, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Dinner, Lunch, Meal Prep
Cuisine Asian-Inspired, Tropical Fusion
Servings 4 servings
Calories 465 kcal
For the Pork
- 1 lb pork loin or tenderloin sliced thin
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce low-sodium preferred
- Juice and zest of 1 lime
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup optional
For the Coconut Rice
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1 cup coconut milk full fat
- 1 cup water
- Pinch of salt
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh cilantro
- Sliced scallions
- Lime wedges
- Sesame seeds
Step 1: Marinate the PorkIn a large bowl, mix lime juice, lime zest, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, honey, and oil. Add sliced pork and let marinate for at least 10 minutes (or overnight if meal prepping). Step 2: Cook the Coconut RiceRinse the jasmine rice until the water runs clear. In a saucepan, combine rice, coconut milk, water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low for 15 minutes. Let it rest for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork. Step 3: Sear the PorkHeat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork in batches (avoid crowding the pan) and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until caramelized and cooked through. Step 4: Assemble and ServeSpoon a portion of coconut rice into a bowl or plate. Top with seared ginger lime pork, and garnish with cilantro, scallions, sesame seeds, and extra lime wedges.
Secret Tips for the Best Ginger Lime Pork with Coconut Rice
1. Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Ginger lime pork gets its bold, zesty kick from the marinade. Let your pork sit for at least 15–30 minutes in the ginger, lime juice, soy sauce, and garlic mixture. If you’ve got time, marinate longer in the fridge—this step builds that irresistible citrus-ginger profile that makes this easy pork dinner pop.
2. Use Thin-Cut Pork for Speed: If you're looking for a quick 30-minute dinner, go with thin boneless pork chops or sliced pork tenderloin. They sear fast and absorb flavor quickly, making them perfect for busy weeknights when you're craving something savory and satisfying.
3. Don’t Skip the Coconut Rice: Creamy, slightly sweet coconut rice balances the tangy ginger lime pork like a dream. Use full-fat coconut milk for extra richness and add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor. This combo is what takes the dish from simple to restaurant-quality.
4. Sear Hot, Finish Low: Start your pork on high heat to get a golden crust, then lower the heat slightly to cook through without drying it out. This method ensures juicy pork with a caramelized edge, locking in that flavorful marinade.
5. Add Fresh Herbs for a Flavor Boost: Chopped cilantro or Thai basil adds freshness and contrast to the creamy rice and savory pork. It also amps up the dish’s visual appeal—perfect if you’re meal prepping or hosting.
6. Zest That Lime: Lime zest is pure magic in this recipe. It intensifies the citrusy punch of your ginger lime pork without watering down the marinade. A microplane works best—just be sure not to zest too deep into the bitter white pith.
7. Meal Prep Bonus: This dish stores beautifully! Double the batch and portion it into containers with rice and veggies for a week's worth of high-protein meal prep that you’ll actually look forward to eating.
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