Japanese cuisine is celebrated for its balance of flavours, simplicity, and deep cultural roots. One of the lesser-known yet deeply satisfying dishes in Japan is a stir-fried combination of pork, onions, and assorted vegetables. Japanese Stir Fried Pork is, commonly served in homes and casual eateries, perfectly showcases the harmony of taste and texture that Japanese cooking is known for.
At the heart of Japanese Stir Fried Pork is not surprisingly tender pork, typically thinly sliced, which allows it to cook quickly while maintaining its juiciness. The meat is lightly seasoned and sometimes marinated before cooking to infuse it with flavour. A dash of soy sauce, a hint of ginger, and perhaps a splash of sake or mirin lend a subtly sweet and savoury note to the pork, which plays well against the natural richness of the meat.
The onions, which are a key ingredient, bring a touch of sweetness to the dish as they soften and caramelise slightly during the cooking process. Their natural sugars contrast nicely with the savoury elements, creating a complex flavour profile from just a few simple ingredients.
Accompanying the pork and onions are other vegetables, typically a colourful variety like bell peppers, carrots, cabbage, or mushrooms. These not only add vibrancy to the dish but also different textures – from the crisp bite of a pepper to the tender leaves of cabbage. Japanese cuisine often places importance on presenting an array of colours in a meal, and this dish is no exception.
While Japanese Stir Fried Pork may seem simple, it’s in the technique and quality of ingredients that it truly shines. Stir-fried pork with onions and vegetables is not overly rich or spicy; instead, it embodies the Japanese ethos of letting each element speak for itself, creating a meal that is both comforting and nourishing. Often served with steamed rice and perhaps a bowl of miso soup, it’s a dish that is both humble and heartwarming, perfect for a satisfying meal any day of the week.
Though not as globally recognised as sushi or ramen, Japanese Stir Fried Pork remains a staple of everyday Japanese cooking. It reflects the essence of Japanese cuisine – simple yet full of flavour, balanced, and deeply satisfying.
Japanese Stir Fried Pork
Ingredients
- 400 g pork loin or shoulder thinly sliced
- 1 large onion thinly sliced
- 1 medium red bell pepper sliced
- 1 medium carrot julienned
- 100 g cabbage shredded
- 100 g mushrooms sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp mirin optional
- 1 tbsp sake optional
- 1 tsp ginger grated
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- 400 g cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- Thinly slice the pork, onion, bell pepper, carrot, cabbage and mushrooms. Set aside.400 g pork loin, 1 large onion, 1 medium red bell pepper, 1 medium carrot, 100 g cabbage, 100 g mushrooms
- In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, mirin (if using), sake (if using), and ginger. Add the sliced pork and let it marinate for about 5 minutes.2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp mirin, 1 tbsp sake, 1 tsp ginger
- In a large frying pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Add the pork to the pan, discarding any excess marinade. Stir-fry the pork for 2-3 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Stir-fry the onions, bell pepper, carrot, cabbage, and mushrooms for 4-5 minutes, until they are tender but still crisp.
- Return the pork to the pan and mix it with the vegetables. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld together.salt, pepper
- Serve the Japanese stir fried pork and vegetables over steamed rice.400 g cooked rice
32 comments
Loved the balance of pork and crisp veggies, it tasted fresh and comforting.
This dish was so easy but tasted like it took ages to prepare.
Loved the vibrant colours and the mix of textures, very satisfying dish.
The stir fried pork was delicious and surprisingly light, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
A great everyday dish that feels both hearty and wholesome.
Perfect over steamed rice, the sauce coated everything beautifully.
The pork was so tender and juicy, absolutely spot on.
It reminded me of a homestyle Japanese lunch bowl, simple but delicious.
I loved the subtle sweetness from the mirin, it made the dish shine.
A brilliant option when you want a healthy meal without much fuss.
The ginger gave it such a refreshing lift, really enjoyed every bite.
Quick to cook and even quicker to disappear, the whole family loved it.
A colourful, flavour-packed stir fry that I’d happily make again.
Such a comforting dish, warm, savoury, and wonderfully balanced.
The vegetables kept their crunch and the pork soaked up all the flavours.
A great way to use up leftover vegetables without compromising flavour.
The cabbage and mushrooms added such a lovely texture, will definitely make this again.
The ginger and soy combination made the pork so aromatic and tasty.
Light, flavourful, and incredibly fresh-tasting, definitely a keeper.
Really enjoyed how tender the pork came out, very satisfying meal.
A simple dish but full of flavour, especially the hint of ginger running through it.
The flavours melded together beautifully and the seasoning was just right.
Such a tasty meal, everything cooked beautifully and the flavours were spot on.
Brilliant midweek dinner, full of flavour but not heavy.
Tasted like something from a Japanese café, but incredibly easy to put together.
The pork browned perfectly and paired so well with the colourful vegetables.
Exactly the kind of quick, tasty dish I love making after work.
I love stir frying so gave this a go and it was gorgeous.
The vegetables stayed crisp which made the whole dish feel vibrant and healthy.
Such an easy dish and served with rice. Both filling and very tasty. Thank you
A vibrant colour and flavoured dish. So easy to make.
Lovely combination of ingredients and the soy-based sauce worked perfectly.