Japanese Stir Fried Pork

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 the dish is 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 this dish 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, this dish 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

This delicious Japanese dish combines tender slices of pork with sweet onions and a variety of vegetables, all cooked in a light soy-based sauce. It’s a simple yet flavourful meal, perfect for a quick and nourishing dinner.

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Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: Japanese

Keyword: Alcohol, Japanese Stir Fried Pork, Pork, Rice, Spice, Vegetables

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 People

Calories: 320kcal

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Ingredients

 

MetricImperial

• 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 stir-fried pork and vegetables over steamed rice.
  400 g cooked rice

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 63mg | Sodium: 604mg | Potassium: 719mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 3504IU | Vitamin C: 51mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 1mg