Looking to brighten up your dinner routine? This Ginger Lime Pork with Coconut Rice is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that brings tropical flair to your table. Juicy strips of pork are marinated in a fresh ginger-lime sauce, then seared and served over fluffy, aromatic coconut rice for the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory.
This easy one-pan main dish is ideal for weeknights but elegant enough for guests. The coconut rice adds a creamy, subtly sweet contrast to the tangy pork, making every bite irresistible.
Ingredients:
For the Ginger Lime Pork:
- 1½ lbs pork tenderloin or boneless pork chops, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (fresh)
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for cooking)
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
For the Coconut Rice:
- 1½ cups jasmine rice (or long grain white rice)
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk (unsweetened)
- 1¼ cups water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, enhances coconut flavor)
Preparation:
Step 1: Marinate the Pork
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, lime juice, lime zest, ginger, garlic, honey, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Add sliced pork and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) in the refrigerator.
Step 2: Cook the Coconut Rice
- In a saucepan, combine jasmine rice, coconut milk, water, salt, and optional sugar. Stir and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes, until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
Step 3: Sear the Pork
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil. Remove pork from marinade (shake off excess) and add in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Serve the seared pork strips over a bed of coconut rice. Garnish with sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and a fresh squeeze of lime.
Variation:
- Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or sriracha to the marinade
- Make It Creamy: Drizzle with a coconut-lime sauce or peanut sauce
- Vegetable Add-In: Stir in steamed broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers
- Grilled Version: Marinate pork whole and grill before slicing
- Low-Carb Option: Serve pork over cauliflower rice or sautéed greens
COOKING Note:
Use fresh ginger and lime juice for the best flavor. Bottled substitutes won’t have the same brightness or zing.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve alongside roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, carrots, or bok choy
- Add a side of fresh mango or pineapple salsa for a tropical twist
- Top with toasted coconut flakes or crushed peanuts for crunch
- Make it a bowl meal with rice, pork, veggies, and avocado
- Pair with iced green tea or a mojito for a refreshing drink
Tips:
- Don’t over-marinate the pork—2–4 hours max is best to avoid mushy texture
- Cut pork into thin, even strips for faster cooking
- Use full-fat coconut milk for creamier rice
- Let the pork rest for 2–3 minutes after cooking before serving
- Add a pinch of turmeric or curry powder to the rice for extra color and depth
⏱️ Time Overview:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinate Time: 30 minutes (or more)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour
🍽️ Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 4 servings):
- Calories: ~520
- Protein: ~32g
- Carbohydrates: ~45g
- Fat: ~23g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sodium: ~650mg
- Sugar: ~6g
Nutrition varies depending on rice and cut of pork used.
❓FAQs
Can I use pork chops instead of tenderloin?
- Yes! Just slice them thin for even cooking and tender texture.
Can I make this dairy-free and gluten-free?
- Yes—this recipe is naturally dairy-free. Use gluten-free tamari in place of soy sauce.
Can I cook the pork in the air fryer?
- Yes! Set to 400°F and cook thin pork slices for about 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine?
- Absolutely. Cook time will increase slightly, and the texture will be chewier.
How do I store leftovers?
- Store pork and rice separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or coconut milk.
Conclusion:
Ginger Lime Pork with Coconut Rice brings bold flavor and creamy comfort together in one vibrant, satisfying dish. The marinated pork is zesty and savory with a touch of sweetness, while the coconut rice adds rich, tropical flair.
Whether you’re meal-prepping, cooking a simple dinner, or serving guests something special, this dish delivers on all fronts—freshness, flavor, and ease