Easy Ginger Lime Pork with Creamy Coconut Rice

Hey There! Let’s Make Some Delicious Ginger Lime Pork with Creamy Coconut Rice

If you love meals that burst with fresh, bright flavors but are cozy enough to feel like a warm hug, you’re going to adore this recipe! I stumbled upon this ginger lime pork with coconut rice combo and instantly fell in love with how simple it is to bring together such a fresh and satisfying dish. The tangy lime and zingy ginger paired with tender pork make for something that feels both special and easy—perfect for busy weeknights or weekend dinners.

Why This Meal Is So Awesome for You

One thing I appreciate about this dish is how it balances proteins and carbs while adding in some healthful ingredients. Pork shoulder or tenderloin gives you a great source of lean protein, important for keeping your muscles happy and your energy up.

The ginger and garlic aren’t just flavor stars—they also have amazing anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Plus, the lime juice adds a zesty dose of vitamin C, which is great for your skin and immune system. And the coconut milk? It makes the rice creamy without adding heavy cream, plus it brings healthy fats that help your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins.

Fun Ways to Make This Recipe Your Own

• Spice it up: Love a little heat? Toss in sliced fresh chili or sprinkle on some red chili flakes to perk up the flavors.
• Keep it plant-based: Swap the pork for tofu or tempeh and marinate it the same way. You’ll still get all those bright flavors but as a veggie-friendly option!
• Switch grains: Feel free to swap white rice for brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice if you want to keep it lighter and add more fiber.
• Herb Swap: If you’re not a cilantro fan, fresh parsley or Thai basil work wonderfully as a garnish.

Ginger Lime Pork with Creamy Coconut Rice Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb pork (shoulder, loin, or tenderloin), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1-2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated or finely chopped
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 2 limes (plus lime wedges for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
• 1 cup white rice (jasmine or long grain)
• 1 can (13.5-14 oz) coconut milk
• 1/2 cup water
• 1-2 tablespoons cooking oil (vegetable, canola, or sesame)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: green onions (chopped), red chili flakes or fresh chili for heat

Instructions – Let’s Cook!

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, and a pinch of salt. Bring this to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed.
4. Remove the pot from heat and keep it covered for another 5 minutes—that’s when the rice gets perfectly fluffy! Fluff it up with a fork before serving.
5. Meanwhile, in a bowl, mix grated ginger, minced garlic, lime juice, soy sauce (or tamari), and brown sugar or honey to make the marinade.
6. Add your pork pieces to the marinade, toss them well to coat, and let them soak up those flavors for 15-30 minutes if you can.
7. Heat your cooking oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
8. Place the marinated pork pieces in a single layer in the hot pan, saving any leftover marinade for later. Let them cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes so they get a lovely caramelized crust.
9. Flip the pork pieces and cook for another 3-4 minutes until browned and cooked through.
10. Pour the reserved marinade into the pan and stir around, cooking for 1-2 minutes until it thickens slightly and looks glossy.
11. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
12. Serve your ginger lime pork over a bowl of the creamy coconut rice. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side.
13. If you like, top with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of red chili flakes for some extra sparkle and heat.
14. Enjoy your bright, zesty, and comforting meal!

Helpful Tips For Success

• Marinate ahead if you can: If you have more time, let the pork marinate for up to two hours to deepen those flavors.
• Rice can be made in advance: Cook your coconut rice earlier in the day, then reheat gently with a splash of water or coconut milk to keep it creamy.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cooking pork pieces in a single layer helps achieve a nice caramelized crust instead of steaming them.
• Use fresh lime juice: It really makes a big difference in the brightness of the dish, so skip bottled lime juice if possible.
• Storing leftovers: Keep your pork and rice separately in airtight containers in the fridge. They’ll last about 3 days and reheat well in the microwave or on the stove.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Medium saucepan with lid (for cooking rice)
• Mixing bowl (to prepare marinade and toss pork)
• Large skillet or frying pan (to cook pork)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Grater or small knife (for ginger)
• Cutting board and sharp knife (for pork and garnishes)
• Fork (to fluff rice)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken or beef instead of pork? Absolutely! Chicken thighs or breast, and even thin slices of beef, work well with the marinade and cooking method.
2. Is there a way to make this gluten-free? Yes! Just use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
3. Can I cook this recipe in a slow cooker? You can, but I recommend sautéing the pork first to get that caramelized crust—then transfer to a slow cooker with the marinade and cook on low for 3-4 hours.
4. What if I don’t have coconut milk? You can substitute with regular milk or a dairy-free alternative, but coconut milk adds a lovely richness and flavor to the rice.
5. How can I make the rice creamier? Try gently stirring in a little extra coconut milk after cooking or adding a bit of butter or coconut oil when you fluff it.

Let’s Stay in Touch!

If you try this ginger lime pork with creamy coconut rice, please drop a comment or share your photos with me—I’d love to see how it turns out and hear about your favorite twists! And hey, if you’re on Pinterest, follow me there for more easy, fresh recipes that make cooking fun and flavorsome.