Are you tired of the same old weeknight meals? Do you crave something delicious, easy to prepare, and packed with flavor? Look no further! We’ve got just the thing for you: a collection of 20 mouth-watering pork bowl recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights. From spicy Korean-inspired dishes to sweet and sour treats, we’ve gathered some of the most flavorful and versatile pork bowls from around the world.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through Asia, Latin America, and beyond, showcasing a range of pork bowl recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re in the mood for something comforting and familiar or adventurous and new, these 20 recipes will give you the inspiration and guidance you need to create a world of flavors right in your own kitchen.
Spicy Korean Pork Rice Bowl
Savor the bold flavors of Korea with this spicy pork rice bowl recipe. Marinated pork is slow-cooked in a sweet and spicy sauce, served over fluffy white rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork shoulder, sliced into thin strips
– 2 tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground ginger
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– Scallions, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together Gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
2. Add pork strips to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
4. Remove pork from marinade and cook in the oven for 2-3 hours, or until tender.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar and water.
6. Cook white rice according to package instructions.
7. Slice cooked pork into thin strips and serve over hot rice.
8. Garnish with scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 4-5 hours (including marinating time)
Hawaiian BBQ Pork Bowl with Pineapple
Experience the sweet and savory flavors of Hawaii with this mouthwatering pork bowl recipe. Tender pork, caramelized pineapple, and a hint of BBQ sauce come together in a deliciously easy dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup Hawaiian-style BBQ sauce
– 1 ripe pineapple, sliced
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– Chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the pork shoulder over medium-high heat until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
3. Add BBQ sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, and sesame oil to the skillet. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until pork is tender.
4. Grill pineapple slices for 2-3 minutes per side, or until caramelized.
5. Serve cooked pork over white rice, topped with grilled pineapple and garnished with green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Teriyaki Pork and Vegetable Rice Bowl
This recipe combines tender pork, colorful vegetables, and flavorful teriyaki sauce, all served over a bed of fluffy rice. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless pork shoulder, sliced into thin strips
– 2 cups cooked Japanese short-grain rice
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, snap peas)
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook rice according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add pork and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add remaining 1 tbsp of vegetable oil. Add mixed vegetables and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Pour into the skillet with vegetables and stir to combine.
5. Return pork to the skillet and stir to coat with the teriyaki sauce mixture.
6. Serve over cooked rice and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Garlic Butter Pork and Mushroom Bowl
A flavorful and savory bowl filled with tender pork, sautéed mushrooms, and aromatic garlic butter. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork shoulder or loin, sliced into thin strips
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 ounces mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked white rice or noodles for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Add pork and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Remove pork from the skillet and set aside. Reduce heat to medium and add remaining butter, garlic, and mushrooms. Cook until mushrooms release their moisture and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
4. Add chicken broth and soy sauce to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits. Return pork to the skillet and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Mexican Carnitas Bowl with Avocado
This recipe combines tender slow-cooked pork shoulder with creamy avocado, tangy salsa, and crunchy slaw, all wrapped up in a warm tortilla. A flavorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup lard or vegetable oil
– 1/4 cup orange juice
– 1/4 cup lime juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper
– 4 corn tortillas
– Sliced radishes, for garnish
– Diced avocado, for serving
– Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for serving (optional)
– Chopped cilantro, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large Dutch oven, combine pork shoulder, lard or oil, orange and lime juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Cover the pot and braise the pork at 275°F for 2-3 hours, or until tender and easily shredded.
3. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20 seconds.
4. Assemble bowls with carnitas, sliced radishes, diced avocado, sour cream or Greek yogurt (if using), and chopped cilantro (if using).
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Sweet and Sour Pork Rice Bowl
A sweet and tangy twist on traditional pork and rice bowls, this recipe combines crispy pork, tender vegetables, and a zesty sauce over fluffy Japanese-style rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
– 1 lb pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (green, red, yellow)
– 1/4 cup sweet and sour sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook rice according to package instructions.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together pork pieces and cornstarch.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
4. In the same pan, add remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 2 minutes.
5. Add mixed bell peppers and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Stir in sweet and sour sauce. Return pork to pan and stir to coat.
7. Serve pork mixture over cooked rice. Garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Japanese Pork Katsu Donburi
A classic Japanese comfort food dish, Pork Katsu Donburi is a flavorful and satisfying meal that combines crispy pork cutlet with savory donburi (rice bowl) and rich tonkatsu sauce. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 pork cutlets
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1 cup cooked Japanese rice
– 1 cup donburi sauce (available at Asian markets or online)
– 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions:
1. Prepare the pork cutlets by coating each in flour, then eggs, and finally breadcrumbs.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the pork cutlets for 3-4 minutes on each side or until cooked through.
3. Cook Japanese rice according to package instructions.
4. Assemble the donburi by placing cooked rice in a bowl, topping with a pork cutlet, and drizzling with donburi sauce.
5. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Honey Sriracha Pork Bowl
A sweet and spicy fusion of flavors, this recipe combines the richness of pork with the tanginess of honey and sriracha. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless pork shoulder, sliced into thin strips
– 2 tbsp honey
– 2 tbsp sriracha sauce
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked white or brown rice for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together honey, sriracha, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the pork strips to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Remove the pork from the marinade and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Serve the cooked pork over cooked rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes – 2 hours (depending on marinating time)
Pork Belly Ramen Bowl
A rich and savory bowl of Japanese-inspired comfort food, featuring tender pork belly, springy noodles, and a variety of textures and flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork belly, sliced into thin strips
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sake (or dry white wine)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 oz ramen noodles
– Green onions, bean sprouts, and pickled ginger for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cook pork belly strips in a skillet until browned on both sides, then transfer to a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes.
2. In a large pot, combine chicken broth, soy sauce, sake, and brown sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Add sliced onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Cook ramen noodles according to package instructions. Divide among bowls.
5. Slice cooked pork belly into thin strips and add to bowls with noodles. Ladle hot broth over top and garnish with green onions, bean sprouts, and pickled ginger.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Vietnamese Lemongrass Pork Bowl
Get ready to transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Vietnam with this aromatic and flavorful lemongrass pork bowl. This simple yet satisfying dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless pork shoulder, sliced into thin strips
– 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Cooked jasmine rice or noodles for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), brown sugar, garlic, and lemongrass.
2. Add the pork slices and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove pork from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off.
4. Cook pork for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Serve with cooked jasmine rice or noodles and garnish with sliced scallions and lime wedges.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pork and Kimchi Fried Rice Bowl
A flavorful and spicy twist on traditional fried rice, this recipe combines the savory taste of pork with the bold flavors of kimchi. This dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 cup diced pork shoulder or loin
– 1/4 cup kimchi, chopped
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the pork and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Push the pork aside; add the onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the cooked rice to the skillet, stirring to combine with the pork and vegetable mixture.
5. Stir in the kimchi, soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
6. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
BBQ Pulled Pork Grain Bowl
This recipe combines tender pulled pork with a medley of grains, crunchy vegetables, and creamy BBQ sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal or as a unique addition to your next potluck.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1 cup grain mix (quinoa, brown rice, farro)
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven, combine pork shoulder, BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Cover and bake for 6 hours or until the meat is tender.
3. Cook grain mix according to package instructions. Set aside.
4. Shred the pulled pork with two forks.
5. In a large bowl, combine cooked grains, pulled pork, diced red bell pepper, and chopped cilantro.
Cooking Time: 6 hours (including prep time)
Pork Miso Soup Rice Bowl
This comforting recipe combines tender pork, rich miso broth, and fluffy rice in a harmonious bowl of goodness. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork belly or shoulder, sliced into thin strips
– 2 cups dashi broth (or chicken broth)
– 2 tbsp white miso paste
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked Japanese rice
– Green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine pork, dashi broth, and miso paste. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until the pork is tender and the vegetables are soft, about 10-12 minutes.
3. Serve the soup over cooked Japanese rice in a bowl. Garnish with green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pork and Eggplant Stir-Fry Bowl
This recipe combines the savory flavors of pork, eggplant, and soy sauce with crunchy vegetables and fluffy rice, creating a satisfying and balanced meal. Perfect for a quick dinner or lunch, this stir-fry bowl is easy to make and packed with nutrients.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless pork shoulder, sliced into thin strips
– 2 medium eggplants, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add pork and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, onion, and garlic. Cook until onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add eggplant to the pan and cook until tender, about 5-6 minutes.
5. Return pork to the pan and stir in soy sauce and honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve over cooked rice and garnish with chopped scallions (if desired).
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Thai Basil Pork Rice Bowl
This vibrant rice bowl dish combines succulent pork, flavorful Thai basil, and savory jasmine rice, all wrapped up in a deliciously balanced meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a nutritious lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless pork shoulder, sliced into thin strips
– 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
– 1/4 cup Thai basil leaves, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions:
1. Cook jasmine rice according to package instructions.
2. In a wok or large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add pork and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add garlic, soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), brown sugar, and ginger. Stir-fry for 1 minute.
4. Stir in chopped Thai basil leaves. Cook for an additional 30 seconds.
5. Serve pork mixture over cooked jasmine rice. Garnish with additional Thai basil leaves and a squeeze of lime juice.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pork and Broccoli Stir-Fry Bowl
Get ready for a flavorful and nutritious meal with this simple stir-fry bowl recipe. Tender pork, crisp broccoli, and savory sauce come together in a delicious and easy-to-make dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless pork shoulder, sliced into thin strips
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked white rice or noodles for serving
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the pork and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, broccoli, and garlic. Cook until the broccoli is tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Return the pork to the pan and stir in soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve the pork and broccoli mixture over cooked white rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pork Adobo Rice Bowl
This recipe combines the flavors of the Philippines with the comfort of a rice bowl. With tender pork, savory adobo sauce, and fluffy rice, this dish is a satisfying meal any time of day.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup vinegar
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons fish sauce (optional)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pan, combine pork, vinegar, soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), garlic, and ginger.
2. Cook over medium-high heat until the pork is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve the pork on top of a scoop of cooked white rice.
5. Garnish with cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pork and Sweet Potato Hash Bowl
A hearty and flavorful bowl filled with crispy pork, sweet potatoes, and crunchy veggies – perfect for a cozy dinner or brunch!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless pork shoulder, diced
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: avocado, eggs, sour cream, or chives for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss sweet potatoes with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
3. In a separate pan, cook pork over medium-high heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Add remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. To assemble the bowls, divide roasted sweet potatoes among four bowls. Top with cooked pork mixture, and add your choice of toppings.
Cooking Time: Approximately 40-45 minutes
Pork and Green Bean Stir-Fry Bowl
This quick and flavorful recipe combines tender pork, crunchy green beans, and savory sauce, all served over a bed of fluffy rice. A perfect weeknight dinner solution!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless pork loin, sliced into thin strips
– 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked white rice, for serving
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add pork strips and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Cook green beans and onion for 4-5 minutes, or until tender.
4. Add garlic, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using) to the pan. Stir-fry for an additional minute.
5. Return pork to the pan and stir to combine with vegetables and sauce.
6. Serve over cooked white rice.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pork and Peanut Sauce Noodle Bowl
A flavorful and nutritious bowl filled with tender pork, savory peanut sauce, and springy noodles.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 pound boneless pork shoulder, sliced into thin strips
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked rice noodles
– 1/4 cup peanut sauce (see below for recipe)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped scallions and roasted peanuts for garnish (optional)
Peanut Sauce:
– 1/2 cup creamy natural peanut butter
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions:
1. Cook noodles according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Add pork and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until onion is translucent.
4. Stir in peanut sauce and bring to a simmer.
5. Serve pork and peanut sauce over noodles.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to spice up your weeknights with these 20 flavorful pork bowl recipes! From spicy Korean-inspired dishes to sweet and sour treats, there’s something for everyone. Try the Teriyaki Pork and Vegetable Rice Bowl, Hawaiian BBQ Pork Bowl with Pineapple, or Garlic Butter Pork and Mushroom Bowl. Or go international with options like Japanese Pork Katsu Donburi, Thai Basil Pork Rice Bowl, or Vietnamese Lemongrass Pork Bowl. Whatever your taste buds desire, these recipes are sure to satisfy.
