Quick Pork Rice Bowl

When you’re short on time but still want something hearty and satisfying, this Quick Pork Rice Bowl delivers every time. It’s packed with savory, umami-rich ground pork, perfectly cooked rice, and bright garnishes that bring the whole bowl to life. This Quick Pork Rice Bowl comes together in just 20 minutes, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights or quick lunches.

What makes this Quick Pork Rice Bowl special is its beautiful simplicity. The pork is browned with garlic, soy sauce, a hint of sugar, and chili flakes or gochujang if you want spice. Every ingredient in this Pork Rice Bowl serves a purpose—layered over warm rice and finished with crisp veggies, herbs, or even a jammy egg if you’re feeling extra. No fancy ingredients needed, just pantry staples transformed into something deeply satisfying.

The first time I made this Quick Pork Rice Bowl, I was in college, scrambling to get dinner done between classes. I had ground pork, leftover rice, and not much else—yet the combination with soy sauce and sriracha was so good I made it again the next night. This Quick Pork Rice Bowl became one of those recipes that stayed with me through every phase of life.

Now I keep this Quick Pork Rice Bowl in my back pocket for when I want something cozy and delicious without the fuss. Whether it’s jazzed up with pickled veggies and sesame oil or kept super basic, this bowl always hits the spot. The Quick Pork Rice Bowl proves that great flavor doesn’t require complexity—just good ingredients and smart techniques.

Why You’ll Love Quick Pork Rice Bowl

• Ready in Minutes – From fridge to table in about 20 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
• Savory & Satisfying – Ground pork, soy sauce, and aromatics make each bite bold and rich.
• Versatile Toppings – Add eggs, greens, pickled veggies, or chili oil for extra flair.
• Budget-Friendly – Uses affordable ingredients you probably already have.
• Family Favorite – Mild enough for kids, customizable for spice-lovers.

Health Benefits of Quick Pork Rice Bowl

Despite its comfort food status, this dish has some great nutritional value:

• High in Protein – Pork and rice provide a hearty protein-carb combo.
• Iron-Rich – Ground pork offers easily absorbed heme iron for energy and immune support.
• Balanced Macros – Protein, fat, and carbs make this a well-rounded meal.
• Customizable Veggie Boost – Add sautéed spinach, carrots, or cabbage for extra fiber and vitamins.
• Energy Sustaining – Keeps you full and energized with long-lasting fuel.

When to Make Quick Pork Rice Bowl

This is your “anytime bowl”—great for just about any occasion:

• Busy Weeknight Dinners – A one-pan wonder that’s quick and satisfying.
• Leftover Rice Rescue – A perfect way to use up yesterday’s rice.
• Lunch Meal Prep – Make ahead and reheat easily for the work week.
• Midnight Cravings – Fast enough to whip up when you’re hungry late at night.
• DIY Bowl Nights – Let everyone customize their own toppings for a fun dinner spread.

Chef’s Notes: Quick Pork Rice Bowl

• Pork Selection – Look for thinly sliced pork belly (about 1/8″ thick) at Asian markets. If unavailable, freeze pork belly for 30 minutes before slicing for easier cutting.

• Rice Prep – Rinse rice until water runs clear (3-4 times) for perfect texture. Let cooked rice rest covered for 5 minutes before serving.

• Sauce Balance – Taste sauce before adding pork. Adjust with 1 tsp more sugar if too salty, or 1 tsp soy sauce if too sweet.

• Aromatic Boost – Toast garlic and ginger in dry pan for 30 seconds before adding liquid to intensify flavors.

• Pork Tenderness – Don’t overcrowd pan when cooking pork. Cook in batches if needed to prevent steaming instead of searing.

• Veggie Variations – Add veggies in stages: quick-cooking (spinach) at the end, hearty (carrots) with onions.

• Leftover Magic – Transform leftovers into fried rice by chopping pork and stir-frying with day-old rice and egg.

• Kid-Friendly – Reduce soy sauce to 2 tbsp and omit sake for milder flavor. Cut pork into bite-sized pieces.

• Meal Prep – Cook pork mixture and store separately from rice. Reheat with 1 tbsp water to refresh sauce.

• Garnish Freshness – Add green onions just before serving to maintain vibrant color and crunch.

Pin

Print

Quick Pork Rice Bowl

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: Main CourseCuisine: JapaneseDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

bowls

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories

450

kcal

Total time

25

minutes

Get ready to whip up a sensational pork rice bowl that’s bursting with umami and comes together in under 25 minutes! Think tender pork belly simmered in a savory soy-sake sauce, served over steaming Japanese rice and topped with fresh scallions and sautéed mushrooms. This is the kind of fuss-free, flavor-packed dish that makes weeknight dinners a breeze and keeps everyone asking for seconds. Let’s dive in and transform your dinner routine with this irresistible donburi!

Ingredients

• Rice Base

• 4 cups Japanese short-grain rice freshly cooked

• Pork Marinade

• 1 pound thinly sliced pork belly about 8–10 slices

• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth or dashi stock

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce

• 3 tablespoons sake or dry white wine

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

• Aromatics Veggies

• 1 large yellow onion halved and cut into thin strips

• 3 cloves garlic finely grated

• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

• 1 cup mixed mushrooms shiitake, cremini, trimmed and halved

• Finishers

• 4 green onion stalks thinly sliced

• Pinch of white pepper and salt, to taste

• Alternative Ingredients

• Pork belly → pork tenderloin or thin pork shoulder slices

• Dashi stock → low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth

• Soy sauce → tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free

• Sake → dry white wine or dry sherry

• Brown sugar → honey or maple syrup

• Lemon juice → rice vinegar or lime juice

• Mixed mushrooms → diced tofu or zucchini ribbons

• Garlic → ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• Fresh ginger → ¼ teaspoon ground ginger

• Green onions → chives or thinly sliced red onion

Directions

• Rice Preparation – Cook your Japanese short-grain rice following package directions, usually about 15 minutes on the stove or in a rice cooker. After cooking, let it rest covered for 5 minutes so each grain firms up. This resting period is key for a perfect donburi foundation.
• Sauce Assembly – In a nonstick pan over medium heat, whisk together ½ cup broth, soy sauce, sake, sugar, and lemon juice until sugar dissolves. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, bubbling and melding flavors in about 1 minute. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-reduction.
• Sauté Aromatics Pork – Add sliced onion, grated garlic, and ginger to the simmering sauce. Stir for 2 minutes until onions soften and aroma intensifies. Next, layer in pork slices, pressing them into the liquid so each piece is coated evenly (approx. 3 minutes).
• Simmer Combine – Reduce heat to medium-low and let pork and aromatics simmer together for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer deepens the umami and tenderizes the meat. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, white pepper, or a pinch more sugar if needed. Optional: stir in a dash of chili flakes for heat.
• Veggie Sauté Finish – Slide mushrooms into the same pan with leftover sauce and stir for 2 minutes until they soften and soak up flavor. Pile warm rice into bowls, top with pork mixture, then spoon mushrooms alongside. Scatter sliced green onions over each bowl and serve immediately.

Equipment

• nonstick pan
• chef’s knife
• cutting board
• measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowls
• microplane grater

Notes

• • For a silkier sauce, skim fat from the pork by briefly lifting slices on a paper towel before simmering.
  • Serve alongside miso soup, pickled cucumbers, or steamed edamame for a complete Japanese meal.
  • Add shredded carrots, snow peas, or baby bok choy in the “Veggie Sauté” step for extra color and nutrition.
  • Leftover pork and sauce freeze well—defrost and reheat gently for quick lunches all week.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 450kcal
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 900mg
• Potassium: 600mg
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g
• Protein: 25g
• Vitamin A: 800IU
• Vitamin C: 4mg
• Calcium: 50mg
• Iron: 2.5mg

FAQs: Quick Pork Rice Bowl

More Gyudon Recipes You Might Like

• 

  Chicken Egg Rice Bowl

  Cooks in 25 minutesDifficulty: Easy

  Get ready to dive into this mouthwatering chicken and egg rice bowl that’s a flavor bomb! Inspired by the heartwarming taste of home-cooked Japanese soul food, this one-pot wonder combines tender chicken, sweet onion, and silky eggs in a savory umami broth, all spooned over fluffy steamed rice. It’s a quick, fuss-free recipe perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Under 30 minutes from stove to table, you’ll feel like a pro in the kitchen with minimal effort. Gather your ingredients, and let’s whip up this irresistible dish that will have everyone asking for seconds—quick, simple, and 100% comforting!

  Cuisine: Japanese
• 

  Quick Thai-Style Fried Rice

  Difficulty: Easy

  Get ready to fire up the wok and ignite your taste buds with this vibrant Quick Thai-Style Fried Rice! Bursting with fragrant jasmine rice, tender protein, crisp scallions, and a trio of savory sauces, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect weeknight hero—easy, healthy, and infinitely customizable. Try it tonight and experience that irresistible takeout flavor right at home!

  Cuisine: Thai
• 

  Ginger Pork Rice Bowl

  Cooks in 35 minutesDifficulty: Easy

  Hey home cooks, get ready to dazzle your taste buds with this vibrant Ginger Pork Rice Bowl! Bursting with tender pork cubes, fresh veggies, and a zingy garlic-ginger punch, it’s your new go-to meal. Inspired by top chefs’ love for balance and simplicity, this recipe turns pantry staples into a restaurant-worthy dish in under 35 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends, customize it with your favorite add-ins and watch the flavors sing!

  Cuisine: Chinese