Aromatic Thai-Style Spinach and Pork Rice Bowl
Make Authentic Thai Spinach Rice Bowl at Home
Experience the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia without leaving your kitchen! This Thai-style spinach rice bowl, featuring a delicious blend of fish sauce, fresh greens, and savory pork, is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Learn how to achieve an exceptional taste with simple steps.
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 bunch fresh spinach (approx. 200g)
- 200g ground pork
- 1/2 cup dried small shrimp (or dried baby shrimp)
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1/4 stalk green onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- 2 bowls cooked rice, warm
Flavorful Seasoning
- 2 tbsp fish sauce (key to Thai cuisine!)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp mirin or cooking sake (to remove pork odor)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp mild red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 tbsp minced garlic (fresh recommended)
- 2 tbsp fish sauce (key to Thai cuisine!)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp mirin or cooking sake (to remove pork odor)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp mild red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 tbsp minced garlic (fresh recommended)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, finely chop the white parts of the green onion. Heat 1 tbsp of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped green onions and stir-fry to create an aromatic green onion oil. Cook for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn them.
Step 2
Once the aroma of the green onions starts to release, add the dried small shrimp (rinsed and drained) and stir-fry together. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn golden brown and release a nutty aroma, which enhances the flavor.
Step 3
Now, add 1 tbsp of minced garlic and the chopped half onion to the pan. Stir-fry until the onion becomes translucent. Be mindful of the garlic to prevent burning. Cooking the onion with garlic will bring out its sweetness.
Step 4
When the onion is about halfway cooked, add 200g of ground pork. Use a spatula to break up the meat as it cooks until no longer pink. Before the pork is fully cooked, add all the seasoning ingredients: 1 tbsp sugar, 2 tbsp mirin, 1 tbsp vinegar, 2 tbsp fish sauce, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp red pepper flakes, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well and stir-fry until the seasonings are evenly incorporated into the meat.
Step 5
Once the pork is thoroughly cooked and well-coated with the sauce, add the green parts of the chopped green onion (optional) and stir-fry briefly. This adds a fresh green onion flavor.
Step 6
Add the washed and drained fresh spinach to the pan. Stir-fry quickly, for no more than 1 minute, just until the spinach wilts slightly. This helps preserve its crisp texture and nutrients.
Step 7
Serve 2 bowls of warm cooked rice in bowls. Generously top the rice with the freshly stir-fried spinach and pork mixture. Your delicious Thai-style spinach rice bowl is now ready to enjoy!
