Scallion and Pork Fried Rice
Hearty and Delicious Scallion and Pork Fried Rice Recipe
With new projects and busy schedules, it’s tough to even manage a proper meal sometimes! During these hectic times, I prefer simple yet satisfying fried rice. Today, we’re making ‘Scallion and Pork Fried Rice’ using ground pork. It’s far from greasy, offering a savory and slightly spicy flavor that you’ll crave again and again.
Main Ingredients- 200g ground pork
- 1 large scallion (mostly the white part)
- 1 Korean chili pepper (optional)
- 2 bowls of freshly cooked rice
- 3 pinches of salt (for seasoning adjustment)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp cooking wine (like Mirin)
- 2/3 Tbsp black pepper
Stir-fry Seasoning Sauce- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, chop the scallion into pieces about 1cm thick. Avoid chopping them too finely, as they can become mushy when cooked. Cutting them slightly thicker will preserve a pleasant texture.
Step 2
Thinly slice the Korean chili pepper, removing the seeds for a less spicy flavor. This adds a nice kick, but if you prefer milder flavors or are cooking for children, you can omit this step or substitute it with a red bell pepper.
Step 3
This is a crucial step for removing any gamey smell from the pork. Although ground pork usually has less of it, it’s still important to gently press down on the ground pork with paper towels to absorb any excess blood or moisture. Properly draining the pork ensures a clean taste.
Step 4
Now, let’s start stir-frying! Place the drained ground pork into a cold, dry pan. There’s no need to preheat the pan.
Step 5
Add the minced garlic directly over the ground pork. This will help infuse the garlic flavor as the pork cooks.
Step 6
Pour in the cooking wine (like Mirin), which helps to tenderize the pork and eliminate any unwanted odors. Turn the heat to medium and wait until you hear the ingredients starting to sizzle.
Step 7
Once you hear the satisfying sizzle, reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 2 minutes, or until the ground pork is about 80% cooked. Cooking on high heat can quickly dry out the meat and make it tough, so controlling the heat is key.
Step 8
After the pork is about 80% cooked, it’s time to add the sauce ingredients. First, add the sugar. Letting it melt slightly before stirring will help caramelize it.
Step 9
Next, add the black pepper. This enhances the overall flavor profile and complements the pork beautifully. Freshly ground pepper is highly recommended for its aromatic qualities.
Step 10
Add the oyster sauce for a deep umami flavor. It’s a pantry staple that adds incredible depth to many dishes.
Step 11
Worcestershire sauce is a fantastic addition to pork dishes, providing a unique savory and slightly tangy note. Add 2 tablespoons.
Step 12
Since Worcestershire sauce can be less salty, add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce to provide that familiar salty base that complements the other flavors.
Step 13
Once all the sauce ingredients are in, stir-fry for another 2 minutes to ensure the pork is evenly coated with the delicious sauce. Keep the heat at medium-low to prevent burning.
Step 14
After the sauce has coated the pork, add the chopped scallions.
Step 15
Toss in the sliced Korean chili pepper for a hint of heat and freshness. Remember, you can skip this if you prefer less spice or are making it for family who don’t enjoy heat.
Step 16
Gently toss everything together for about 1 minute, just until the scallions and chili peppers are slightly softened. We want to keep their fresh texture.
Step 17
Now, it’s time for the star of the show: the rice! Turn the heat up to medium. Add two bowls of freshly cooked, warm rice to the pan.
Step 18
Using your spatula, break up any clumps of rice and stir-fry for about 2 minutes. The goal is to evenly distribute the flavors and ensure the rice is heated through and coated with the delicious mixture.
Step 19
After 2 minutes of stir-frying, turn off the heat and taste. While the sauce provides a good base flavor, you might want to adjust the saltiness. If needed, add 2-3 pinches of salt (like MSG-enhanced salt or ‘mat-so-geum’) and mix well to achieve your perfect seasoning.
Step 20
Your delicious Scallion and Pork Fried Rice is ready! Enjoy it while it’s hot!
