If you love quick meals that still taste rich and satisfying, this Pork Tenderloin Fried Rice is going to become one of your new favorites. It’s a simple dish that turns leftover rice and tender pork into a comforting, savory bowl full of flavor. I love making this on busy weeknights because everything comes together in just one pan, and the aroma that fills the kitchen is irresistible.
This recipe is hearty, colorful, and easy enough for beginners—but feels special enough for a weekend dinner.
Quick Facts
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cooking Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
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Serving Size: 4 bowls
Why You’ll Love This Pork Fried Rice
This dish is full of textures and delicious flavors. Here’s what makes it so lovely:
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Tender slices of pork with a smoky sear
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Veggies add crunch and color
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Uses leftover rice—budget-friendly and practical
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Balanced with protein, carbs, and veggies
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A complete meal made in one pan
It’s a great way to use up small amounts of vegetables and transform them into something wonderful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pork
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300–350 g pork tenderloin, thinly sliced
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1 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp cornstarch
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Pinch of pepper
For the Fried Rice
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2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
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2 tbsp oil (vegetable or sesame)
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 small onion, diced
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1 cup mixed vegetables (carrot, peas, corn, bell pepper)
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2 eggs, beaten
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional but delicious)
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1 tsp sesame oil
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Green onions for garnish
How to Make Pork Tenderloin Fried Rice
Step 1: Marinate the Pork
Mix soy sauce, cornstarch, garlic powder, and pepper. Coat the pork slices and let them rest for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Sear the Pork
Heat oil in a large pan or wok. Sear pork on medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Veggies
In the same pan, add more oil if needed. Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant. Add mixed veggies and cook until slightly soft.
Step 4: Add the Eggs
Push the veggies to one side of the pan. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble them.
Step 5: Add Rice and Browning
Add rice, breaking up clumps. Stir everything together. Let the rice sit for 1–2 minutes without stirring to get a slightly crispy bottom.
Step 6: Season
Add soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil. Toss until the rice is evenly coated.
Step 7: Bring Back the Pork
Add the cooked pork and mix well. Cook for an extra minute so flavors blend beautifully.
Step 8: Serve
Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
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Enjoy it as a full meal on its own.
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Serve with chili garlic sauce or sriracha for extra heat.
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Pair with a simple cucumber salad or steamed broccoli.
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Add a fried egg on top for extra richness.
Tips for Customization
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Spicy version: Add chili flakes or sliced red chilies.
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Veggie-packed: Add mushrooms, spinach, bean sprouts, or cabbage.
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Low-sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce.
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Extra protein: Add shrimp or tofu along with pork.
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Gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Nutritional Info (Approx. per serving)
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Calories: ~420
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Protein: 28g
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Carbs: 48g
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Fat: 12g
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Fiber: 3g
Values may change based on ingredients used.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh rice?
Yes, but day-old rice works better because it’s less sticky and fries more evenly.
2. Can I swap pork with another meat?
Absolutely—chicken thigh, shrimp, or even beef strips work well.
3. How do I make it vegetarian?
Skip the pork and add tofu or extra vegetables.
4. Can I make this ahead?
Yes! It reheats beautifully and is great for meal prep.
5. Why add sesame oil at the end?
Because heating sesame oil too much causes its flavor to disappear—adding it last preserves its aroma.
Final Thoughts
This Pork Tenderloin Fried Rice is one of those recipes that never lets me down. It’s quick, flavorful, satisfying, and perfect for using up leftovers. Once you make it, you’ll definitely come back to it whenever you need a comforting but simple dinner.
