Ginger Lime Pork with Coconut Rice

Ginger Lime Pork with Coconut Rice is a bright and tasty dish that brings together the zesty punch of lime and the warm spice of ginger with tender, juicy pork.…

By Alina • November 23, 2025 • Reading time: 7 min

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Ginger Lime Pork with Coconut Rice is a bright and tasty dish that brings together the zesty punch of lime and the warm spice of ginger with tender, juicy pork. The coconut rice that comes with it is creamy and slightly sweet, making the perfect companion to the tangy pork. This meal feels fresh and just a little bit tropical, which makes it great for any night when you want something different but still easy to make.

I love making this dish when I want a quick dinner that feels special without a lot of fuss. The ginger and lime give the pork a lively flavor that wakes up your taste buds, and the coconut rice always gets compliments for how soft and fragrant it is. One tip I’d share is to add a little extra lime juice at the end—it really brightens everything up and makes the flavors pop even more.

For serving, I like to add some chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or mint on top, and sometimes a handful of crunchy peanuts or cashews for a bit of texture. It’s a fun meal to eat whether you’re having a casual weeknight dinner or sharing with friends. Every time I make it, I look forward to the mix of flavors and the cozy feel of the coconut rice. It’s definitely become one of my go-to dinners that’s simple but never boring.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Jasmine Rice: This rice has a lovely fragrant aroma and soft texture that works well with coconut milk. If unavailable, basmati rice can work, but it’s less sticky.

Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk brings richness to the rice. Light coconut milk is a lower-calorie option, but the rice may be less creamy.

Pork: Pork shoulder gives a tender, juicy texture but pork tenderloin is leaner and cooks faster. Both work well here. For a leaner option, chicken breast can also be used.

Fresh Ginger: Fresh grated ginger is key for that warm, spicy kick. Avoid powdered ginger—it won’t deliver the same brightness.

Lime: Lime juice and zest add fresh acidity. If needed, lemon can be a substitute but the flavor will be less tropical.

Fish Sauce & Soy Sauce: Both add umami and saltiness. Use tamari to make it gluten-free or coconut aminos for a soy-free version.

How Can I Make Coconut Rice Perfect Every Time?

Coconut rice is simple but needs a good balance of liquid and gentle cooking to avoid clumps or sticking.

• Rinse the rice: This removes extra starch and keeps the grains separate.
• Use the right liquid ratio: Equal parts coconut milk and water work well for creamy but fluffy rice.
• Cook low and slow: After boiling, reduce to a simmer, cover tightly, and don’t lift the lid until done. This traps steam and cooks rice evenly.
• Rest and fluff: Let the rice sit off heat for 10 minutes to absorb steam fully. Fluff gently with a fork to keep it light.

Following these steps helps create coconut rice that’s tender, creamy, and doesn’t clump — the perfect base for your ginger lime pork.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Medium saucepan – perfect for cooking the coconut rice evenly without sticking.
• Large skillet or wok – great for stir-frying the pork quickly and getting a nice caramelized sear.
• Fine grater or microplane – makes grating fresh ginger easy and mess-free.
• Sharp knife and cutting board – for slicing pork thinly and chopping herbs and chili peppers.
• Mixing bowl – to marinate the pork and combine flavors before cooking.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – helps stir the pork gently without scratching your pan.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Swap pork for chicken thighs for a lighter, quicker-cooking protein that stays juicy.
• Add shredded coconut or toasted coconut flakes on the rice for extra texture and nutty flavor.
• Mix in diced pineapple or mango for a sweet contrast that pairs beautifully with lime and ginger.
• Stir in chopped fresh basil or Thai basil along with cilantro for a fresh herbal twist.

Ginger Lime Pork with Coconut Rice

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Coconut Rice:

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 1 cup coconut milk (full-fat)
• 1 cup water
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar (optional)

For the Ginger Lime Pork:

• 1 lb pork shoulder or pork tenderloin, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2-inch piece fresh ginger, finely grated
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 red chili peppers, finely chopped (adjust to heat preference)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar or palm sugar
• Juice and zest of 2 limes
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare, 20 minutes to cook the rice and pork, plus an optional 15-minute marinating time to boost flavor. So overall, plan on about 35 to 45 minutes from start to finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Coconut Rice:

Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. In a medium saucepan, stir together the rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, salt, and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook gently for 15 to 20 minutes until the rice absorbs all the liquid. Turn off the heat and let it rest, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

2. Marinate the Pork:

In a bowl, combine the thin pork slices with grated ginger, minced garlic, chopped chili peppers, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and lime zest. Mix well to coat the pork. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes or up to 1 hour if you have the time to let flavors blend.

3. Cook the Pork:

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork and stir-fry for 5 to 7 minutes. Cook until the pork is tender and starts to caramelize a bit. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Add Fresh Herbs and Serve:

Take the skillet off the heat and stir in chopped cilantro and mint, if using. Serve the flavorful ginger lime pork on top of the fluffy coconut rice. Garnish with lime wedges and extra chili if you like a bit more heat.

Enjoy a delicious meal that combines spicy, tangy, and creamy flavors all in one bowl!

Can I Use Frozen Pork for This Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen pork, but be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before marinating and cooking. This helps the pork cook evenly and absorb the flavors better.

Can I Make Coconut Rice Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! Cook the coconut rice in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or coconut milk to keep it moist.

What Can I Substitute for Fish Sauce?

If you don’t have fish sauce or prefer not to use it, soy sauce or tamari can work as alternatives. Keep in mind the flavor will be less pungent but still delicious.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover pork and coconut rice separately in airtight containers in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.