Easy Asian Pork Salad with Fresh Herbs & Flavor

Asian Pork Salad is a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner made with ground pork simmered in ginger-sesame sauce and served over crisp lettuce.

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This Asian Pork Salad is a vibrant fusion of flavors and textures, perfect for those seeking easy dinner ideas that don’t compromise on taste. Featuring lean pork tenderloin sautéed with fresh ginger, sesame oil, and soy sauce, this dish offers a delightful balance of savory and aromatic notes. The addition of crunchy vegetables like carrots and water chestnuts adds texture, while a hint of brown sugar provides subtle sweetness. 

Served over a bed of crisp lettuce and garnished with fresh herbs such as cilantro and green onions, this salad is both satisfying and refreshing. For an extra zing, consider adding a splash of lime juice or fish sauce to the dressing. 

Whether you’re exploring Thai recipes, Vietnamese noodle salads, or simply looking for healthy recipes, this Asian Pork Salad is a versatile choice that can be adapted to various dietary preferences, including keto recipes.

Additional Serving Suggestions

• Mandarin Oranges: Add a burst of citrusy sweetness by topping the salad with mandarin oranges.​
• Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the salad for added crunch and a nutty flavor.​
• Fresh Mint and Thai Basil: Incorporate fresh mint or Thai basil to enhance the herbaceous notes of the dish.​
• Rice Powder: For a traditional touch, sprinkle coarse rice powder over the salad, reminiscent of the Laab Moo (Nam Sod) style.

Equipment Recommendations

• Large Skillet: Ideal for cooking the pork mixture evenly over medium-high heat.​
• Food Processor: Useful for mincing carrots and other vegetables quickly.​
• Slotted Spoon: Helps in serving the pork mixture without excess liquid.​
• Large Bowl: Perfect for tossing all salad components together.

Nutritional Information

This Asian Pork Salad is not only flavorful but also aligns with various dietary goals. It’s a low-carb option suitable for those following keto recipes. The inclusion of lean pork tenderloin and fresh vegetables contributes to a balanced meal rich in protein and fiber. For detailed nutritional information, including daily value percentages, please refer to the recipe card.

Creative Ways to Use Pork Leftovers

Don’t let leftover pork go to waste—turn it into new meals with bold flavor! Use the tender pork in Mexican recipes like tacos or burrito bowls with a splash of lime juice and red pepper for added heat. Toss pork slices into Chinese recipes such as fried rice, or add to Japanese recipes like noodle soups or stir-fries with a drizzle of soy sauce and sesame oil. You can also repurpose it into Thai recipes like nam sod or a warm asian pork tenderloin salad with rice vinegar, fresh herbs, and a handful of cilantro leaves. For a quick lunch, layer pork on top of salad kits or wrap it in lettuce for a low-carb option. It’s a good thing to keep flavorful leftovers ready for easy recipe ideas all week long!

Asian Pork Salad Step by Step

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup carrots (minced)
• 1 tbsp ginger (minced)
• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 cup water chestnuts (drained)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp cilantro
• 1 head lettuce (chopped)

Preparation

In a large saute pan, heat the oil over medium heat and add the carrots. I like to use an electric food chopper to chop the carrots up, so they are small, but stop before they become carrot mush. I find this works best if you use baby carrots to start with or at least cut them into pieces. Cook the carrots for a few minutes until they are soft but don’t let them start to brown.

Add the pork and ginger. Cook until the pork is broken up and cooked all the way through. This usually takes about 10 minutes.

Then add the soy sauce, sesame oil, and water chestnuts. Heat the mixture until the liquid is almost evaporated, about 3-5 minutes. Stir everything together well.

Remove the pan from the heat and fold in the cilantro. Line your serving bowls with chopped lettuce and spoon the pork mixture on top. I like to use a slotted spoon, so you don’t get too much of the liquid in the bowl. Serve warm and enjoy!

Asian Pork Salad Leftovers

Storage: Store any leftover Asian pork salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, keep the pork and salad components in separate containers to maintain freshness and texture.

Reheating: Reheat the pork slices in a large skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in 30-second intervals. Allow the pork to reach room temperature before combining it with the salad to prevent wilting the greens.

Freezing: While the cooked pork can be frozen in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months, it’s best to prepare the fresh herbs and crunchy vegetables just before serving, as salad ingredients do not freeze well.

Recipe

Asian Pork Salad

Asian Pork Salad is a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner made with ground pork simmered in ginger-sesame sauce and served over crisp lettuce.

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Course:

Main Dish

Cuisine:

American

|

Asian

Keyword:

pork

|

salad

|

soy sauce

Servings: 4 servings

5 from 11 votes

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup carrots (minced)
• 1 tbsp ginger (minced)
• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 cup water chestnuts (drained)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp cilantro
• 1 head lettuce (chopped)

Recommended Equipment

• Saute Pan
• Food Processor
• Garlic Press
• Slotted Spoon
• Can Opener

Instructions

• In a large saute pan, heat the oil over medium heat
• Add the carrots and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened
• Add the ginger and ground pork, stirring for about 10 minutes until the pork is broken up and cooked through
• Add the water chestnuts, soy sauce, and sesame oil
• Cook for about 3-5 minutes or until most of the liquid has evaporated, stirring to coat the meat
• Remove the pan from the heat and fold in the cilantro
• Line serving bowls with lettuce, then use a slotted spoon to scoop the meat mixture into the bowls

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Nutrition Facts

Asian Pork Salad

Amount Per Serving

Calories 461 Calories from Fat 306

% Daily Value*

Fat 34g52%

Saturated Fat 10g50%

Cholesterol 81mg27%

Sodium 913mg38%

Potassium 715mg20%

Carbohydrates 15g5%

Fiber 4g16%

Sugar 5g6%

Protein 22g44%

Vitamin A 6020IU120%

Vitamin C 7.2mg9%

Calcium 54mg5%

Iron 2.5mg14%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutrition content will vary based on brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes, and more.

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