Sesame-Ginger Pork & Cabbage Bowls
This Korean-inspired pork stir-fry turns Washington’s September cabbage into a sweet, crisp-tender dinner with ginger, sesame and fluffy rice.
- Total time: 35 min
- Servings: 2 servings
- Estimated total cost: $5
- Calories per serving: 710 cal
- Stovetop
Ingredients
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Kroger® Ground Pork8 oz $3.99
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Green cabbage1 lb $0.99
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Kroger® Enriched Long Grain White Rice3/4 cup dry (about 5 oz) $1.79
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Green onions1 bunch $1.19
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Garlic2 cloves $0.79
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Fresh peeled ginger2 teaspoons finely grated $3.99
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Fine sea salt1 teaspoon, divided
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Soy sauce1 tablespoon
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Unseasoned rice vinegar1 tablespoon
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Brown sugar2 teaspoons
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Toasted sesame oil1 teaspoon
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Crushed red pepper flakes1/4 teaspoon
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Neutral cooking oil1 tablespoon
Instructions
Swipe a step aside or click its number when it’s done.
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Rinse 3/4 cup dry white rice and drain. Place in a small saucepan with 1 1/2 cups water and 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce to low. Simmer for 15–18 minutes, until tender and the water is absorbed. Remove from the heat and rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Prepare the stir-fry while the rice cooks.
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Sprinkle 8 oz ground pork with 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt and gently distribute it through the meat. Set aside while you prepare the vegetables.
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Prepare the vegetables and aromatics, keeping each separate:
- 1 lb green cabbage: remove the core and cut the leaves into 1/2-inch-wide ribbons.
- 1 bunch green onions: trim and thinly slice, separating the white and light-green parts from the dark-green tops.
- 2 garlic cloves: peel and mince.
- Fresh peeled ginger: finely grate enough to measure 2 teaspoons.
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Stir together the sauce in a small bowl:
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon unseasoned rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
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Heat 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil in a large, 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned pork, press into a thin layer and leave undisturbed for 2 minutes. Break into small crumbles and cook for another 3–4 minutes, until browned and reaching 160°F. Transfer to a plate.
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Add the prepared cabbage to the skillet with 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt. Stir-fry for 6–8 minutes, letting it sit briefly between tosses to develop browned edges. If the skillet becomes dry before the cabbage is crisp-tender, add 2 tablespoons water and continue cooking until it evaporates.
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Add the prepared green-onion whites and light-green parts, garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for 1 minute. Return the browned pork to the skillet, add the sauce and toss for 1–2 minutes, until everything is hot and lightly coated.
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Fluff the rice and divide between two bowls. Spoon the pork and cabbage alongside, then scatter the reserved dark-green onion tops over both bowls.
Want more detail? See the temperature guide.
Drink pairing: An off-dry Riesling complements the ginger and sesame while softening the gentle chile heat.