This post is sponsored. All opinions are my own. The only thing better than a 30 minute meal is a HEALTHY 30 minute meal! Simple pork and rice bowls to the rescue for those busy weeknights. 
I try my best to limit my use of the term busy. It’s all too common today for people to say, “how are you?” and you respond, “Good. Busy.” Busy is not an emotion. It’s a word that has a negative connotation, and implies that you are disconnected from what’s currently going on around you.
It’s ok to have a full and eventful life. This can be a wonderful thing. It can also be stressful, and it’s also ok to admit that you’re stressed out. This is where a simple, healthy 30 minute meal, can come in handy.
I was at Safeway the other day in the midst of a stressful, yet lively week, and was in search of something that I could make into a quick, healthy dinner. Smithfield® Marinated Roasted Garlic & Herb Pork Loin Filet caught my eye, and sparked an idea. I knew based on what I had in my pantry at home, that I could create a pork and rice bowl that The Hubs would love.
The key to being productive when life is hectic is making sure to fuel your body with nourishing food that will keep you feeling strong and focused all day long. It’s tempting to pick up some junky fast food when you’re feeling pressed for time, but I assure you that it’s not necessary or helpful.
Fortunately, Smithfield Marinated Fresh Pork can be ready in 30 minutes or less and is perfect for any night of the week. The fact that they’re pre-marinated takes the guess work out of dinner. Real flavor, real fast!
Just to ensure this 30 minutes or less claim, I set a timer before I started making this meal. Sure enough, not only was dinner on the table in under 30 minutes, I was also able to clean all the prep dishes and put them in the dishwasher before the timer went off. This healthy pork and rice bowl is going to be our go-to meal all year long.
The next time you’re feeling like you might be too busy to cook up a delicious, complete meal, remember that with Smithfield Marinated Fresh Pork, it is possible to put together a well-rounded and healthy meal in 30 minutes.
30 Minute Pork and Rice Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 package Smithfield Marinated Roasted Garlic & Herb Pork tenderloin cut into 1 inch cubes
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger grated
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoon rice wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 cups rice prepared
- 1 whole lime juiced
- 1/2 cup cilantro roughly chopped
- 2 cups spinach
- 2 large carrot
- 2 large cucumber
- 4 eggs
- sesame seeds for garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped scallions for garnish
Instructions
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Begin boiling a small pot of water for eggs.
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Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Add pork and cook until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes.
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In a small bowl, whisk together chicken stock, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, soy sauce, cornstarch, rice wine vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes. Set aside. Peel carrot and cut into ribbons. Thinly slice cucumber.
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When pork is almost done, add eggs to boiling water. Boil for 6 minutes. Remove from heat and run under cold water to stop cooking. Peel.
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Heat rice in the microwave for 90 seconds. Add lime juice and cilantro. Mix well.
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When pork is done cooking, remove it from skillet and set aside. Add chicken stock mixture to skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 2-3 minutes until mixture thickens. Return pork to sauce. Toss until well coated.
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To assemble the bowls, add 1/2 cup rice to the bottom of a serving bowl. Add 1/2 cup spinach, carrots and cucumbers. Top with 1/4 pork mixture, and one whole egg, sliced in half. Garnish with sesame seeds and scallions.
Recipe Notes
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Smithfield® Marinated Fresh Pork. The opinions and text are all mine.
***This post was updated 7.17.18
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Betty says
Excellent
Lynnee says
This is going on my list this week to make!!! Looks yummy. 🙂
Lynnee says
This was a BIG hit with the family. I guessed that the lime goes with the chicken broth mixture. Was that correct? Plus the cilantro as a garnish. Thanks!
betsy says
Lime and cilantro goes in the rice, but whatever is quick and easy for you! So glad your family enjoyed it
Julie Kenny says
It was really easy to prepare but I ended up with way too many veggies…but it was 1 adult and 2 kids so not that surprising. Thankfully the kids loved it. It took me way longer then 30 minutes to get on the table but next time I do this I’ll make the kids do more of the chopping.
Heaven says
Took me a little longer than 30 minutes but once I remake this a few times I feel like it will take me about that amount of time! Such a delicious meal, gonna save this recipe to make again!
betsy says
Awesome!
Joe says
This recipe was a pleasant surprise. It did take me more than 30 minutes but nothing was prepped ahead, and it was my first time making it. I was skeptical that some of the ingredients would play well together but all I can say is WOW. The pork was so tender and exploding with flavor. Love the heat from the red pepper flakes and the freshness of the raw veggies. This one goes into the rotation for sure.
betsy says
You’ll be able to cut down on the time now that you’re familiar with the recipe. So glad you enjoyed it!
Mary says
Have you added mushrooms? Also not everyone in my family likes cilantro. Have you substituted with parsley or another herb? Thanks!
betsy says
I have not added mushrooms but I’m sure that would be a very tasty addition. With the rest of the asian flavors of the dish I’m not sure parsley would be the best choice. I would do scallions or maybe skip the herbs all together
Heather says
Hi, can you please explain what 1 package Smithfield Marinated Roasted Garlic & Herb Pork tenderloin means to folks who don’t have that brand in their region or country? How many lbs or grams is this, or anything that we might need to know about flavour balance if we only have access to plain pork tenderloin.
betsy says
1.2lb pork tenderloin seasoned with garlic and herbs. I’d use an Italian herb seasoning blend and at least 2 cloves of garlic (the more the merrier!) if I was trying to recreate
Lisa says
I used this to make ground pork and cabbage to serve over rice – like a bowl. It was really delicious! Will definitely make again 🙂
Kelly says
This was a big hit with my teenagers! I used precooked pork chops from my weekend food prep. This shortened my prep time to less than 15 minutes. I let the sauce cook for a bit, added the chopped pork chop, and gave it time to gather the flavors. YUM! The girls want to try it with chicken too.
Jacqueline Fern says
Delicious!! Thank you
Julie White says
Delish! Everyone loved it and wanted the recipe. Only downfall – I didn’t make enough! This is going to be a staple in our household. Thank you so much for sharing!
Eliana Sakamanca says
I prepare this dish today, it was delicious, like you said eventually it will take 30minutes until you get familiar with the process
I advise cut everything first including the pork, once you have everything ready to go , fried the pork and since you have the sauce ready it will cook very fast.
I use boychoi instead spinach
AMC says
Loved this recipe! Very easy and tasty– and healthy to boot! I left out the cilantro, red pepper flakes and scallion, and used half the garlic, and it was still great. You can also use cooked zucchini instead of cucumber.
Sharon says
Was looking for different way to serve pork and found a hit! This was amazing. This is definitely one for making again.
Thank you for sharing! Always looking for healthier meals 🙂
Michele says
I used boneless pork chops and minute rice. It was delicious. Will definitely use agin. Husband loved it.