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High Protein Pork and Cauliflower Rice - A Lean, Flavorful Skillet Meal

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound lean ground pork (90–95% lean if possible)
  • 1 medium head cauliflower, riced (or 4 cups store-bought cauliflower rice)
  • 1 tablespoon avocado or olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas (optional for extra protein and color)
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • 3 scallions, thinly sliced
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Method
 

  1. Prep the cauliflower rice: If using fresh cauliflower, cut into florets and pulse in a food processor until it resembles rice. Don’t over-process. Pat dry with paper towels to reduce moisture.
  2. Brown the pork: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and crumbly, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Sauté aromatics: Push the pork to one side. Add onion, garlic, and ginger to the empty space. Cook 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened, then mix together with the pork.
  4. Add vegetables: Stir in bell pepper and peas. Cook 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender. Keep the heat medium-high to prevent steaming.
  5. Add cauliflower rice: Spread the cauliflower over the skillet. Let it sit for 1 minute to get some contact with the pan, then stir. Cook 4–6 minutes until the “rice” is tender but not mushy.
  6. Season: Pour in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Add red pepper flakes if using. Toss to coat evenly and cook 1–2 minutes to let flavors mingle.
  7. Finish and taste: Remove from heat. Squeeze a wedge of lime over the skillet. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or soy as needed.
  8. Garnish and serve: Top with scallions and sesame seeds. Serve with extra lime wedges.