Sweet Chili Pork and Rice Bowl

When we're craving something that's both satisfying and easy to make, this Sweet Chili Pork and Rice Bowl is our go-to. It's one of those meals that checks all the boxes. It’s quick, full of flavor, and comforting without being heavy. The sweet Thai chili sauce adds a touch of sweetness to the savory pork, while the crunchy cabbage and edamame give it the perfect balance of texture.

Plus, it's ready in 30 minutes and can easily be customized with toppings like green onions, cilantro, or even a drizzle of chili crisp for an extra kick. Add everything on top of a bed of fluffy rice for a filling meal.

Our family loves it because it feels like a fresh, takeout-inspired meal, but it's made right at home and takes little effort to pull together. It's one of those recipes that I can throw together in a pinch, and everyone leaves the table happy!

If you love rice bowls, you'll love these Teriyaki Veggie Brown Rice Bowls and Salmon Rice Bowls!

The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Spicy

There are so many reasons to love these pork and rice bowls:

• Quick: This Sweet Chili Pork and Rice Bowl comes together in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight dinner that’s even better than takeout!
• Customizable: Don't like pork? No problem! You can easily swap it with ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. The base of veggies and sauce works great with whatever protein you choose.
• Flavor-packed: The combination of sweet chili sauce, garlic, and ginger creates a mouthwatering balance of sweet, savory, and just the right amount of spice. Plus, that dash of sesame oil adds a hint of nuttiness.
• Veggie boost: This recipe is a great way to sneak in some extra veggies like edamame and coleslaw mix and bring in crunch and color, but feel free to add carrots, bell peppers, or whatever else you have on hand!
• Top it off: A sprinkle of cilantro, a handful of green onions, or a drizzle of chili crisp can totally elevate the dish. Don't skimp on the toppings! They bring a fresh pop to the whole thing.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Here's everything you need to make these pork bowls:

• Ground pork: This lean protein is the base of the dish, offering a rich, savory flavor. You can easily swap it for ground turkey, ground beef, or ground chicken for a leaner option! For a vegetarian option, try crumble tofu or plant-based meat.
• Coleslaw mix: You can use pre-packaged coleslaw mix or chop your own cabbage and carrots if you prefer. If you're looking for more texture, swap in some shredded Brussels sprouts.
• Edamame: These little green soybeans pack a punch of protein and add a little crunch. You can easily swap them with green peas or even chickpeas if you prefer a different texture.
• Sweet Thai chili sauce: It's sweet, tangy, and just a bit spicy. If you don't have it, you can substitute it with a mix of honey and sriracha for a similar flavor profile.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a ton of aromatic flavor! If you're in a pinch, garlic powder can work, too.
• Ginger: Fresh ginger gives a zesty, bright flavor! If you don't have fresh ginger, ground ginger can work as a substitute, though the flavor won't be quite as vibrant.

How to Make Sweet Chili Pork Bowls

Here are the step-by-step instructions for these pork bowls:

1. Cook the Pork

Heat a bit of sesame oil in a large skillet and cook the ground pork until browned. Break it up as it cooks to get an even sear.

2. Add Garlic and Ginger

Once the pork is cooked, add minced garlic and ginger to the pan. Stir for a minute until fragrant.

3. Mix in Veggies and Sauce

Toss in the coleslaw mix and edamame, along with sweet Thai chili sauce, and cook everything until the veggies start to soften but still have some crunch.

4. Assemble the Bowls

Serve the pork and veggie mix over cooked rice, and top with fresh herbs like cilantro and green onions.

Pro tip: If you want more spice, drizzle some sriracha or chili crisp on top.

Serving Suggestions

These bowls are practically complete meals, but you can always add some extras to make them your own!

• Rice: You can keep it simple with some Easy Sushi Rice or Instant Pot Brown Rice or jazz things up with some Healthy Fried Rice! If you want to keep things low-carb, I love making some Cauliflower Fried Rice or plain Cauliflower Rice.
• Toppings: You can top these bowls with pretty much anything you want, like green onions, chili crisp, or fresh cilantro. I love a drizzle of soy sauce or Homemade Teriyaki Sauce for a bit of umami flavor!
• Vegetables: If you want to add some extra veggies, make a side of Roasted Asian Broccoli or Roasted Frozen Vegetables!
• Eggs: If you want to make this meal like a "fried rice" meal, you can cook some eggs right into the veggie pork mixture!

Storage and Reheating

To store Sweet Chili Pork and Rice Bowls, keep the pork and veggie mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Store the rice separately to keep it from getting soggy.

You can also freeze the bowls for up to 3 months! Make sure everything is cooled before adding them to a freezer bag.

To reheat, simply microwave the pork and rice mixture until heated through, or warm it up in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to bring back some moisture.

Leftover Ideas:

Taco filling: Use the leftover pork and veggies as a Pork Taco filling. Just heat it up, warm some tortillas, and add your favorite taco toppings.