Pork Belly Fried Rice

A Savory Fried Rice Delight in Minutes

Craving a restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen? This pork belly fried rice recipe is the perfect solution. With crispy pork belly, fragrant garlic and a rich soy-infused flavor, this dish delivers an indulgent experience in just 10 minutes. Using Minute® Jasmine Rice Cups makes preparation even easier, allowing you to enjoy homemade fried rice with pork belly any night of the week.

The Secret to Perfect Fried Rice

The key to any great fried rice dish is balancing flavors and textures. With this easy pork belly fried rice, you get crispy, golden-brown pork belly pieces, fluffy jasmine rice, and just the right amount of umami from soy sauce and garlic. The best part? It all comes together in one pan, making cleanup as effortless as the cooking itself.

Why Pork Belly?

Pork belly is a fantastic protein for fried rice. Its rich, fatty texture crisps up beautifully while keeping the dish moist and flavorful. Cooking pork belly for fried rice is simple, requiring only a few minutes in a hot pan to render its fat and develop that irresistible crispy edge. Once combined with rice and seasonings, it creates a perfectly balanced bite every time.

The Best Rice for Great Fried Rice

Minute Jasmine Rice is an ideal choice for this dish, offering a light, aromatic quality that pairs well with the bold flavors of pork belly and soy sauce. Unlike traditional fried rice recipes that require pre-cooked and chilled rice, this pork belly fried rice recipe allows you to enjoy the same great texture in a fraction of the time.

How to Cook the Perfect Pork Belly for Fried Rice

One of the most important steps in this dish is properly preparing the pork belly. To achieve the perfect crispiness, it’s best to cook it in a hot pan without moving it too much. This allows the fat to render, creating a deliciously crispy texture. A well-seared pork belly will not only enhance the dish’s flavor but also provide a delightful contrast to the fluffy rice.

To avoid chewy or overly greasy pork belly, make sure to:

• Cut the pork belly into small, bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Use a pan with enough surface area to ensure the pieces don’t overlap.
• Let the fat render out naturally, avoiding excessive stirring.
• Remove the pork belly from the pan once it turns golden brown and crispy.

Once the pork belly is cooked to perfection, it’s time to build the rest of the dish.

Customizing Your Fried Rice

One of the best things about this dish is how easy it is to customize. Whether you’re looking to add extra protein, more vegetables or a spicy kick, this easy pork belly fried rice can be tailored to suit your taste. Here are some variations to try:

• Vegetable Boost: Add chopped scallions, peas, carrots or bell peppers for extra color.
• Spicy Twist: Drizzle with sriracha or add crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
• Egg Upgrade: Swap scrambled eggs for a fried egg on top for extra richness.
• Umami Depth: A splash of sesame oil or a sprinkle of furikake can take the flavor up a notch.

Pairing Ideas

This pork belly fried rice pairs beautifully with simple side dishes to create a well-rounded meal. Consider serving it with:

• Miso soup for a light and comforting start.
• Pickled vegetables to balance the richness of the pork belly.
• A fresh cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing for a refreshing contrast.
• Kimchi for an extra kick of spice and acidity.
• Steamed bok choy for a slightly bitter contrast.

The Science Behind the Perfect Fried Rice

Ever wonder why restaurant-style fried rice has that irresistible texture and flavor? It comes down to a few key factors:

• High-Heat Cooking: Using a hot pan ensures that the rice doesn’t become soggy and absorbs flavors quickly.
• The Right Rice: Jasmine rice is light and slightly sticky, making it the perfect choice for fried rice.
• Minimal Stirring: Constant stirring can make fried rice mushy. Letting it sit for a few seconds between stirs allows it to develop that signature toasty flavor.
• Layering Ingredients: Adding ingredients in stages (starting with pork belly, followed by garlic, rice and then egg) prevents overcooking and enhances each component’s texture.

Make Pork Fried Rice Your Meal Prep Hero

Pork fried rice is more than just a quick fix—it’s a meal prep staple that delivers big on flavor and convenience. With cooked rice on hand, you’re just a few ingredients away from a delicious, ready-when-you-are meal.

Meal Prep Made Easy with Pork Fried Rice

• Cooked Rice: Use pre-cooked rice (like Minute Instant Rice or Rice Cups) for best results. It’s fast, fluffy, and ready in minutes—perfect for meal prepping a big batch.
• Frozen Peas: No need to overthink it—frozen peas add color, texture, and a pop of sweetness. Just toss them straight from the freezer into the pan.
• Double the Pork Fried Rice Recipe: Make extra to have quick, satisfying meals throughout the week.

Why It Works:

Busy, time-starved cooks love this dish because it’s quick, crave-worthy, and stress-free—everything Minute Rice stands for.

Meal Prep Tips:

• Store smart: Keep leftover pork fried rice in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat like a pro: Skip the microwave—revive that crispy texture by reheating in a hot pan.
• Freshen it up: Top with green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of soy sauce before serving.
• Freeze for later: Portion your pork fried rice into freezer-safe containers for an easy grab-and-go lunch or dinner.

Quick, Easy, and Packed with Flavor

There’s nothing better than a quick meal that doesn’t compromise on taste. This pork belly fried rice recipe is proof that you don’t need complicated ingredients or hours in the kitchen to make something truly delicious. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing guests, this dish is a go-to for effortless gourmet dining at home.

Try it today and discover how simple and satisfying homemade fried rice with pork belly can be!

Pork Belly Fried Rice Recipe FAQs

Why use Minute® Jasmine Rice for Pork Belly Fried Rice?
Minute® Jasmine Rice has a light, fluffy texture and subtle aroma, ideal for complementing rich, savory ingredients like pork belly and soy sauce. It absorbs flavor quickly without getting mushy, making it perfect for stir-fry-style dishes. Plus, it’s ready in minutes—so you get all the satisfaction of takeout-style fried rice with none of the wait.

What type of pan works best for fried rice?
A wok is ideal for high-heat cooking and quick stir-frying, but a large, heavy-bottomed skillet will work just fine. The key is giving the ingredients enough room to sear rather than steam.

Is there a leaner alternative to pork belly that still adds great flavor?
Definitely. Try thick-cut bacon for a similar savory depth with a little less fat, or go with diced ham or pork shoulder for a leaner option. Just keep an eye on cook time, since leaner cuts can dry out faster.

How do I keep fried rice from clumping together?
Make sure your rice is cooled or slightly dried out before using it. Overcrowding the pan can also cause clumping—cook in batches if needed to give the rice space to crisp and separate.