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Ginger lime pork served with fluffy coconut rice, garnished with fresh herbs and lime wedges on a white plate

Ginger Lime Pork with Coconut Rice (Zesty Pork Dinner with Creamy Coconut Rice)

Molly
This Ginger Lime Pork with Coconut Rice delivers bold, tropical flavor in every bite. Juicy pork tenderloin is marinated in fresh lime, grated ginger, garlic, and honey, then quickly seared and paired with velvety coconut jasmine rice. It’s the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and creamy—ready in under an hour and easy to customize for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dinner, Meal Prep, Weeknight Favorite
Cuisine Asian-Inspired, Tropical Fusion
Servings 4 servings
Calories 510 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Ginger Lime Pork:

  • 1 lb pork tenderloin sliced into medallions (lean and quick-cooking)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated (adds zing and digestive support)
  • 3 garlic cloves minced (depth of flavor and heart health benefits)
  • Juice and zest of 1 lime bright citrus flavor + vitamin C
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce umami depth—use gluten-free if needed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil for searing
  • 1 teaspoon honey balances the lime and ginger
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional heat

For the Coconut Rice:

  • 1 cup jasmine rice aromatic and fluffy
  • 1 13.5 oz can full-fat coconut milk (creamy texture and healthy fats)
  • ½ cup water
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Optional garnish: chopped cilantro, lime wedges, sesame seeds

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Marinate the Pork
    In a bowl, combine the pork slices, grated ginger, minced garlic, lime juice and zest, soy sauce, honey, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
  • Step 2: Start the Coconut Rice
    While the pork is marinating, rinse the jasmine rice under cold water. In a saucepan, combine coconut milk, water, salt, and rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until rice is fluffy and liquid is absorbed.
  • Step 3: Cook the Pork
    Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the marinated pork medallions for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Let rest for a few minutes.
  • Step 4: Assemble and Serve
    Fluff the coconut rice and plate it up with seared pork slices on top. Spoon any remaining juices from the pan over the top and garnish with fresh herbs or lime wedges if desired.

Notes

Secret Tips for the Best Ginger Lime Pork with Coconut Rice

1. Marinate longer for deeper flavor: If you’ve got the time, let the pork soak in the ginger-lime marinade for at least 4 hours—or even overnight. The citrus not only tenderizes the meat but amplifies the zesty pork flavor that makes this dish pop. It’s the secret to juicy, flavor-packed ginger lime pork that melts in your mouth.
2. Use fresh ginger and lime juice: Pre-bottled versions won’t give you that sharp, clean zing. Freshly grated ginger and a squeeze of real lime juice bring bright, citrusy depth to the marinade and sauce—key for a standout zesty pork dinner.
3. Don’t skip the coconut rice simmer: After adding the coconut milk to your rice, let it gently simmer (not boil!) uncovered until it’s creamy and fragrant. This slow infusion gives you the dreamy, slightly sweet coconut rice that perfectly balances the bold flavors of the pork.
4. Sear for flavor, finish for tenderness: Start by searing your pork in a hot skillet to build a golden-brown crust and lock in moisture. Then lower the heat or transfer to the oven to finish cooking—this method keeps your pork juicy while delivering big flavor in every bite.
5. Add toasted coconut or herbs for garnish: Want to make this easy pork recipe dinner-party worthy? Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes, chopped cilantro, or sliced green onions on top. It adds texture, freshness, and visual appeal—especially if you’re serving guests or meal prepping a few days ahead.
6. Make it a meal prep winner: This pork with coconut rice holds up beautifully in the fridge. Store in individual containers for 3–4 days, and just reheat with a splash of coconut milk or water to revive the rice. It’s one of my go-to coconut rice meal prep recipes because the flavors get even better the next day.
Keyword coconut rice with pork, creamy coconut rice, easy pork recipes with rice, ginger lime pork, gluten free pork rice meal, healthy pork and rice recipe, pork with ginger and lime, quick ginger lime pork, tropical pork dinner, zesty pork dinner