This mouthwatering Japanese Ginger Pork comes together in about 30 minutes and is made entirely in one pan for a easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! Switch up the veggies to suit your taste or use it as a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends. Seriously, nothing beats the satisfaction of cooking a wholesome meal that checks all the boxes for flavor, convenience, and happiness!

Ingredient Breakdown

Fresh Ginger : 20 g
Apple : 1 tsp (or apple juice/apple sauce)
Onion : 1 tsp
Garlic : 1 clove
Japanese Soy Sauce (Koikuchi Shoyu) : 2 tbsp
Sake : 3 tbsp
Mirin : 2 tbsp
Dashi Stock : 1 tbsp
Honey : 1 tsp
Pork Loin : 250 g
Salt & Pepper
All-Purpose Flour
Cooking Oil : 1 tbsp
Shishito Peppers : 6
Toasted White Sesame Seeds
Toasted Sesame Oil

Let’s Get Cooking!

Are you ready for some deliciousness? Put on your favorite kitchen tunes, and let’s dive into this easy peasy recipe!

Prep Your Ingredients (10 minutes)
- Finely grate 20 g of ginger, 1 tsp of apple, 1 tsp of onion, and 1 clove of garlic. Get those taste buds ready!
Mix the Sauce (5 minutes)
- In a separate bowl, add 2 tbsp Japanese soy sauce, 3 tbsp sake, 2 tbsp mirin, 1 tbsp dashi stock, and 1 tsp honey. Toss in the grated ingredients and mix well! Set this aside for later, it smells so good, you might just want to drink it!
Prepare the Pork (5 minutes)
- Grab your 250 g pork loin. Make small incisions in the fat to prevent curling (trust me, you don’t want little pork curls). Sprinkle a couple pinches of salt and pepper on both sides and lightly dust with all-purpose flour or starch if you’re keeping it gluten-free.
Cook the Pork (8 minutes)
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp cooking oil. Once it’s hot, add your pork slices in a single layer (be careful not to overcrowd the pan, cook in batches if necessary). Cook until golden on one side (about 2-3 minutes), then flip it over and cook the other side until you’re getting that beautiful caramelization! If a lot of fat renders out, blot with a paper towel, nobody likes a greasy dish!
Add the Sauce (3 minutes)
- Here’s where the magic happens! Pour your sauce into the pan and give the pork a gentle toss, stirring occasionally to ensure everything is coated evenly. If you’re really feeling zesty, now’s a perfect time to add in half a tablespoon of newly grated ginger for an extra punch. Cook just until the pork is fully cooked through about 2-3 more minutes.
Cook the Peppers (3 minutes)
- While the pork is resting on a warm plate, toss 6 shishito peppers in the pan, coating them in that amazing leftover sauce. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until they’re slightly caramelized. Honestly, this flavor combo is heavenly!
Serve Up!
- Plate your pork alongside the caramelized peppers, drizzle any leftover sauce over everything, and sprinkle with toasted white sesame seeds and a drizzle of toasted sesame oil. Serve with fluffy rice and maybe a side salad for a complete meal!

Why I Love This Recipe

Let me tell you, this is my go-to recipe when I need something hearty and comforting, but I’m short on time. My family goes crazy for it, and my picky 8-year-old actually asked for seconds! I’m a real sucker for that ginger kick, and the best part is you can totally use whatever you’ve got on hand. If it’s a Tuesday and you’re low on groceries, that’s okay! Toss in some broccoli or bell peppers, and it’s still fabulous. Seriously, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl!

If you loved this dish, be sure to check out my Green Pork Tamales, my Sweet Jalapeno Pork Tenderloin, or my Boneless Pork Chops!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a realistic option for busy weeknights.

One-Pot Wonder

Since everything cooks in just one pan, clean-up is a breeze! I mean, who has time for tons of dishes?

Customizable

You can use whatever ingredients you have, leftover veggies, or even change the protein! Chicken or tofu work beautifully here as well.

Comfort Food

It’s loaded with tons of flavor, think ginger, soy sauce, and just the right hint of sweetness. It’s everything you want in a comforting dinner.

Family Favorite

The whole family will love it. The flavors are familiar yet exotic enough to make it feel special.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy this Japanese Ginger Pork with a steaming bowl of jasmine rice or sticky rice. A refreshing salad with some ginger dressing or a simple cucumber salad pairs beautifully as well. And don’t forget a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top for that final touch!

Storage

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re in an airtight container!

Reheating Instructions

Reheat in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also use the microwave if you’re short on time, just be sure to cover it to keep moisture in!

Freezer Friendly?

Yes! This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool everything down first and store in freezer-safe containers.

So there you have it! An easy recipe that delivers tons of flavor and is sure to be your next family favorite. I can’t wait for you to try this, and if you do, make sure to let me know how it goes. Enjoy cooking, and happy eating! Follow LunaChef on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration and air fryer cooking tips.