If you’re always on the lookout for quick, delicious meals to prepare after a long day, these 17 easy pork recipes are perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you’re craving something savory, sweet, or spicy, these dinners will hit the spot—all in under 30 minutes!
Classic Pork Stir Fry
- Ingredients: Pork slices, soy sauce, garlic, bell peppers, broccoli.
- Instructions: Stir-fry the pork slices in garlic and soy sauce. Add the bell peppers and broccoli, stir until tender, and serve over rice.
This classic stir fry is not only fast but loaded with vegetables and protein, making it an ideal option for a quick, healthy meal. Looking for other healthy dinner ideas? You might also like the Healthy Chicken Parmigiana, another quick weeknight favorite.
Sheet Pan Pork Chops with Vegetables
- Ingredients: Pork chops, carrots, potatoes, olive oil, rosemary.
- Instructions: Preheat your oven to 400°F, place the pork chops and vegetables on a sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 25-30 minutes until everything is cooked through.
Sheet pan dinners are lifesavers for busy nights. They require minimal prep and cleanup, making them a top choice for families. If you love easy sheet pan meals, consider trying this One-Pan Parmesan Chicken and Vegetables.
Pork Tacos with Fresh Salsa
- Ingredients: Pork slices, taco seasoning, tortillas, tomatoes, cilantro, onion.
- Instructions: Season the pork and cook in a skillet. Meanwhile, prepare a fresh salsa by mixing tomatoes, cilantro, and onion. Serve the pork in warm tortillas, topped with the salsa.
Taco night is always a hit, and pork tacos with homemade salsa are both fun and flavorful. Customize them with your favorite toppings, and you’ve got a quick, crowd-pleasing dinner. For another flavorful dish, try these Cheesy Beefy Roll-Ups that are just as quick and easy.
Garlic Butter Pork Tenderloin
- Ingredients: Pork tenderloin, butter, garlic, parsley.
- Instructions: Sear the pork tenderloin in garlic butter until browned. Finish by adding parsley and cooking until the pork is fully done.
This garlic butter pork is rich in flavor and pairs wonderfully with simple side dishes like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. Want more quick and hearty recipes? Check out this recipe for Spicy Meatballs, another bold-flavored option that’s ready in no time.
Honey Garlic Pork Chops
- Ingredients: Pork chops, honey, garlic, soy sauce, sesame seeds.
- Instructions: Combine honey, garlic, and soy sauce to make a marinade. Coat the pork chops and cook in a hot skillet until done.
The balance of sweet and savory in these honey garlic pork chops makes them a family favorite. The honey caramelizes beautifully, creating a delicious crust on the pork chops. Serve with a side of Zucchini and Potato Patties for a complete meal in no time.
Spicy Pork Ramen Stir Fry
- Ingredients: Pork, ramen noodles, soy sauce, chili flakes, green onions.
- Instructions: Cook the pork with soy sauce and chili flakes. Prepare ramen noodles according to package instructions, then stir everything together with green onions.
For a spicy twist, this pork ramen stir fry hits the spot. It’s quick, filling, and packed with flavor—just what you need on a busy weeknight.
Grilled Pork and Pineapple Skewers
- Ingredients: Pork cubes, pineapple chunks, soy sauce, olive oil.
- Instructions: Marinate the pork cubes in soy sauce and olive oil. Alternate pork and pineapple chunks on skewers, and grill for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.
The sweetness of the pineapple combined with the savory pork makes these skewers a delicious choice for summer nights. For more fruity recipes, check out this refreshing Mango Dessert with Pomelo and Sago.
Pork Fried Rice
- Ingredients: Pork slices, cooked rice, soy sauce, eggs, peas, carrots.
- Instructions: Fry the pork slices in a hot skillet. Add cooked rice, soy sauce, scrambled eggs, peas, and carrots, and stir-fry until everything is well mixed.
Fried rice is always a great way to use up leftovers. Add some pork for extra protein, and you have a quick, satisfying dinner ready in minutes.
Lemon Herb Pork Chops
- Ingredients: Pork chops, lemon, garlic, rosemary, thyme.
- Instructions: Sear the pork chops in a skillet with garlic, then finish with a squeeze of lemon and sprinkle of herbs.
This lemon herb pork recipe is fresh and light, ideal for a quick dinner when you want something flavorful but not too heavy. It pairs well with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad.
Pork and Broccoli Stir Fry
- Ingredients: Pork slices, broccoli florets, soy sauce, garlic, ginger.
- Instructions: Stir-fry the pork slices in soy sauce and garlic, then add broccoli florets and cook until tender.
For a healthy and satisfying meal, you can’t go wrong with a pork and broccoli stir fry. Packed with protein and fiber, it’s the perfect combination of healthy and quick.
Pulled Pork Sliders
- Ingredients: Pulled pork, slider buns, BBQ sauce, coleslaw.
- Instructions: Warm the pulled pork in BBQ sauce, and serve on slider buns with coleslaw for extra crunch.
These pulled pork sliders are perfect for a quick, crowd-pleasing meal. If you love classic American flavors, consider trying The Ultimate Chili Recipe for another hearty, comforting dinner idea.
One-Pot Pork Stew
- Ingredients: Pork cubes, potatoes, carrots, onions, broth, thyme.
- Instructions: Brown the pork cubes in a pot, add vegetables and broth, and simmer until everything is tender.
This hearty one-pot stew is a comforting option that still fits within the 30-minute time frame. Perfect for those nights when you want something warm and filling.
Sweet and Sour Pork
- Ingredients: Pork chunks, vinegar, sugar, ketchup, bell peppers.
- Instructions: Cook the pork chunks, then add the sweet and sour sauce and bell peppers, and simmer until everything is tender.
Sweet and sour pork is a takeout favorite you can make at home in just 30 minutes. The tangy sauce and bell peppers are a delicious combination.
Pork Lettuce Wraps
- Ingredients: Ground pork, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, lettuce leaves.
- Instructions: Cook the ground pork in a skillet with soy and hoisin sauce, then spoon the mixture into fresh lettuce leaves.
These lettuce wraps are light, healthy, and packed with flavor. If you’re looking for a low-carb option, this dish is a perfect choice.
Crispy Pork Schnitzel
- Ingredients: Pork cutlets, breadcrumbs, egg, flour, lemon.
- Instructions: Bread the pork cutlets in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, and fry until golden brown.
Crispy pork schnitzel is a comforting, quick meal that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or a light salad.
Teriyaki Pork Stir Fry
- Ingredients: Pork slices, teriyaki sauce, bell peppers, carrots.
- Instructions: Stir fry the pork with teriyaki sauce and vegetables until everything is tender and flavorful.
For a sweet and savory meal, this teriyaki pork stir fry is a must-try. The teriyaki sauce adds a delicious glaze that enhances the flavors of the pork and vegetables.
Pork Quesadillas
- Ingredients: Pork slices, tortillas, cheese, salsa, sour cream.
- Instructions: Cook the pork slices, then assemble in tortillas with cheese. Cook in a hot skillet until crispy, and serve with salsa and sour cream.
These pork quesadillas are a quick and delicious option that’s perfect for a weeknight meal. Serve with your favorite toppings for a satisfying, flavorful dinner.
FAQs
What is the best cut of pork for quick dinners?
Lean cuts like pork chops and pork tenderloin are best because they cook quickly and stay tender.
How do you keep pork tender when cooking it quickly?
Marinating the pork and using high heat for quick cooking are key to retaining moisture and tenderness.
Can I substitute chicken or beef in these recipes?
Yes! Many of these recipes work well with chicken or beef, though cooking times may vary slightly.
These 17 pork recipes are all about saving time without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re in the mood for tacos, stir fry, or sliders, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy on a busy weeknight!