Ginger Pork Bowl (Shogoyaki)
Equipment
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Frying pan
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Mixing bowls
Ingredients
Stir Fry
- 8 oz thinly sliced pork, pork shoulder works best
- ½ onion, thinly sliced
Sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sake
- 1 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1 tsp sugar
Optional Garnishes
- Pickled ginger
- Scallions
Instructions
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Thinly slice the onion and grate the ginger.
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In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sake, mirin, grated ginger, and sugar until the sugar dissolves.
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Heat a pan over medium-high with a little oil. Add the pork in a single layer and sear about 1 minute per side until lightly browned. Remove the pork and set aside.
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In the same pan, sauté the sliced onions for 2–3 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.
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Return the pork to the pan, pour in the sauce, and cook for 2–3 minutes more, stirring, until the sauce becomes glossy and coats the meat.
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Serve the ginger pork over hot steamed rice and garnish with pickled ginger or sliced scallions if desired.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation only.
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Why Ginger Pork Is My Weeknight Lifesaver
When time is tight, this Ginger Pork Bowl delivers fast, satisfying flavor. The pork cooks quickly and the ginger-soy-mirin sauce brings bold savory and sweet notes. With caramelized onions and steamed rice, it feels like a restaurant dish made in minutes.
The aroma of ginger and soy filling the kitchen is deeply comforting. The sweet onions pair beautifully with the pork, and served over rice this becomes an easy, complete meal you can make any night of the week.
The Sauce That Does All the Work
The sauce is simple but powerful: soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, and fresh grated ginger. These ingredients caramelize slightly as they cook, creating a glossy coating that clings to the pork and onions for maximum flavor without heaviness.
You don’t need specialty items—if you have soy sauce and ginger you can make a great version at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need To Make A Ginger Pork Bowl
For the Pork Bowl:
- 8 oz thinly sliced pork (pork shoulder or pork loin work well)
- ½ medium onion, thinly sliced
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sake
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Optional Garnishes:
- Pickled ginger
- Sliced scallions
- Steamed white rice (for serving)
How to Make Ginger Pork Bowls
Thinly slice the onion and grate the ginger.
In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, sake, mirin, grated ginger, and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
Heat a little oil in a pan over medium-high. Add the pork in a single layer and cook about 1 minute per side until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, add the sliced onions and cook 2–3 minutes until softened and starting to caramelize.
Return the pork to the pan, pour in the sauce, and stir to combine. Simmer 2–3 minutes until the sauce reduces slightly and becomes glossy, coating the meat.
Spoon the pork and onions over hot steamed rice and finish with pickled ginger or scallions if you like.
Tips & Variations
- Freeze the pork for 15–20 minutes before slicing to make thin, even slices more easily.
- If you don’t have pork, chicken thighs, beef, or firm tofu work well with this same sauce.
- Add shredded cabbage or bean sprouts at the end for extra volume; shredded cabbage is a common side with this style of dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken instead of pork?
Yes — chicken thighs are an excellent substitute and absorb the sauce nicely.
What if I don’t have sake or mirin?
Substitute mirin with rice vinegar plus a pinch of sugar. For sake, try dry sherry or a splash of water; the result will still be tasty even if slightly different.
How can I make it spicy?
Add a pinch of shichimi togarashi or sliced fresh chili for heat without overpowering the ginger.
Can I meal prep this?
Yes. It reheats well—store pork and rice separately and reheat gently.
Try These Next
- In the mood for something sweet and savory? Try Korean Fried Chicken Tenders.
- Want more comforting pork recipes? Try a Sticky Pork Rice Bowl.
- Craving noodles? Make Chicken Yaki Udon.