

Cooking Tips for Perfect Ground Pork
To get the best flavor from your ground pork, start by cooking it over medium-high heat. This helps to brown the meat properly, giving it a rich flavor. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this can lead to steaming instead of browning. Cook in batches if necessary. When browning the pork, let it sit for a minute before stirring. This allows a nice crust to develop. If your ground pork seems a bit greasy, you can drain some of the excess fat after browning, but keep a little for flavor. For a bit of heat, consider adding chopped chili peppers or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the onions and garlic. This dish is also forgiving, so feel free to adjust the cooking times for the vegetables depending on your texture preference. If you like your carrots a bit firmer, add them later in the cooking process. Taste as you go, adjusting the seasoning to your liking. Remember, different brands of soy sauce and Maggi liquid seasoning can vary in saltiness, so start with a little and add more if needed.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This ground pork dish goes well with a variety of sides, making it a versatile meal. One popular option is to serve it over steamed rice. The flavors of the dish soak into the rice, creating a satisfying combination. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider serving it with a simple side salad or some steamed greens. For a more traditional Filipino experience, pair it with a side of fried eggs and some sliced tomatoes. This adds a nice balance of flavors and textures. If you want to make it a complete meal, you could also serve it with some crusty bread or tortillas for scooping up the delicious mixture. For a fun twist, try serving it in lettuce wraps for a fresh, crunchy bite. Leftovers can be great for lunch the next day, so consider packing them in a container for easy reheating. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions can also elevate the dish right before serving, adding a nice pop of freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I substitute for ground pork?
Ground beef, turkey, or chicken all work great in this dish. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly depending on the meat you choose.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze it for up to a month, just make sure to reheat it thoroughly when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely, this dish is super flexible. Consider adding bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach for some extra flavor and nutrients.
What can I serve with this dish?
Serve it over rice or with warm bread to soak up all the delicious juices. It also pairs well with a simple salad for a refreshing side.
What’s a common mistake to avoid?
One common mistake is overcrowding the pan when browning the meat. This can lead to steaming instead of that nice brown crust, which is key for flavor.
Ground Pork with Corn, Green Peas and Potato
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 small onion , chopped
- 2 large tomatoes , chopped
- 1 ½ lbs lean ground pork
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- Freshly cracked black pepper , to taste
- 1 cup ½-inch cubed carrots
- 1 large potato , peeled and sliced into ½-inch cubes
- ½ cup water
- 1 cup frozen green peas , thawed
- 1 cup whole kernel corn
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- A splash of Maggi liquid seasoning (optional)
- Chopped fresh cilantro , for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic, onion and tomatoes; sauté for 3 minutes or until onion has softened.
- Add ground pork and cook for 5 minutes or until meat is light brown and no longer pink. Season with fish sauce and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Add carrots, potato and water. Cover and simmer until potatoes are fork tender, about 7 minutes.
- Add green peas, corn and soy sauce. Stir and then add liquid seasoning, if using and more freshly cracked black pepper, if desired. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
- Serve with steamed rice.
Nutrition

I had defrosted a pound of ground pork, intending to make stuffed cabbage or stuffed zucchini, but was unable to get to grocery to buy the cabbage or zucchini. I went to the net to find something else to make with the pork that didn’t involve pasta or tortillas and found this. Since I had both frozen corn and frozen peas in the fridge, I decided to give it a try. I followed the recipe except (1) peeled the two fresh tomatoes before using, (2) used chicken stock instead of water and doubled the amount, (3) doubled the fish sauce, and (4) didn’t use cilantro because I didn’t have any. Served with rice as suggested. It turned out to be a mild dish. My husband and I said “meh” with the first bite. We kept eating. After three or four bites, we said, “this isn’t too bad after all.” After another three or four bites, we said “this is damn tasty.” And so it remained. Thanks for an interesting recipe.
You are welcome! Take care and thanks for the interesting and detailed feedback 🙂
Do I have to use fish sauce? Is there another option?
Hi Teresa,
You can use salt (or soy sauce) instead of the fish sauce and adjust the measurement accordingly. Hope this helps!
I made this recipe today! I have a household of boys only and not only dis they clear there bowls but they asked me to make it tomorrow! They said it was their favorite meal ever! I added samal oelek (ground chili paste) and added few extra potatoes and didn’t serve with rice! Thank you for this new family favorite!
Awww! That’s awesome!
Hi, what is the serving size? Thanks!
I doubled the recipe, served it with rice, as illustrated, plus soup on the side, but my large family still destroyed it, leaving no leftovers. Mine appeared very similar to the pictures above. Everyone was happy with the light touch of the flavors and the appealing colors. This is a quality weekday family meal. I have bookmarked it.
That’s awesome Jim! Love that your large family “destroyed it, leaving no leftovers” 🙂 Take care and stay safe!