Eggplant Stir-Fry with Ground Pork and Garlic Sauce
Tender eggplant stir-fried with savory ground pork and a garlicky soy-based sauce, delivering a rich and flavorful keto-friendly dish. This asian-inspired keto (keto, low carb) ready in about 30 minutes blends medium, cut into 1-inch cubes eggplant, ground pork, minced garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 370 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 medium, cut into 1-inch cubes eggplant
- 12 oz ground pork
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, minced ginger
- 3 tbsp, tamari or coconut aminos for keto soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions
- 1 tsp, optional red chili paste
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Add 2 medium cubed eggplants and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until they begin to soften and edges turn golden; transfer eggplant to a bowl.
- Step 3: In the same wok, add 2 tbsp sesame oil and 4 minced garlic cloves plus 1 tbsp minced ginger; sauté for 1 minute until aromatic.
- Step 4: Add 12 oz ground pork to the wok, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook for 6-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Step 5: Return the cooked eggplant to the wok, then stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp red chili paste if using, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 6: Cook together for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the pork and eggplant evenly.
- Step 7: Remove from heat, sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped scallions on top, and serve hot over cauliflower rice or on its own.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Eggplant Stir-Fry with Ground Pork and Garlic Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Eggplant Stir-Fry with Ground Pork and Garlic Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Eggplant Stir-Fry with Ground Pork and Garlic Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Eggplant Stir-Fry with Ground Pork and Garlic Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Eggplant Stir-Fry with Ground Pork and Garlic Sauce keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.