Eggplant Stir-Fry with Ground Pork and Sesame
A savory keto stir-fry featuring tender eggplant and spiced ground pork, finished with toasted sesame seeds for a satisfying low-carb dinner. This asian-inspired keto (keto, low carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs medium (about 1 lb) eggplant, ground pork, sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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 (about 1 lb) eggplant
- 12 oz ground pork
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 tbsp (tamari for gluten free) soy sauce
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, minced ginger
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 2, sliced green onions
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut 2 medium eggplants into 1-inch cubes. Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add eggplant cubes and sauté for 6-7 minutes until softened and slightly golden. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil. Add 12 oz ground pork, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp minced ginger, and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes. Cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking up meat, until pork is browned and cooked through.
- Step 3: Return cooked eggplant to the skillet and stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook together for 2-3 minutes until flavors meld and sauce slightly thickens.
- Step 4: Remove from heat, sprinkle 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the top. Toss gently and serve hot.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Eggplant Stir-Fry with Ground Pork and Sesame take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Eggplant Stir-Fry with Ground Pork and Sesame?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium (about 1 lb) eggplant from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Eggplant Stir-Fry with Ground Pork and Sesame?
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 Sesame for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Sesame keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low carb, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
Equipment for this recipe
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