Eggplant Stir-Fry with Ground Pork and Sesame-Ginger Sauce
A savory keto stir-fry combining tender eggplant with spiced ground pork, enhanced by a fragrant sesame-ginger sauce. This asian-inspired keto (keto, low carb) ready in about 30 minutes blends ground pork, medium, cut into 1-inch cubes eggplant, sesame oil 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 380 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
- 1 lb ground pork
- 2 medium, cut into 1-inch cubes eggplant
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp, grated fresh ginger
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 3 stalks, chopped green onions
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 tsp (optional for sweetness) stevia or erythritol
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground pork and cook, breaking up with a spatula, for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove pork from skillet and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 2 medium eggplants cut into 1-inch cubes. Stir-fry over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes until eggplant is tender and slightly browned.
- Step 4: Return cooked ground pork to the skillet. Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1/4 cup water, 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, and 1/2 tsp stevia or erythritol if using. Cook for another 3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the pork and eggplant.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 3 chopped green onions. Serve hot as a standalone keto dish or with cauliflower rice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Eggplant Stir-Fry with Ground Pork and Sesame-Ginger 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 Sesame-Ginger 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 Sesame-Ginger 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 Sesame-Ginger 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 Sesame-Ginger 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.
Equipment for this recipe
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