Eggplant Stir-Fry with Ground Pork and Spicy Garlic Sauce
A savory keto stir-fry featuring tender eggplant and ground pork cooked in a bold, spicy garlic sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This asian-inspired keto (keto, low carb) ready in about 25 minutes blends ground pork, minced garlic cloves, fresh, minced ginger 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 3, 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 large (about 1 lb), cut into 1-inch cubes eggplant
- 12 oz ground pork
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp fresh, minced ginger
- 3 tbsp (use tamari for gluten-free) soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 2, sliced thin green onions
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Add 1 large eggplant cut into 1-inch cubes and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until the pieces are softened and lightly browned.
- Step 3: Push eggplant to the side and add 12 oz ground pork, breaking it up with a spatula; cook for 4-5 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Step 4: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 5: Add 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp sesame oil, 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, and 1/2 tsp salt; toss everything together and cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the pork and eggplant.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions before serving immediately.
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 Spicy Garlic Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Spicy 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 Spicy 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 Spicy Garlic Sauce 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 Spicy 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.