Lime-Chili Pork Salad with Fresh Herbs

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant minced pork salad with zesty lime, fiery chili, and aromatic herbs, embodying the bright flavors of Lao street food. This asian ready in about 32 minutes pairs Ground pork, Lime juice, Chili for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 2, 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.

★ 4.3 (13 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 7 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 8 oz ground pork, 3 tbsp lime juice, 2 minced small chilies, 2 tsp fish sauce, 1/2 tsp sugar, and 1/4 cup minced shallot in a bowl. Mix thoroughly with hands.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tsp cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add pork mixture and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it into small pieces, until fully cooked and no longer pink.
  3. Step 3: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped cilantro and 2 tbsp chopped mint. Let rest for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
  4. Step 4: Serve immediately as a refreshing side or main course with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lime-Chili Pork Salad with Fresh Herbs take to make?

Total time is about 32 minutes (25 min prep + 7 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 Lime-Chili Pork Salad with Fresh Herbs?

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 ground pork from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lime-Chili Pork Salad with Fresh Herbs?

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 Lime-Chili Pork Salad with Fresh Herbs for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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.

What goes well with Lime-Chili Pork Salad with Fresh Herbs?

Asian asian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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