Imagine diving into a savory world where the sizzle of ground pork meets the umami hug of miso and the kick of ginger and garlic—let me introduce you to a dish that’s about to elevate your culinary game, right in your own skillet.
When I’m short on time, I really enjoy making my 10 Minute Meal Niku Miso. Using ground pork and flavorings from miso paste, soy sauce, and mirin, it’s a speedy and umami-rich dish.
I like to think of the combination of garlic and ginger as my nutritional secret weapon that makes this dish not only satisfying but also delicious.
Ingredients
- Miso Paste: Rich in umami flavor, adds depth and provides probiotics.
- Ground Pork: High in protein, offering a savory, hearty base.
- Garlic: Adds pungency; boasts antibacterial properties.
- Ginger: Offers warmth and spice; anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Soy Sauce: Provides salty, savory notes and enhances umami.
Ingredient Quantities
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- 200g ground pork
- 2 tablespoons miso paste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 1 tablespoon sake
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 green onion, sliced
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How to Make this
1. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger to the skillet and stir for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant.
3. Raise the temperature to medium-high and put the ground pork in the frying pan.
4. Preparation of the pork requires that it be cooked thoroughly and broken into small pieces. Use a spatula and your hands to tear the meat into shreds of manageable size. If you do not have a spatula, a large spoon will also work, albeit not as well.
5. In a small mixing bowl, combine the miso paste, soy sauce, mirin, and sake with the sugar until everything is blended into a smooth, cohesive mixture. You can adjust the consistency by adding a bit of water if you’d like.
6. Drench the sautéed pork in miso sauce.
7. Mix properly to make sure the sauce coats the pork uniformly.
8. Keep on cooking for 1-2 minutes more, letting the flavors meld and the sauce thicken a bit.
9. Take it off the heat and sprinkle with the green onion that’s been cut into thin slices.
10. Serve over steamed rice or noodles, if desired, right after cooking.
Equipment Needed
1. Large skillet
2. Spatula (or large spoon)
3. Small mixing bowl
4. Measuring spoons
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Grater (for ginger)
8. Spoon or whisk (for mixing sauce)
FAQ
- Q: Can I use a different type of meat instead of pork?A: Yes, you can use ground chicken or turkey in place of pork.
- Q: Is there a substitute for mirin?A: In this recipe, a small amount of sugar combined with water or rice vinegar can stand in for mirin.
- Q: How can I make this recipe spicier?A: To add a few slices of fresh chili or even some chili flakes will work wonders in giving this dish some heat!
- Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?A: Yes, use firm tofu, either crumbled or diced, in place of the ground pork.
- Q: How do I store leftovers?A: Keep uneaten food in a sealed container in the fridge. It can stay safe and tasty for 3 whole days. After that, toss it! (To keep it fresh as long as possible, reheat it to steaming hot just before eating.)
- Q: What can I serve with Niku Miso?A: Pair it with noodles or steamed rice, and if you really want to kick it up to complete meal status, a side of steamed vegetables would do the trick.
10 Minute Meal Niku Miso Recipe Substitutions and Variations
Substituting ground pork can be done with ground chicken or ground beef.
Miso paste can be substituted with tahini or a blend of soy sauce and tahini for an alternative flavor.
For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
You can substitute mirin with a mixture of rice vinegar and a bit more sugar.
Dry sherry or a mixture of water and some rice vinegar can take the place of sake in recipes.
Pro Tips
1. Balance the Flavors: When making the miso sauce, taste it after mixing to ensure the balance of salty (miso and soy sauce), sweet (sugar and mirin), and umami. Adjust the ingredients to suit your personal preference before adding it to the pork.
2. Enhance Aromatics: For an even stronger flavor, consider adding a dash of sesame oil to the garlic and ginger while they’re sautéing. This will add a rich, nutty aroma that complements the dish.
3. Prevent Overcrowding: When cooking the ground pork, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure that the pork browns nicely for an enhanced depth of flavor.
4. Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and add it to the sauce step. Cook until it thickens to your desired consistency.
5. Customize Garnishes: Besides sliced green onion, you can add toasted sesame seeds or a sprinkle of chili flakes for additional flavor and a touch of heat.
10 Minute Meal Niku Miso Recipe
My favorite 10 Minute Meal Niku Miso Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large skillet
2. Spatula (or large spoon)
3. Small mixing bowl
4. Measuring spoons
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Grater (for ginger)
8. Spoon or whisk (for mixing sauce)
Ingredients:
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- 200g ground pork
- 2 tablespoons miso paste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 1 tablespoon sake
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 green onion, sliced
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Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger to the skillet and stir for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant.
3. Raise the temperature to medium-high and put the ground pork in the frying pan.
4. Preparation of the pork requires that it be cooked thoroughly and broken into small pieces. Use a spatula and your hands to tear the meat into shreds of manageable size. If you do not have a spatula, a large spoon will also work, albeit not as well.
5. In a small mixing bowl, combine the miso paste, soy sauce, mirin, and sake with the sugar until everything is blended into a smooth, cohesive mixture. You can adjust the consistency by adding a bit of water if you’d like.
6. Drench the sautéed pork in miso sauce.
7. Mix properly to make sure the sauce coats the pork uniformly.
8. Keep on cooking for 1-2 minutes more, letting the flavors meld and the sauce thicken a bit.
9. Take it off the heat and sprinkle with the green onion that’s been cut into thin slices.
10. Serve over steamed rice or noodles, if desired, right after cooking.