Shogayaki Ginger Pork Bento Recipe

OMG, I just whipped up the most delish Shogayaki Ginger Pork Bento – talk about a game-changer for my meal prep vibes! The combo of tender pork with that umami-packed sauce, paired with fresh veggies and fluffy rice, is seriously so satisfying. 🍱✨

Shogayaki Ginger Pork Bento is a delightful, balanced meal that I love crafting. Using thinly sliced pork loin marinated in soy sauce, mirin, and freshly grated ginger, it presents a savory and aromatic taste.

Accompanied by steamed white rice and crispy shredded cabbage, this nutrient-packed bento is flavorful, satisfying, and rich in taste.

Shogayaki Ginger Pork Bento Recipe Ingredients

• Pork loin: Rich in protein and helps build muscle.
• Ginger: Adds warmth and spiciness; aids in digestion.
• Soy sauce: Infuses umami flavor; contains sodium.
• Mirin: Sweet rice wine; balances flavors.
• Sake: Adds depth with mild alcohol flavor.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness; balances soy sauce acidity.
• Vegetable oil: Healthy fats for cooking.
• Cabbage: High in fiber and vitamins; crunchy texture.
• Tomato: Juicy and sweet; rich in vitamin C.

Shogayaki Ginger Pork Bento Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 200g pork loin, thinly sliced
• 1 small knob of ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon mirin
• 1 tablespoon sake
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Steamed white rice
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1 small cucumber, sliced
• 1 small tomato, sliced
• Pickled ginger (optional)

How to Make this Shogayaki Ginger Pork Bento Recipe

1. In a tiny basin, stir the haiku grid of soy sauce, grated ginger, mirin, sake, and sugar together; they shall form a marinade.

1. The marinade imparts delicious flavor.

2. The mixture tenderizes.

3. It ensures the chicken will stay juicy.

2. Put the pork loin, cut into very thin slices, into a shallow dish or resealable bag and add the marinade. Pour over the marinade, then ensure the pork is fully coated. Let it sit for at least 15 to 20 minutes.

3. As the pork marinates, ready the bento sides by slicing the cucumber and tomato, and shredding the cabbage.

4. In a non-stick pan, over medium heat, add the vegetable oil.

5. Once the oil has reached the desired temperature, introduce the marinated slices of pork to the pan. Allow them to sauté for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’ve achieved that necessary doneness and a beautiful browned exterior.

6. Let the remaining marinade simmer in the pan for one more minute. This not only allows the sauce to thicken it somewhat but it also creates a super concentrated type of deal with the sauce. You want the sauce to be pretty thick when you coat the chicken so that it clings and doesn’t slide off the surface.

7. Take the pork out of the pan and let it sit for a minute.

8. Put a portion of steamed white rice in one section to complete the bento.

9. Put the cooked ginger pork into a different section of the bento box.

10. Put the shredded cabbage, cucumber, and tomato in a circle around the sliced pork. If desired, add a small serving of pickled ginger as a garnish. Now enjoy your Shogayaki Ginger Pork Bento!

Shogayaki Ginger Pork Bento Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Small mixing bowl
2. Grater
3. Measuring spoons
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Shallow dish or resealable plastic bag
7. Non-stick pan
8. Spatula or tongs
9. Bento box
10. Serving spoon

FAQ

• What cut of pork is best for Shogayaki?
  Thinly sliced pork loin is ideal because it cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors well.
• Can I use chicken instead of pork?
  Yes, chicken can be used as a substitute, but it will alter the traditional taste slightly.
• Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for sake?
  You can use rice vinegar or water with a splash of apple juice as a substitute.
• How do I make the dish less sweet?
  You can adjust the sugar quantity or use a sugar alternative to suit your taste preference.
• Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
  Yes, the sauce can be mixed ahead and stored in the refrigerator for a day or two.
• Is pickled ginger necessary?
  Pickled ginger is optional, but it adds a nice tangy contrast to the dish.

Shogayaki Ginger Pork Bento Recipe Substitutions and Variations

You can substitute thinly sliced chicken breast or thigh for the pork loin.
You can use a mixture of 1 tablespoon sake with 1/2 teaspoon sugar instead of mirin.
If sake isn’t available, dry sherry or white wine can be used instead.
For soy sauce, you can use tamari or coconut aminos as gluten-free alternatives.
Sesame oil can be used in place of vegetable oil to achieve a nuttier taste.

Pro Tips

1. Marinade Time For optimal flavor infusion, consider marinating the pork for at least 30 minutes to an hour, or even overnight in the refrigerator if time allows. This will enhance the flavors and ensure the pork is tender and juicy.

2. Uniform Slicing Ensure that the pork loin is sliced uniformly thin. This not only allows for even cooking but also helps the meat to absorb the marinade more effectively.

3. High-Quality Ingredients Use high-quality soy sauce, mirin, and sake for the marinade. The quality of these ingredients greatly influences the final taste, so opting for premium versions can elevate the dish.

4. Vegetable Prep To add an extra layer of flavor, lightly salt the shredded cabbage and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps to slightly soften the cabbage and bring out its natural sweetness.

5. Cooking Technique To achieve a nice caramelization on the pork, make sure the pan is hot before adding the pork slices. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can cause the pork to steam rather than sauté, preventing that desirable browned exterior.