This quick and flavorful dish features thinly sliced pork stir-fried in a gingery, savory-sweet sauce. Known as shogayaki in Japan, it's a comforting meal served with rice and simple sides. I love it because it's so easy and so tasty!
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About the Dish
Shogayaki (生姜焼き), which means "ginger-grilled," is one of Japan's most beloved everyday dishes. You'll often find it served in teishoku (set meals) at restaurants, where it comes with a bowl of rice, miso soup, and a small side salad or pickles. It's also a staple in homemade bentos - thin slices of pork in that gingery sauce stay tasty even after cooling, making it perfect for lunch boxes.
About the Ingredients
Here's some extra info on the ingredients that may help!
Thinly Sliced Pork
Shogayaki is traditionally made with thinly sliced pork loin or shoulder. You can often find pre-sliced pork labeled "shabu shabu" or "hot pot meat" at Asian grocery stores. If slicing at home, it helps to partially freeze the pork first for cleaner, thinner cuts.
Salt, Pepper & Cornstarch
A light seasoning of salt and pepper enhances the pork, and tossing it in cornstarch helps seal in moisture and gives the meat a slight crisp edge when seared. This step also helps the sauce cling better.
Fresh Ginger
This is the star flavor! Use freshly peeled and finely grated ginger - it adds warmth, aroma, and zing to the dish. Powdered ginger won't give the same effect.
Soy Sauce
A classic Japanese pantry staple that provides deep umami and saltiness. Use a regular or light soy sauce, not dark or sweet soy.
Mirin
A slightly sweet rice wine that adds a gentle sweetness and helps balance the salty and sharp notes. If unavailable, substitute with a bit of sugar and rice vinegar or a splash of sake.
Sake (or Substitute)
Sake adds subtle depth and complexity. If you don't have sake, other rice wine (like michiu and shaoxing), water, chicken broth, or even dry sherry work in a pinch.
Sugar
Just a teaspoon is enough to balance the sauce and highlight the ginger flavor.
How to cook Japanese Ginger Pork Stir Fry (Step by Step)
First, gather your ingredients:
- ¾ lb thinly sliced pork (shoulder or loin recommended)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 1 tablespoon sake (or other rice wine, broth, or water)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon neutral oil (vegetable or avocado)
Optional Add-Ons:
- Cooked white rice (for serving)
- Soft-boiled or fried egg
- Shredded raw cabbage or sautéed greens
- Miso soup or pickled vegetables on the side
Season the Pork:
Lightly season the sliced pork with salt and pepper. Toss with cornstarch until evenly coated. Set aside while you prepare the sauce.
Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the grated ginger, soy sauce, mirin, sake (or substitute), and sugar. Stir to mix and set aside.
Cook the Pork:
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork in a single layer and sear until lightly browned, about 1-2 minutes per side.
Add the Sauce:
Pour the sauce over the pork and stir to coat. Let simmer for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and the pork is fully cooked.
Serve:
Serve the pork over hot rice. Add optional toppings or sides like a soft-boiled egg or lightly dressed cabbage. Spoon any remaining sauce from the pan over the rice.
Japanese Ginger Pork Stir Fry (Shogayaki Recipe)
This quick and flavorful ginger pork stir fry — known as Shogayaki in Japanese — is made with thinly sliced pork in a savory, gingery sauce. Ready in 20 minutes and perfect over rice!
Ingredients
- ¾ lb thinly sliced pork (shoulder or loin)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 1 tablespoon sake (or broth/water)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon neutral oil (like avocado or vegetable)
Optional for serving:
- Cooked white rice
- Soft-boiled or fried egg
- Shredded raw cabbage or sautéed greens
- Pickled vegetables or miso soup
Instructions
- Season Pork: Lightly season the pork with salt and pepper. Toss with cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the grated ginger, soy sauce, mirin, sake (or substitute), and sugar. Set aside.
- Cook the Pork: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork in a single layer for 1–2 minutes per side until lightly browned.
- Add the Sauce: Pour in the sauce, stir to coat, and simmer for 1–2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and pork is fully cooked.
- Serve: Plate over hot rice with optional egg, cabbage, or sides. Spoon extra sauce from the pan over the rice.
Notes
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 3 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 485Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 161mgSodium: 1162mgCarbohydrates: 31gFiber: 5gSugar: 6gProtein: 39g
The nutrition information for this recipe is an approximate total per serving. Please double check the nutrition information for your exact ingredients and brands for more precise nutrition information. Keep in mind that if there is a marinade, often times not all the ingredients will be consumed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use beef instead of pork?
Yes! Thinly sliced beef (like ribeye or sirloin) will work well with the same sauce. Just adjust cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking.
I don't have mirin - what can I use instead?
Substitute with a mixture of 1 tablespoon rice vinegar and ½ teaspoon sugar, or use sake with a small pinch of sugar. It won't be quite the same, but close enough for home cooking!
Can I make this ahead of time?
It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the sauce and slice the pork in advance. Leftovers reheat well and can be turned into a rice bowl or bento the next day.
Do I need to marinate the pork?
Nope! While some recipes do a short marinade, this version cooks the pork first and adds the sauce right after for speed and simplicity - perfect for a quick dinner.
What can I serve it with if I don't want rice?
Try it with cauliflower rice, over soba noodles, or in lettuce wraps if you want a lighter, low-carb option.
More Delicious Pork Recipes
Love this Ginger Pork Stir Fry? Here are a few more tasty pork dishes to try next:
- Red Braised Pork Belly with Bamboo Shoots - A rich and comforting Chinese braise with soy sauce, chili paste, and star anise.
- Broccoli Pork Stir Fry - A quick and healthy stir fry with tender pork and crisp broccoli in a savory sauce.
- Stir Fry Pork with Snow Peas and Mushrooms - A fresh, veggie-packed stir fry that's full of flavor and easy to whip up.
- Pan Fried Pork Belly - Crispy edges and juicy centers - this pork belly is simple, satisfying, and perfect with your favorite dipping sauce.
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