Heart-Healthy Spicy Ground Pork

Satisfy your craving for bold, flavorful meals with this Heart-Healthy Spicy Ground Pork recipe, a lighter take on comfort food packed with nourishing ingredients. This dish combines lean ground pork (90% lean or higher) with fragrant aromatics like garlic, ginger, and onion, then layers on the heat with red chili flakes and a blend of warm spices, including cumin, coriander, and paprika. Wilted baby spinach adds a nutrient boost, while fresh lime juice brightens every bite. Garnished with sliced green onions and optional sunflower seeds for a crunchy finish, this one-pan wonder is not only low in sodium but also quick to prepare—ready in just 35 minutes. Serve on its own or alongside brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a wholesome, high-protein meal that’s as heart-friendly as it is delicious.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground pork (at least 90% lean)
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon ground coriander
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 3 cups baby spinach
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 2 stalks green onions, sliced for garnish
• 2 tablespoons unsalted sunflower seeds (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add the extra virgin olive oil.

Step 2

Once the oil is hot, add the finely diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet, stirring constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the lean ground pork to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it up into small pieces. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pork is browned and fully cooked.

Step 5

Stir in the low-sodium soy sauce, red chili flakes, ground cumin, ground coriander, and paprika. Mix well to evenly coat the pork with the spices.

Step 6

Add the baby spinach to the skillet, one handful at a time, and cook for 2-3 minutes until it wilts down and incorporates into the dish.

Step 7

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh lime juice for a burst of brightness.

Step 8

Plate the pork mixture and garnish with sliced green onions and sunflower seeds, if desired.

Step 9

Serve immediately as a standalone dish, or pair it with brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a complete heart-healthy meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(816.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1042.8

Total Fat 59.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 17.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 281.0mg	0%
Sodium 1327.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 32.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.6g	0%
Total Sugars 7.9g
Protein 101.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 281.1mg	0%
Iron 10.9mg	0%
Potassium 1860.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.0%

Protein: 37.9%

Carbs: 12.1%