Cooking for one doesn’t mean settling for bland meals—especially when pork is on the menu! Whether you’re craving something quick like a stir-fry or something hearty like a spiced pork and potato pie, these five solo-friendly recipes bring a big flavour without the fuss. From smoky BBQ sandwiches to a fragrant roast with fennel and rosemary, there’s a pork dish here to suit every craving.
BBQ Pork Sandwich
This BBQ Pork Sandwich combines tender pulled pork with a tangy homemade barbecue sauce, served on a toasted bun with crunchy coleslaw. The smoky flavours, sweetness, and slight tang make it a satisfying meal for lunch or dinner. The coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch that complements the rich pork, making it a delightful choice for any barbecue lover.
Recipe Times & Servings
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
15 minutes
Servings:
1
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pulled pork
- 1/4 cup homemade barbecue sauce
- 1 toasted sandwich bun
- 1/2 cup coleslaw mix
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: pickles for garnish
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside.
- Heat the pulled pork in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through, then stir in the barbecue sauce until well combined.
- Toast the sandwich bun until golden brown.
- Assemble the sandwich by placing the BBQ pork on the bottom half of the bun, followed by a generous portion of coleslaw.
- Top with pickles if desired, and place the top half of the bun on the sandwich.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Per Serving
Calories:
300
Protein:
20
Carbs:
30
Fat:
15
Fiber:
5
Sugar:
8
Pork Stir-Fry with Ginger-Orange Glaze
This vibrant Pork Stir-Fry features tender strips of pork marinated in a zesty ginger-orange glaze, complemented by crisp bell peppers and snap peas. The dish is balanced with traditional stir-fry techniques, offering a delightful combination of flavours and textures that are both satisfying and refreshing. Perfect for a quick dinner, this recipe is easy to follow and packed with protein, making it ideal for a wholesome meal.
Recipe Times & Servings
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
10 minutes
Servings:
1
Ingredients:
- 200g pork tenderloin, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 bell pepper, sliced (any colour)
- 1/2 cup snap peas, trimmed
- 1 green onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, orange juice, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Add the sliced pork and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated pork to the skillet and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Add the sliced bell pepper and snap peas to the skillet and stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onion and sesame seeds.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles if desired.
Nutrition Per Serving
Calories:
300
Protein:
20
Carbs:
30
Fat:
15
Fiber:
5
Sugar:
8
Pork Stir-Fry with Sugar Snap Peas
This vibrant Pork Stir-Fry with Sugar Snap Peas combines tender pork with crisp sugar snap peas, all sautéed in a savoury-sweet sauce that balances traditional flavours with a hint of creativity. It’s a quick and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any meal, offering a delightful crunch and a burst of colour on your plate. This recipe is high in protein and fibre, making it a nutritious choice.
Recipe Times & Servings
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
10 minutes
Servings:
1
Ingredients:
- 150g pork tenderloin, thinly sliced
- 100g sugar snap peas, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 green onion, chopped for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the sliced pork tenderloin to the skillet, cooking until browned and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the sugar snap peas and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
- In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Pour the sauce over the pork and peas, stirring to coat evenly. Cook for another minute to heat through.
- Remove from heat, garnish with chopped green onion, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Per Serving
Calories:
300
Protein:
20
Carbs:
30
Fat:
15
Fiber:
5
Sugar:
8
Roast Pork with Fennel and Rosemary
This delightful roast pork recipe combines the traditional flavours of succulent pork with aromatic fennel and fresh rosemary, creating a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated. The fennel adds a subtle sweetness and anise flavour, while the rosemary infuses the pork with an earthy, herbal note. Perfect for a cosy dinner, this dish is balanced and satisfying, making it an ideal choice for a single serving.
Recipe Times & Servings
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
30 minutes
Servings:
1
Ingredients:
- 1 pork loin (approximately 6 oz)
- 1 bulb of fennel, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
- Rub the marinade all over the pork loin, ensuring it’s well coated.
- In a baking dish, arrange the sliced fennel at the bottom, and place the marinated pork loin on top.
- Pour the chicken broth around the pork and fennel to keep the meat moist during cooking.
- Roast in the preheated oven for about 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Let the pork rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve the sliced pork with the roasted fennel and pan juices drizzled on top.
Nutrition Per Serving
Calories:
300
Protein:
20
Carbs:
30
Fat:
15
Fiber:
5
Sugar:
8
Spiced Pork and Potato Pie
This Spiced Pork and Potato Pie combines tender, seasoned pork with creamy potatoes, all encased in a flaky pastry. The traditional elements of a classic meat pie are elevated with a hint of smoked paprika and fresh herbs, creating a comforting yet exciting dish. Perfect for a satisfying dinner, this recipe is balanced in flavours and textures.
Recipe Times & Servings
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
30 minutes
Servings:
1
Ingredients:
- 150g pork shoulder, diced
- 1 medium potato, peeled and cubed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 100g shortcrust pastry
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the diced pork to the skillet, along with the smoked paprika, thyme, black pepper, and salt. Cook until the pork is browned on all sides, about 7-10 minutes.
- Add the cubed potato to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the potatoes to absorb the flavours.
- Roll out the shortcrust pastry on a floured surface and line a small pie dish with half of the pastry.
- Fill the pastry with the pork and potato mixture, then cover with the remaining pastry. Crimp the edges to seal and make a few slits on top to allow steam to escape.
- Brush the top with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Per Serving
Calories:
450
Protein:
25
Carbs:
35
Fat:
25
Fiber:
4
Sugar:
1
My Final Thoughts
With these five easy pork recipes, cooking for one becomes a treat rather than a chore. Whether you prefer something fast and fresh or slow and comforting, there’s no need to skimp on flavour when dining solo. So fire up the pan, oven, or grill and enjoy a delicious pork dish made just for you!
