The Best Leftover Roast Pork Recipe: Turn Extras into Something Special
The Best Leftover Roast Pork Recipe always saves my weeknight dinner plans, especially after a big Sunday roast. Leftover pork can be even tastier the second time around, and with just a few smart swaps, it’s easy to turn those slices into a fresh, easy meal. Over the years, I’ve tried everything from wraps and salads to hearty soups using leftover roast pork, and I keep coming back to this simple and flavorful skillet stir fry. It’s speedy, keto friendly if you watch the sauce, and makes sure nothing from your roast goes to waste.
There’s something satisfying about reinventing leftovers, especially when you can build a new dish just by adding a few vegetables, pantry staples, and some simple seasonings. Whether you’re looking for an easy lunch or a comforting dinner, these ideas bring out the best in your leftover roast pork. Plus, there’s no better feeling than giving those odds and ends new life while saving time in the kitchen.
The Best Leftover Roast Pork Recipe: Stir Fry Edition
- Takes just 20 minutes. Most of the ingredients are ready to go, so dinner comes together really fast.
- Loads of flavor, low on effort. The sauce is bold and savory, and leftovers soak up all that goodness.
- Perfect for keto diets. Just swap out any sugar in the sauce for a keto friendly substitute.
- Customizable with what’s in the fridge. Toss in broccoli, mushrooms, bell peppers, or whatever veggies you have lying around.
This recipe checks all the boxes for busy weeknights and makes a family favorite with minimal effort. The stir fry takes the natural flavors of your roast pork and gives them a tasty new twist without extra fuss.
Ingredients for The Best Leftover Roast Pork Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need for this leftover pork stir fry (serves 3 to 4):
- 2 cups leftover roast pork, thinly sliced or shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground)
- 2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 carrot, thinly sliced
- 3 scallions, sliced (white and green parts kept separate)
- For the sauce:
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- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use tamari for gluten free and keto)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon low carb sweetener (like stevia or erythritol) or honey if not keto
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
You can swap the veggies for just about anything that needs to be used up. Zucchini, baby corn, sugar snap peas, spinach, or mushrooms all work well. For a more filling meal, top with a fried egg or serve over cauliflower rice for a keto option, or regular rice if you’re not counting carbs. Additionally, try throwing in a handful of spinach at the end for extra greens, or a handful of cherry tomatoes for a fresh tangy bite. This adaptability is what makes this recipe a go to for cleaning out your fridge.
Step by Step Instructions: The Best Leftover Roast Pork Recipe
1. Prep the Ingredients
Slice your leftover roasted pork into bite sized strips. If it’s dry, that’s fine; it’ll soak up the stir fry sauce later. Prep all your veggies and whisk together the sauce ingredients in a small bowl so everything is ready to go once you start cooking.
2. Stir Fry the Veggies
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium high heat. Toss in the ginger and the white part of the scallions first, then add garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds. Add the broccoli, carrots, and bell pepper. Stir fry for 2 to 3 minutes until veggies start to soften but still keep some crunch. If you like your vegetables tender, cook for a minute or two longer.
3. Add the Pork and Sauce
Slide in the sliced roast pork and stir to combine. Pour the sauce over and toss everything together so the pork and vegetables are coated evenly. Stir fry another 2 to 4 minutes until everything is hot, the sauce clings to the meat and veggies, and you see edges beginning to caramelize. The sauce should thicken just a bit as it heats, making each bite even more flavorful.
4. Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat, sprinkle over sesame seeds, and scatter the green parts of the scallions. Serve straight from the skillet, over cauliflower rice for keto, or plain steamed rice if you prefer. Leftover stir fry keeps well for a couple of days in the fridge and makes a great packed lunch. Sometimes, I even pack it for work with some extra chili flakes for a midday pickmeup.
Tips, Tricks, and Variations
- If you don’t have roast pork, this recipe is great with leftover roast chicken or turkey. The result is just as tasty and works for keto too!
- Try adding a handful of cashews or peanuts toward the end for extra crunch.
- If you’re short on fresh veggies, frozen stir fry mixes work fine; just toss them in straight from the freezer to the pan.
- Mix up the sauce: swap sriracha for hoisin or a little teriyaki sauce. Just keep a close eye on the added sugar if you’re aiming for low carb or keto.
- For extra depth, add a dash of fish sauce to the stir fry sauce. It boosts umami without making the dish fishy. Not everyone loves fish sauce, so use a light hand if you’re serving a crowd.
- If you want some extra color, toss in a handful of snow peas right before serving, or finely diced red chili for added heat. The beauty of this stir fry is that it’s both flexible and forgiving so you can customize it to fit your tastes and use up whatever you have on hand.
More Ways to Use Leftover Roast Pork
Stir fry is just the beginning when it comes to using up roast pork leftovers. Repurposing leftover roast pork lets you create a bunch of easy, delicious meals that will make your week feel less repetitive and a lot tastier:
- Tacos: Warm pork in a skillet and serve with cabbage slaw, salsa, and avocado in soft tortillas. Make it keto with lettuce wraps or crisp salad boats for a lowcarb alternative.
- Savory Pork Fried Rice: Use leftover pork and cold cooked rice for a speedy fried rice. Sub cauliflower rice for a keto option. Add a splash of soy sauce and a handful of peas or diced carrots.
- Hearty Pork Soup: Toss pork, veggies, and broth in a pot for a quick thirty minute soup. Add a little chili for a spicy kick or coconut milk for creaminess. Serve hot and top with fresh herbs.
- Pork Quesadillas: Mix pork with sautéed onions and cheese in a tortilla. Cook until golden and crispy in a skillet. For keto, look for lowcarb tortillas or use egg wraps.
- Pork Lettuce Cups: Chop pork finely, mix with water chestnuts, scallions, hoisin (or sugar free sauce), and serve in butter lettuce leaves. Add grated carrots or bean sprouts for extra crunch.
These options keep things exciting and add a ton of variety to your dinner rotation. With each new dish, you get to stumble upon a different flavor combo and keep food waste to a minimum.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Best Leftover Roast Pork Recipe
Q: Can I make this leftover roast pork recipe ahead of time?
This recipe works great for meal prep. Store extra stir fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water or broth to keep everything moist. It’s perfect for a busy workweek and stays fresh in the fridge.
Q: What’s the best way to keep leftover pork from drying out?
Slicing the pork thin helps it heat quickly without becoming tough. Make sure to add it at the very end, just long enough to warm up. Cooking too long can dry it out. If needed, toss in an extra spoonful of sauce or a splash of broth while reheating to keep it juicy.
Q: Is this leftover pork recipe keto?
This stir fry is easy to keep keto by using low carb sweetener in the sauce and serving over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps instead of regular rice or tortillas. You can even skip the sweetener altogether if you like a savory edge.
Q: Can I use chicken instead?
Absolutely; leftover roast chicken works just as well. It’ll pick up all the flavor from the sauce and veggies, and it’s a super handy swap for keto or lowcarb needs. You can also try this stir fry method with leftover beef or turkey for a quick protein packed meal.
Other Chicken Recipe Ideas That Work Just as Well
The quick skillet stir fry technique isn’t just for pork. Leftover roast chicken makes a great standin for these recipes, and you can swap it in with no extra changes. Here are two leftover chicken ideas worth checking out:
- Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Bake: Toss diced chicken, steamed broccoli, and a light sour cream or Greek yogurt sauce together. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and bake until bubbly. Keto friendly and seriously comforting for chilly nights.
- Low Carb Chicken Enchilada Skillet: Shred chicken, sauté with onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Stir in enchilada sauce and a little cream cheese for richness. Serve over cauliflower rice and top with avocado or chopped cilantro.
Feel free to get creative with your spices or sauces to fit your current cravings.
Share Your Best Leftover Roast Pork Recipe Ideas!
There are endless ways to enjoy roast pork leftovers, and I’m always looking for new twists. If you try this leftover roast pork recipe, or have other ideas—pork or chicken—that work for keto or just help clear out the fridge, I’d love to hear about them. Feel free to leave a comment below with your go to leftover transformations. Keep having fun with your leftovers and enjoy the tasty rewards as you keep switching up your weeknight meals.
Bottom line: this all-in-one skillet stir fry is a tried and true favorite for turning last night’s roast into something next level cool. Mix in your favorite vegetables, use up your sauces and herbs, and savor every bite without letting anything go to waste.