Hairy Bikers Spicy Pork Recipe

This tender, smoky Hairy Bikers Spicy Pork Recipe is made with lean pork loin, spicy chorizo, and long-grain rice, and is ready in just 40 minutes. The real magic happens when you lift the lid to reveal fluffy grains that have absorbed every drop of the paprika-infused stock. I love how this dish proves that healthy, low-calorie comfort food doesn’t have to be bland.

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Why This Classic Works

I first tried this recipe when searching for a mid-week meal that didn’t require a mountain of washing up, and it quickly became a staple in my kitchen. The brilliance lies in using a small amount of chorizo to flavour the entire pot; as it renders, it releases a smoky, ruby-red oil that coats the rice and pork, making the whole dish taste far more indulgent than it actually is.

One lesson I learned the hard way is to trust the liquid-to-rice ratio. It might look like too much stock at first, but resist the urge to uncover the pan and stir constantly. Leaving the lid firmly on allows the rice to steam to perfection while soaking up the spices, resulting in a texture that is fluffy rather than gloopy.

Hairy Bikers Spicy Pork Ingredients

• 500g pork loin, all visible fat removed, cut into 2cm cubes
• 50g chorizo sausage, skin removed and sliced thinly
• 1 medium onion, peeled and cut into thin wedges
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 red pepper, deseeded and sliced
• 1 orange or yellow pepper, deseeded and sliced
• 100g green beans, trimmed and cut in half
• 150g long-grain white rice (easy-cook or basmati)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• ½ tsp hot chilli powder (adjust to taste)
• 750ml hot chicken stock (made with 1 stock cube)
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp vegetable oil (optional, for frying)

How To Make Hairy Bikers Spicy Pork Recipe

1. Sauté the Onions: Heat a large, deep frying pan or sauté pan (one with a tight-fitting lid) over medium-high heat. If using oil, add it now, or use a good non-stick pan with a spray of oil. Fry the onion wedges for about 3 minutes until they start to soften and turn golden at the edges.
2. Brown the Pork: Season the diced pork loin generously with salt and pepper. Add it to the pan with the onions and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. You want the meat to seal and take on a little colour, but it doesn’t need to be cooked through yet.
3. Add Aromatics and Veg: Toss in the sliced chorizo, garlic, red and orange peppers, and green beans. Stir-fry everything together for another 5 minutes. The chorizo will start to release its oil, turning the vegetables a lovely reddish hue.
4. Spice and Simmer: Sprinkle the cumin, coriander, and chilli powder over the mixture, stirring for 30 seconds to cook out the raw spice flavour. Stir in the uncooked rice so it gets coated in the juices.
5. The Absorption Method: Pour over the hot chicken stock and bring the pan to a vigorous boil. Once bubbling, turn the heat down to low, cover the pan with a lid, and simmer gently for 20 minutes. Do not stir it during this time.
6. Rest and Serve: Check that the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender. If it’s still a bit wet, cook for another 2-3 minutes uncovered. Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving hot.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t Skip the Chorizo: Even though this is a healthier recipe, the chorizo is non-negotiable. It provides the base seasoning and colour for the rice. If you don’t eat pork, a spicy turkey sausage with smoked paprika added can work as a substitute.
• Pan Size Matters: Use a wide, deep pan rather than a tall, narrow pot. A wider surface area ensures the rice cooks evenly and the liquid evaporates at the right speed, preventing a soggy bottom layer.
• Vegetable Variations: This is a great clear-out-the-fridge meal. You can swap the peppers for courgettes (add them later as they cook faster) or add frozen peas in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• Control the Heat: The ½ teaspoon of chilli powder gives a gentle warmth. If you are cooking for kids, you can switch this to sweet smoked paprika, which complements the chorizo perfectly without the burn.

What To Serve With Spicy Pork

Since this is a complete meal with protein, carbs, and vegetables in one pot, you don’t need elaborate sides. A simple crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette helps cut through the savoury, meaty flavours.

If you want to cool things down, serve a dollop of low-fat Greek yoghurt on the side or a sprinkle of fresh chopped coriander and a squeeze of lime juice over the top just before eating.

How To Store

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Because this dish contains rice, it is crucial to cool it down quickly (within an hour) and reheat it until piping hot throughout before eating.

You can freeze this dish for up to 1 month. Defrost thoroughly in the fridge overnight before reheating in a microwave or on the hob with a splash of water to loosen the rice.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white?
  Yes, but brown rice takes much longer to cook (about 30-40 minutes) and requires more liquid. You may need to increase the stock by about 100-150ml and keep an eye on it so it doesn’t dry out.
• Is this recipe gluten-free?
  Naturally, the ingredients are mostly gluten-free, but you must check the chorizo and the stock cubes. Many processed sausages and stocks contain wheat fillers, so look for certified gluten-free options.
• Can I use chicken instead of pork?
  Absolutely. Diced chicken breast or thigh works perfectly in this recipe. Follow the exact same timing and instructions, as chicken breast cooks at a similar speed to diced pork loin.
• Why is my rice mushy?
  This usually happens if you stir the rice too much while it’s simmering or if the heat was too low. Trust the process, keep the lid on, and let the steam do the work without agitation.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Total Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 650mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 38g
• Protein: 32g

Try More Recipes:

• Hairy Bikers Slow Roast Leg of Lamb Recipe
• Hairy Bikers Singapore Noodles Recipe
• Hairy Bikers Peri Peri Chicken Recipe