
Vegetarian · Chinese · 35 min
"Kung Pao" Pork Meatballs with Peppers, Peanuts & Cauliflower Rice
- 35 min
- 2–6 servings
- 658 kcal / serving
A balanced skillet dinner with tender cauliflower rice, savory pork meatballs, and crunchy peppers and peanuts. The combination comes together quickly, making a solid weeknight option that’s satisfying and easy to portion.
Free on iPhone · servings scaled, grocery list written for you.
Ingredients
- ½ medium headcauliflower
- 1 stickcelery
- 1 (1 inch) pieceginger root
- ½ small bunchgreen onions (scallions)
- ¾ lblean ground pork
- ⅛ cuppeanuts, roasted unsalted
- ½red bell pepper
- 2 ozwater chestnuts
- red bell peppers
From the pantry: brown sugar, chili-garlic sauce, cornstarch, panko bread crumbs, rice vinegar, salt, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil
Cookware
baking sheet pan · can opener · chef's knife · colander · cutting board · grater · measuring cups · measuring spoons · mixing bowls · nonstick skillet · oven mitts · stirring spoon · tongs · whisk or fork
Kitchen help: cups to grams · tablespoons to cups · oven temperatures · butter conversions · what each cooking tool is for · ingredient substitutes
More recipes with: cauliflower
More dinner ideas: easy dinners
Shopping list by aisle
Produce
- ½ medium headcauliflower
- 1 stickcelery
- 1 (1 inch) pieceginger root
- ½ small bunchgreen onions (scallions)
- ½red bell pepper
- red bell peppers
Meat & seafood
- ¾ lblean ground pork
Pantry & dry goods
- ⅛ cuppeanuts, roasted unsalted
- 2 ozwater chestnuts
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Ingredients for 2, 4 and 6 servings
| Ingredient | 2 servings | 4 servings | 6 servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| cauliflower | ½ medium head | 1 medium head | 1 ½ medium heads |
| celery | 1 stick | 2 sticks | 3 sticks |
| ginger root | 1 (1 inch) piece | 2 (1 inch) pieces | 3 (1 inch) pieces |
| green onions (scallions) | ½ small bunch | 1 small bunch | 1 small bunch |
| lean ground pork | ¾ lb | 1 ½ lb | 2 ¼ lb |
| peanuts, roasted unsalted | ⅛ cup | ¼ cup | ⅓ cup |
| red bell pepper | ½ | 1 | 1 ½ |
| water chestnuts | 2 oz | 4 oz | 6 oz |
Quantities in US units. Any other household size: MealPot scales the recipe and the grocery list for you.
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and line up your mise en place for a smooth workflow.
- Grate the cauliflower or pulse it in a processor until it resembles rice; transfer to a medium bowl.
- Toss the cauliflower with a little oil and salt, then spread it on a baking sheet in an even layer and start roasting.
- Mince the ginger and add it to a bowl with the pork, bread crumbs, chili-garlic sauce, and salt; mix by hand until everything is well combined.
- Shape the pork mix into small meatballs using a tablespoon for even portions and place them on a plate.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and after it’s hot, swirl in a bit of oil and add the meatballs; cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, 6–8 minutes, then transfer to a clean plate.
- Meanwhile, trim and slice the red bell peppers and celery; add them to a bowl with sliced green onions and set aside.
- Return the skillet to medium-high heat, add a bit more oil, and stir-fry the peppers, celery, water chestnuts, and peanuts until just tender, 3–4 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together water, vinegar, soy sauce, chili-garlic sauce, cornstarch, and sugar to make the sauce.
- Return the meatballs to the skillet with the sauce; bring to a boil and simmer until the sauce thickens and the meatballs are warmed through, about 1 minute.
- To serve, divide the cauliflower rice among plates, top with meatballs and vegetables, then spoon over the sauce and enjoy.
Two tips
- Prep the cauliflower rice ahead: grate or pulse a day in advance and store in the fridge for a quicker weeknight meal.
- Swap in any mix of peppers you have on hand and serve with extra rice vinegar on the side for a tangy finish.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 658 kcal
- Protein
- 39 g
- Carbs
- 34 g
- Fat
- 42 g
- Fiber
- 7 g
- Sodium
- 244 mg
Estimates from the recipe's published nutrition data; they change with the version you pick above.
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Ingredient quantities, timing and nutrition follow the original Mealime recipe ↗ (captured 2026-09-12). The photo is MealPot's AI-rendered illustration of the finished dish; the description, directions, aisle list and serving table are MealPot's.