How to Microwave Ground Pork

Select your serving size and microwave wattage in the dropdown. The recipe will change accordingly.

4 oz (125g) ground pork
  • 4 oz (125g) ground pork
  • 8 oz (225g) ground pork
  • 12 oz (350g) ground pork
  • 16 oz (450g) ground pork
  • 24 oz (680g) ground pork
  • 32 oz (907g) ground pork

Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

[[video-wattage]]

To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

Microwave oven by power - 700w
700w
  • 700w
  • 800w
  • 900w
  • 1000w
  • 1100w
  • 1200w

Recommended 

Dish

2-Cup Glass Round Dish Multipack

Ingredients

  • 4 oz (125g) ground pork
  • 1 tablespoon water

Preparation

  1. Add the ground pork and water to an Anyday dish and mix until the water is fully incorporated. The liquid will help break down the meat into smaller pieces as it cooks. Cover with the lid (knob lifted).
  2. Cook in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway to break down the meat into smaller pieces.
  3. Once cooked, break up any large pieces and strain the extra liquid if necessary. Taste and adjust seasonings.
  4. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the meat to a separate serving dish, or keep the meat with the liquid and add seasoning for a flavorful sauce! Keep in mind that some lumps of meat are unavoidable.

Suggestions

  • Flavor boost: Add paprika, taco seasoning, Italian seasoning, or any ready-to-use seasoning packs.
  • Beef and veggie stir-fry: Cook ground pork with mixed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers, and season with soy sauce and ginger.
  • BBQ Baked Potatoes: Mix the cooked ground pork with BBQ sauce and top a baked potato.
  • Stuffed peppers or squash: Mix the cooked ground pork with rice, beans, and seasonings, then stuff them into bell peppers or squash.

Recipe Notes

  • Mixing the raw pork meat with liquid helps the meat form small, well-separated pieces rather than clumping together.
  • Even with the addition of liquid, some lumps may still occur. Use a fork to break down the meat as it cooks.
  • Swap the water for whole milk, bone broth, stock, or tomato sauce for extra flavor.
  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.

Compatible Dishes for this Recipe

Ground Pork: 4 Ways

For every pound of ground pork, add 1 teaspoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water, plus the ingredients below:

Easy Ground Pork And Broccoli

Add chopped garlic, grated ginger, chili crunch, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and broccoli florets.

Smoky Chipotle Taco Filling

Add chopped chipotle peppers in adobo and chopped garlic. Top with sour cream and chopped cilantro.

Teriyaki Ground Pork

Add Soyaki  Teriyaki sauce and chopped garlic. Top with green onions and sesame seeds.

Almost Carnitas

Add Taco seasoning, chopped garlic, and frozen roasted peppers and onions. Top with crema.

Microwave Match Up: Ground Pork

See for yourself— microwaving ground pork is simply faster, start to finish.

Appliance Cook Time
Microwave in an Anyday dish 5 mins
Stovetop* 10-15 mins
Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker)* 15-20 mins
*Includes preheat time

All You Need to Know About Microwaving Ground Pork

Ingredient Water Cook Time
4 oz ground pork 1 tablespoon water 1-2 mins
8 oz ground pork 2 tablespoons water 3-4 mins
12 oz ground pork 3 tablespoons water 4-5 mins
16 oz ground pork 1/4 cup (60ml) water 6 mins
24 oz ground pork 1/3 cup (80ml) water 10-11 mins
32 oz ground pork 1/2 cup (120ml) water 13-14 mins
Cook time calculated for 700w microwave

Can I cook ground pork in the microwave?

Yes, you can cook ground pork quickly and evenly in the microwave using an Anyday dish. This method is efficient and minimizes mess, eliminating stovetop splatters and reducing cooking time.

How do I know when ground pork is properly cooked in the microwave?

Ground pork is fully cooked when it is no longer pink and the juices run clear. For accuracy, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

How do I season ground pork for microwave cooking?

Mix the ground pork with your preferred seasonings directly in an Anyday dish. Try salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or your favorite seasoning blend. For an enhanced flavor, consider incorporating soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or broth into the mixture. Seasoning before cooking infuses the meat as it cooks. For even more flavor,   marinate the meat with the seasonings overnight.

How do I store leftover cooked ground pork?

After the cooked ground pork has cooled completely, cover the Anyday dish with the lid and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze cooked ground pork?

Yes, cooked ground pork freezes well. Divide it into ½-cup portions using the silicone Anytime Freezer Trays. Freeze for up to 3 months and reheat directly from frozen in the microwave on full power for 1-2 minutes per portion, stirring halfway through.

How do I reheat cooked ground pork?

To reheat from the fridge, place the cooked ground pork in an Anyday dish, cover with the lid, and microwave on full power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. For frozen portions, place the pork directly in an Anyday dish and microwave on full power for 1-2 minutes per portion, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. For more tips on reheating and freezing, check out our blog.

Can I cook flavored ground pork, like sausage, in the microwave?

Yes, pre-seasoned ground pork, such as sausage, can be cooked in the microwave using the same method. Adjust any additional seasoning, as pre-flavored pork may already include salt and spices.

How do I prevent ground pork from drying out in the microwave?

To keep ground pork juicy and tender, add a small amount of liquid, such as broth, before cooking. This method prevents the meat from clumping or drying out, ensuring a soft, flavorful texture without it resembling a meatloaf.

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