Sweet-Savory Japanese Miso Pork Skillet with Caramelized Onions

Name: Sweet-Savory Japanese Miso Pork Skillet with Caramelized Onions
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 400 g pork shoulder, thinly sliced; 2 tbsp white miso paste; 1 tbsp mirin; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp vegetable oil; 2 medium onions, thinly sliced; 1 tbsp granulated sugar; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated; 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds; 200 g cooked short-grain rice; 2 scallions, finely sliced

This budget-friendly Japanese-inspired pork skillet balances rich miso and mirin with deeply caramelized onions for a sweet-savory lunchbox option.

Prep15 minCook20 minTotal35 minServes4Difficultyeasy

Method

How to make it

01
Combine miso paste, mirin, and soy sauce in a small bowl; set aside.
02
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
03
Add sliced onions and sugar; cook, stirring frequently, until onions turn deep golden and sticky, about 10 minutes.
04
Push onions to the side; add pork slices in a single layer and sear without stirring until edges start to brown, about 3 minutes.
05
Flip pork slices and add garlic and ginger; stir to combine with onions and pork.
06
Pour miso-mirin sauce over the pork and onions; reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring gently, until pork is cooked through and sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
07
Remove from heat; stir in half the scallions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
08
Serve warm over cooked short-grain rice, garnished with remaining scallions.

From the editor

Cooking tips

Thinly slicing the pork helps it cook quickly and evenly while absorbing the miso glaze.
Caramelize onions slowly over medium heat to develop natural sweetness without burning.
Use short-grain rice for an authentic sticky texture that pairs well with the saucy pork.
This dish keeps well refrigerated for 2 days and tastes great cold or reheated in a lunchbox.

Published June 12, 2026