China Sun Pork
China Sun Pork is a vibrant stir-fry featuring tender pork, sweet pineapple, and crisp vegetables, all coated in a savory, tangy sauce. Perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors and quick meals, this dish offers a delightful balance of sweetness, spice, and umami. Ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the pineapple and reserve 3 tablespoons of the juice.
- Mix the reserved pineapple juice with 1/2 cup of water, soy sauce, cornstarch, vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
- Slice the carrots and green bell pepper.
- Cut the pork into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the pork and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Add crushed garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute.
- Add carrots, green bell pepper, and quartered onion, stir-fry until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Pour in the prepared sauce, add pineapple chunks, and cook until the sauce has thickened.
- Serve hot with steamed rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch slightly or simmer the sauce longer. You can substitute the pork with chicken or tofu for a different protein option. Fresh ginger can be replaced with ground ginger in a pinch, but use less. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the hot red pepper flakes or omit them entirely. This dish pairs well with steamed rice for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot over a bed of steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce. This dish also pairs beautifully with Phyl'S Famous Egg Rolls for a complete Chinese-inspired meal. You can garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation. For a balanced meal, consider serving alongside a light salad or steamed vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of China Sun Pork contains roughly 680 calories, with 39g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (102% of the Daily Value), and protein (78% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2747mg per serving (119% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, fresh pineapple can be used instead of canned. Just make sure to cut it into bite-sized chunks. You may want to adjust the sweetness by adding a little sugar or honey if using fresh pineapples, which tend to be less sweet than canned varieties.
What can I substitute for soy sauce?
If you're looking for a soy sauce substitute, you can use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative. Both will impart a similar umami flavor, but keep in mind that they might alter the final taste slightly.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat to the dish, consider increasing the amount of hot red pepper flakes or adding sliced fresh chili peppers during cooking. You can also drizzle some chili oil on top before serving for an extra kick. Adjust according to your spice preference!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).