Far East Cherries And Ham
A vibrant stir-fry combining sweet cherries, pineapple, ham, and colorful vegetables, infused with a tangy sauce—perfect for a quick, flavorful Asian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. can lite or dark sweet cherries ⓘ
- 8 3/4 oz. can pineapple chunks ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups cooked ham, cut in strips ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. prepared mustard ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. vinegar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 3/4 cup diagonally cut green onions ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Drain cherries and pineapple, reserving the syrups.
- Brown the ham in oil in a large skillet or wok.
- Combine fruit syrups with brown sugar, cornstarch, mustard, vinegar, soy sauce, and pepper to make the sauce.
- Add the sauce to the ham and cook until thickened.
- Add green pepper, green onions, cherries, and pineapple to the mixture.
- Heat to boiling and cook for 1 to 2 minutes longer.
- Serve the mixture over steamed rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, you can substitute fresh or frozen cherries for canned ones to enhance the flavor. If you're looking for a healthier option, consider using turkey ham instead of regular ham. Additionally, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick. This dish pairs well with a side of Irish Rose Salad for a refreshing contrast.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish over a bed of steamed rice for a satisfying meal. It can also be enjoyed with a side of fresh green peas, which complement the sweet and savory flavors beautifully. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a light salad or some crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent sticking. This will help retain the flavors and moisture of the dish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Far East Cherries And Ham contains roughly 806 calories, with 4g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 78g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (104% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 517mg per serving (22% 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 fruit instead of canned?
Yes, you can certainly use fresh cherries and pineapple for a more vibrant flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the fruit is tender but not mushy.
What can I substitute for cornstarch?
If you don't have cornstarch, you can use all-purpose flour as a thickening agent. Mix it with a little cold water to create a slurry before adding it to the sauce, just like you would with cornstarch.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep as the flavors meld beautifully over time. Just make sure to store the rice separately from the ham and fruit mixture to keep everything fresh.
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).