Fruited Pork
Fruited Pork combines tender pork strips with apples, oranges, and raisins in a tangy, sweet sauce, perfect for a flavorful and colorful family dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons light molasses ⓘ
- a dash of pepper ⓘ
- 1 apple, coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped ⓘ
- 11 ounces Mandarin oranges ⓘ
- 6 teaspoons cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/4 cup cider vinegar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 pound boneless pork loin roast, cut into 2 x 1/4-inch strips ⓘ
- 1/4 cup raisins ⓘ
- 1/4 cup Mandarin orange juice ⓘ
- hot cooked rice ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 2-quart covered casserole, mix water, vinegar, molasses, soy sauce, and pepper.
- Microwave at high for 1 to 1 ½ minutes, stirring after half the time.
- Stir in pork strips and cover; marinate at room temperature for about 1 hour.
- Drain pork, reserving 2 tablespoons of the marinade.
- Place casserole with pork on Micro-Go-Round in microwave oven and microwave at 70% (medium-high) for 3 to 6 minutes, or until pork is no longer pink.
- Drain pork, reserving the cooking liquid.
- Add apples, walnuts, and raisins to the casserole.
- Microwave at 70% (medium-high) for 2 to 3 minutes, or until apples are tender.
- Stir in Mandarin oranges; cover and set aside.
- In a small mixing bowl, blend reserved marinade, reserved cooking liquid, and Mandarin orange juice.
- Add cornstarch and mix well.
- Microwave at high for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring 3 or 4 times, until thickened.
- Stir the thickened sauce into the pork mixture.
- Serve over hot cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider using honey or maple syrup instead of light molasses for sweetness. You can substitute the walnuts with pecans or omit them for a nut-free version. If you prefer, swap out the pork loin for chicken breast for a lighter dish. Ensure to marinate the pork for the full hour for the best flavor infusion.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Fruited Pork over a bed of hot cooked rice for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with steamed broccoli or a fresh green salad for a complete dinner. You can also serve it alongside Jack Baird'S Bread for a delightful contrast in flavors and textures.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the pork mixture in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until warmed through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruited Pork contains roughly 432 calories, with 16g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (52% of the Daily Value), protein (31% of the Daily Value), and potassium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 other fruits in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute with fruits like peaches, pears, or even pineapple for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the fruit is fresh and compatible with the cooking time to achieve the best results.
What if I don't have a microwave?
If you don't have a microwave, you can use a stovetop method. After marinating, brown the pork in a skillet, then add the marinade and cook on medium heat until the pork is cooked through. Add the fruits and simmer until tender, following the rest of the instructions.
Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pork mixture a day in advance. Just marinate the pork and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, cook the pork and add the fruits as instructed. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even tastier!
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).