Hawaiian Pork(Sweet And Sour)
A vibrant Hawaiian-inspired sweet and sour pork dish featuring tender pork, pineapple, and colorful vegetables in a tangy sauce, perfect for a flavorful family meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the pork in Crisco in a large skillet or saucepan.
- Add water, cover, and cook for 1 hour over low heat until tender.
- Combine cornstarch, salt, brown sugar, vinegar, pineapple juice, and soy sauce in a saucepan and cook, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened.
- Pour the sauce over the hot pork.
- Allow to stand for 10 minutes.
- Stir in green pepper, onion, and pineapple chunks.
- Cook for about 5 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Serve hot over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, marinate the pork shoulder in the soy sauce and pineapple juice for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have Crisco, any vegetable oil can be used. Feel free to substitute the green pepper with a red or yellow pepper for added sweetness. You can also add some crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. This dish pairs beautifully with Irma's Brunswick Stew for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Hawaiian Pork over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It also pairs well with a light salad or grilled corn. For a fun twist, consider serving it in tortillas for a Hawaiian-inspired taco night. This dish is versatile and can be a great addition to your collection of pork recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pork in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or pineapple juice to keep it moist. Alternatively, you can use the microwave, covering the dish to retain moisture, for about 2-3 minutes on medium power.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hawaiian Pork(Sweet And Sour) contains roughly 192 calories, with 4g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1882mg per serving (82% 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 a different cut of pork for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other cuts such as pork loin or tenderloin. Just be aware that cooking times may vary, and leaner cuts may require less time to ensure they don’t dry out. Always check for tenderness before serving.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the pork with tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of water. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as tofu will require less time to cook than pork. This way, you can enjoy a similar flavor profile in a plant-based dish.
What type of rice goes best with Hawaiian Pork?
Jasmine rice is a fantastic option as its fragrant aroma complements the sweet and sour flavors of the dish. Alternatively, you could use white or brown rice depending on your preference, or even coconut rice for a tropical twist that enhances the Hawaiian theme.
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).