Hong Kong Pork Stew
A hearty Hong Kong-inspired pork stew with sweet pineapple, tender vegetables, and rich flavors, perfect for comforting family dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. boneless pork shoulder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground ginger ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups firmly packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 can (13 1/4 oz.) pineapple chunks ⓘ
- 1/4 cup light molasses ⓘ
- 1/4 cup vinegar ⓘ
- 1 envelope or 1 tsp. instant chicken broth ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 can (1 lb.) sweet potatoes ⓘ
- 2 firm tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 green pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Trim excess fat from pork; place in an electric slow cooker; season with salt, ground ginger, and pepper.
- Drain syrup from pineapple, adding water to the syrup to make 1 1/2 cups; reserve pineapple chunks.
- Add the syrup mixture to the pork; stir in brown sugar, instant chicken broth, molasses, and vinegar; cover.
- Cook on low (190-200°F) for 8 hours, or on high (290-300°F) for 4 hours.
- Turn heat control to high.
- Combine cornstarch and 1/4 cup cold water in a cup; stir into pork mixture until well blended.
- Add sweet potatoes, tomatoes, pineapple chunks, and green pepper; cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider marinating the pork shoulder overnight with the seasonings. If you don’t have instant chicken broth, you can substitute with homemade broth or stock. Adjust the sweetness by using less brown sugar or adding a touch of soy sauce for umami. This dish also works well with alternative proteins like chicken, making it a versatile addition to your Chinese recipes collection.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty stew over steamed rice or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. It pairs beautifully with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal. For an authentic touch, consider serving with hot and sour Chinese soup as a starter.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to maintain moisture. This stew can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hong Kong Pork Stew contains roughly 613 calories, with 3g protein, 124g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1391mg per serving (60% 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 like pork loin or pork belly, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary. Pork shoulder is preferred for its tenderness and flavor after slow cooking, but choose cuts with some fat for a juicy result.
What can I substitute for the sweet potatoes?
You can substitute sweet potatoes with regular potatoes or butternut squash for a similar texture. If you want to keep it lighter, consider using carrots or even zucchini, which will add a different flavor profile to the dish.
Can this dish be made in advance?
Absolutely! This stew develops even more flavor when made a day ahead. Simply prepare it as directed, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving for a tasty meal that saves time.
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).