Pineapple Pork Sweet And Sour
A vibrant sweet and sour pineapple pork dish featuring tender fried pork, tangy sauce, and colorful vegetables, perfect for a flavorful Asian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
- 3/4 lb. lean pork, cut into 1/2-inch squares ⓘ
- 1 egg, well beaten ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. Accent ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chicken broth ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup pineapple syrup
- 1 cup pineapple chunks, drained ⓘ
- 1 medium green bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch squares ⓘ
- 1/4 cup onion, cubed in 1/2-inch squares ⓘ
- 1 cup flour ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. catsup ⓘ
- 6 Tbsp. vinegar ⓘ
Instructions
- Dip pork pieces into the beaten egg.
- Combine flour, Accent, and salt in a bag.
- Add pork to the bag and shake to coat.
- In a large skillet, heat enough oil to fry the pork.
- Fry pork for 6 to 8 minutes or until well browned. Remove and drain.
- In the skillet, combine chicken broth, soy sauce, sugar, pineapple syrup, catsup, and vinegar and bring to a boil.
- Mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture into the sauce and cook until it thickens.
- Add the fried pork, pineapple chunks, onions, and bell pepper to the sauce.
- Cook, stirring rapidly, for about 4 minutes.
- Serve hot over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier texture, consider double coating the pork by dipping it in egg and flour a second time. If you don't have Accent, a pinch of MSG or additional salt can enhance flavor. You can substitute the pork with chicken or tofu for a different protein option. Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar based on your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sweet and sour pork hot over steamed rice for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Tomato Fried Rice for a flavorful twist. For added crunch, consider serving with a side of stir-fried vegetables. You can also garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for extra flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Avoid microwaving for best texture. This dish also freezes well for up to two months; just ensure it is cooled before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pineapple Pork Sweet And Sour contains roughly 961 calories, with 20g protein, 192g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (40% of the Daily Value), iron (31% of the Daily Value), and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2898mg per serving (126% 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 make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and pork ahead of time. Cook the pork and sauce separately, then combine them just before serving to maintain the pork's crispiness. This allows the flavors to meld without compromising texture.
What can I use instead of pineapple chunks?
If you don't have pineapple chunks, you can use other fruits like mango or bell peppers for a similar sweet and tangy effect. Canned peaches or even a combination of various fruits can also work well in this dish.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure the soy sauce is gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the sweet and sour flavors without compromising dietary restrictions.
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).