Pineapple Pork
A flavorful sweet and savory pineapple pork dish featuring tender pork, vibrant vegetables, and a tangy sauce, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 20 oz. can pineapple chunks ⓘ
- 1.5 lb. boneless pork, trimmed of fat and cut into 1-inch cubes ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 1/3 cup vinegar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. catsup ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. soy sauce
- 1 large green pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- hot cooked rice ⓘ
Instructions
- Drain pineapple; save juice.
- Cook pork in hot oil in a large skillet until browned; drain.
- Add chopped onion and cook until tender.
- Combine brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a small bowl.
- Gradually add water, stirring until smooth.
- Stir in pineapple juice, vinegar, catsup, and soy sauce.
- Add to pork, stirring constantly; cook over medium heat until sauce thickens.
- Cover; reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes or until meat is tender.
- Stir in the pineapple chunks and green pepper; cover and cook for 3 minutes.
- Serve hot with cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter flavor, consider adding a bit more brown sugar or using fresh pineapple instead of canned. If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch slightly. You can substitute the pork with chicken or tofu for a different twist. Adding a bit of ginger can enhance the dish's flavor, making it more vibrant and aromatic.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pineapple pork over hot cooked rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad. This dish also pairs beautifully with Fried Rice With Bacon for a delightful contrast in flavors and textures.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. The dish can also be reheated in the microwave, but make sure to cover it to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pineapple Pork contains roughly 361 calories, with 6g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (13% of the Daily Value), protein (12% of the Daily Value), and iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2277mg per serving (99% 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 pineapple pork a day ahead. Just follow the recipe until the cooking stage, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. This allows the flavors to meld, making it even tastier.
What can I use instead of vinegar?
If you want to avoid vinegar, you can substitute it with lemon or lime juice for a similar tangy flavor. Alternatively, apple cider can be used for a milder taste while still adding acidity. Adjust the quantity to your preference to balance the sweetness from the brown sugar.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or even broccoli for added nutrition and color. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure all vegetables are tender but still crisp. This is a great way to customize the dish to your liking.
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).