Pork Cantonese
Pork Cantonese offers tender pork cooked with sweet pineapple, mushrooms, and vibrant peppers in a savory sauce, perfect for a flavorful family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the pork pieces in a large skillet.
- Drain the mushrooms and pineapple chunks; combine and measure the liquids.
- Add enough water to the measured liquid to make 2 cups.
- Add the liquid mixture to the skillet and bring to a boil.
- Cover and reduce heat; simmer for 1 hour.
- Stir in molasses, soy sauce, and vinegar.
- Add the mushrooms, pineapple chunks, green peppers, and onions.
- Cook for an additional 15 minutes.
- Blend cornstarch with a small amount of water.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture into the hot skillet and cook, stirring until slightly thickened.
- Serve hot with cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter flavor, you can substitute honey or brown sugar for the molasses. If you prefer a spicier dish, add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes. Ensure the pork is well-browned for maximum flavor. If you don't have green peppers, bell peppers or snap peas work well as alternatives. This dish also pairs well with fried rice; consider browsing more Chinese recipes for complementary sides.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Pork Cantonese hot over a bed of cooked rice, allowing the rice to absorb the flavorful sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added texture. This dish goes well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad. It also makes a great main dish to serve alongside fried rice with bacon.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, to ensure even heating without drying out the dish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pork Cantonese contains roughly 1003 calories, with 10g protein, 230g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (297% of the Daily Value), iron (43% of the Daily Value), and potassium (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1804mg per serving (78% 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 meat instead of pork?
Yes, you can substitute chicken or beef for the pork in this recipe. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as chicken may require less time to cook, while beef may need a bit longer to become tender.
What can I use instead of cornstarch for thickening?
If you prefer not to use cornstarch, you can substitute it with arrowroot powder or all-purpose flour. Keep in mind that flour may require a longer cooking time to eliminate the raw taste, and you should adjust the amount used as needed.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the point of serving. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve. Just be aware that vegetables may become softer upon reheating, so consider adding fresh veggies just before serving for added crunch.
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).