Quick Sweet And Sour Pork
Quick sweet and sour pork features tender pork cubes coated in a tangy, flavorful sauce with pineapple and vegetables, perfect for a satisfying Asian-inspired meal in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat corn oil in a skillet.
- Add pork and brown on all sides.
- Add pineapple chunks, corn syrup, vinegar, catsup, soy sauce, and minced garlic to the skillet.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a separate dish, combine cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry.
- Add the cornstarch mixture and sliced green pepper to the skillet.
- Cook, boiling for 2 minutes while stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Serve the sweet and sour pork over hot rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker preparation, consider using pre-cut pork or leftover cooked pork. You can substitute the dark corn syrup with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile. If you're looking for a healthier option, use less oil and incorporate more vegetables like broccoli or snap peas. For added flavor, experiment with fresh ginger or chili flakes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sweet and sour pork over hot rice for a satisfying meal. It pairs beautifully with Stir-Fried Rice Confetti for added texture and flavor. Consider adding a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad to balance the richness of the dish. This recipe also works well as a filling for lettuce wraps.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sweet and sour pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the pork tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Sweet And Sour Pork contains roughly 383 calories, with 10g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2203mg per serving (96% 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 type of meat?
Yes, you can definitely substitute pork with chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust the cooking time accordingly; chicken should be cooked until no longer pink, while tofu requires only heating through. These variations maintain the essence of this sweet and sour dish.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
If your sauce becomes too thick, simply add a small amount of water or broth to loosen it. Stir well while heating to combine. This will help you achieve the right consistency for serving over rice or as a glaze for other dishes.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet and sour pork up to a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat it gently before serving. This can enhance the flavors as they meld together, making it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
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).