Sweet And Sour Ham Cubes
Sweet and tangy ham cubes combined with pineapple and a flavorful sauce make this dish perfect for casual dinners or entertaining guests seeking bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sugar, cornstarch, and beef stock base in a saucepan.
- Drain pineapple chunks; reserve the syrup.
- Add 1/2 cup pineapple syrup, water, honey, vinegar, and soy sauce to the sugar mixture, mixing well.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Add pineapple chunks, ham cubes, and olives.
- Keep hot for serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker sauce, let it cook a bit longer while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. If you don't have beef stock base, chicken broth can be a suitable substitute. For a twist, consider adding diced bell peppers or snap peas for extra flavor and color. If you're looking for a sweeter profile, increase the honey slightly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot over a bed of rice or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Easy Baked Spaghetti Casserole for a family dinner. For a garnish, sprinkle some sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top to add a touch of freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, to ensure even heating without overcooking the ham.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Ham Cubes contains roughly 306 calories, with 3g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1782mg per serving (77% 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 fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple! Just ensure to cut it into chunks and reserve any juice you extract. This will give your dish a fresher taste and is a great way to use up ripe pineapple.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the sauce mixture. You can also serve it with a side of spicy pickles for an extra kick.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and ham mixture ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat it when ready to serve. This makes it a convenient option for gatherings or busy weeknights.
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).