Sweet And Sour Pork(Microwave Main Dish)
A vibrant microwave-friendly sweet and sour pork dish featuring tender pork, colorful vegetables, and a tangy sauce, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or flavorful casual meals.
Ingredients
- 4 medium thin sliced carrots ⓘ
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 pounds lean boneless pork, cut into 3/4-inch cubes ⓘ
- 2 medium sliced green peppers ⓘ
- 1 medium sliced onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can drained pineapple chunks ⓘ
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice ⓘ
- 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup soy sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 cup wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Place carrots and vegetable oil in a 3-quart microwave casserole; stir to coat.
- Cover and microwave on High for 4 minutes.
- Add pork, green peppers, and onion to the casserole.
- Mix lightly to combine.
- Cover and microwave on High for 5 minutes.
- Dissolve cornstarch in reserved pineapple juice.
- Stir in remaining ingredients except pineapple into the mixture.
- Cover and microwave for 15 minutes.
- Stir the mixture, re-cover, and microwave for another 15 minutes.
- Serve over hot rice and sprinkle with chow mein noodles.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, use pre-cut stir-fry vegetables. If you're out of soy sauce, try tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option. Adjust the sweetness by using less brown sugar or replacing it with honey. For a spicier kick, add more hot pepper sauce or fresh chili. This recipe can be easily adapted to resemble flavors found in other Chinese recipes, enhancing its versatility.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Sweet And Sour Pork over hot rice for a filling meal. Consider pairing it with a side of steamed broccoli or a simple Asian cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast. For a crunchy texture, top with chow mein noodles just before serving. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or a themed dinner night featuring other pork recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave on medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. For best results, add a splash of water to prevent drying out. You can also reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring gently to maintain texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Pork(Microwave Main Dish) contains roughly 733 calories, with 9g protein, 100g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (641% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (74% of the Daily Value), and potassium (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2410mg per serving (105% 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 for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the pork with chicken or beef. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different meats may require varying cooking durations in the microwave. Ensure that the meat is cooked through and reaches a safe internal temperature before serving.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, substitute the pork with tofu or tempeh, which will absorb the flavors well. You can also add more vegetables, such as broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers, to enhance the dish's texture and nutrition while keeping it delicious.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce turns out too thick, simply stir in a little more pineapple juice or water to reach your desired consistency. Heat it for a minute or two in the microwave after adding the liquid, stirring until smooth. This will help balance the flavors and ensure a delightful sauce for the dish.
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).