Sweet And Sour Pork(Microwave)

Prep: 10 min Cook: 35 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Chinese

Sweet and sour pork made easily in the microwave offers a flavorful combination of tender pork, tangy vinegar, sweet brown sugar, and fresh pineapple with crunchy vegetables. Perfect for busy weeknights or quick gatherings, this dish delivers bold Asian-inspired flavors in a simple, hassle-free way.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lb. cubed lean pork
  • 2 Tbsp. cornstarch
  • 3 Tbsp. soy sauce
  • 1/4 c. packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 c. vinegar
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. ground ginger
  • 1 (13 1/4 oz.) can pineapple chunks and juice
  • 1 small onion
  • 1 medium green pepper

Instructions

  1. Toss together pork and cornstarch in a 2-quart glass casserole.
  2. Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, salt, and ground ginger.
  3. Cover with a glass lid or plastic wrap.
  4. Microwave on roast for 25 minutes. Stir in green pepper and pineapple chunks with juice.
  5. Re-cover and continue cooking on roast for 5 to 10 minutes or until tender.
  6. Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a thicker sauce, mix an additional tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking. If you prefer a sweeter dish, consider increasing the brown sugar slightly. You can also substitute the pork with chicken or tofu for a different twist. This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted according to your taste, similar to Karo Sweet And Sour Pork.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Sweet And Sour Pork over a bed of steamed rice or alongside Oriental Fried Rice for a complete meal. You can garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and texture. This dish pairs beautifully with pot stickers or chow mein for a delightful spread that showcases various Chinese recipes.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through. This helps retain moisture and flavor while reheating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sweet And Sour Pork(Microwave) contains roughly 554 calories, with 37g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (75% of the Daily Value), iron (38% of the Daily Value), and potassium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2665mg per serving (116% of the Daily Value).

554 kcal 28% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 37.4g 75% DV
Total Fat 24.7g 32% DV
Carbs 45.6g 17% DV
Fiber 4.1g 15% DV
Sugar 17.5g 35% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2664.9mg 100% DV
Potassium 1060.7mg 23% DV
Cholesterol 107.2mg 36% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 4.4mcg
Vitamin C 4.3mg 5% DV
Vitamin D 0.9mcg 4% DV
Calcium 84.9mg 7% DV
Iron 6.8mg 38% DV
Diet fit High-protein
Contains Soy

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 frozen pork for this recipe?

While it's ideal to use fresh pork for the best texture, you can use thawed frozen pork. Just ensure it's completely thawed before cooking to avoid uneven cooking. The microwave will help speed up the process, but cooking times may need adjustment.

What can I substitute for pineapple if I don't have any?

If you don't have pineapple, you can use canned peaches or apricots in juice for a similar sweetness and tang. Alternatively, you could skip the fruit entirely and add more vegetables like snap peas or carrots for a different flavor profile.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the dish. You could also drizzle some sriracha or chili sauce over the finished dish for an extra kick. Adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance.

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).

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