Sweet And Sour Pork(Total Cooking Time: 19 Minutes)
Sweet and tangy pork stir-fried with colorful vegetables and pineapple chunks, offering a vibrant blend of flavors perfect for quick family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. can pineapple chunks ⓘ
- 4 medium carrots ⓘ
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 medium onion ⓘ
- 2 green peppers ⓘ
- 2 lb. lean boneless pork ⓘ
- 1/4 cup cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/2 cup soy sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Drain pineapple chunks, reserving 1/2 cup of syrup.
- Set aside the pineapple chunks and syrup.
- Place carrots and vegetable oil in a 3-quart microproof casserole.
- Stir and cook covered on High (Maximum power) for 4 minutes.
- Add sliced onion, sliced green peppers, and pork cubes; stir to combine.
- Cook, covered, on High (Maximum power) for 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a bowl, mix the reserved pineapple syrup with cornstarch.
- Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce, and pepper.
- Add the sauce mixture to the pork and vegetables, along with pineapple chunks.
- Stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Cook, covered, on High (Maximum power) for 10 minutes or until the sauce thickens and pork is cooked through.
- Serve hot with rice or chow mein noodles.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the pork in soy sauce and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking. You can substitute the carrots with snap peas or broccoli for a different texture. If you prefer a spicier dish, add more hot pepper sauce or include sliced jalapeños. For a quicker option, use pre-cut vegetables from the store. This dish is excellent when served with Special Fried Rice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Sweet and Sour Pork over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside chow mein noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and crunch. This dish also pairs beautifully with Pork Chop Stir-Fry, making it a great choice for a Chinese Meal spread.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Sweet and Sour Pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a microwave-safe dish on medium power, stirring occasionally, until heated through. For best results, add a splash of water to prevent the sauce from thickening too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Pork(Total Cooking Time: 19 Minutes) contains roughly 667 calories, with 7g protein, 89g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (71% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (31% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1427mg per serving (62% 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 protein instead of pork?
Yes, you can substitute pork with chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a variation of this dish. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken and shrimp cook faster than pork. For a vegetarian option, use firm tofu and cook until crispy before adding the sauce.
What can I use if I don't have wine vinegar?
If you don't have wine vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar as substitutes. They will impart a similar tangy flavor to the dish. Just be cautious with the quantity, as some vinegars may be stronger than others. Adjust to taste.
How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
If the sauce is too thin, you can mix a little more cornstarch with water to create a slurry and add it to the dish while cooking. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Alternatively, simmer the dish uncovered for a few minutes to reduce the sauce.
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).