Sweet 'N Sour Rice
Sweet 'N Sour Rice offers a tangy, sweet flavor combo with pineapple, onion, and green pepper, making it a vibrant and versatile dish for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare 3 cups of rice according to package directions (approximately 6 cups cooked).
- In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of margarine or bacon drippings.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until well combined.
- Gradually add 2 cups of vinegar and 2 cups of sugar, stirring until the mixture is smooth and heated through.
- Add pineapple juice as needed to achieve desired consistency.
- Chop the Maui onion and green pepper into small pieces.
- Drain the pineapple chunks or prepare fresh pineapple as needed.
- Add the chopped onion, green pepper, and pineapple chunks into the sweet and sour sauce, simmering briefly.
- Serve the sauce over the cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best flavor, let the sauce simmer with the vegetables for a few minutes to meld the flavors. If you don't have Maui onion, a regular sweet onion can be used as a substitute. Pineapple juice can be adjusted for sweetness or acidity; try using fresh juice for a more vibrant flavor. If you want to make this dish vegan, simply use margarine instead of bacon drippings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sweet and sour sauce generously over the fluffy cooked rice for a delightful meal. This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh Middle Eastern Salad for added crunch and flavor. For a complete dinner, consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or shrimp for protein. Enjoy with a refreshing glass of Holiday Spiced Tea.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the rice and sauce separately in a microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or pineapple juice to the sauce to maintain its consistency. Stir well before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet 'N Sour Rice contains roughly 672 calories, with 7g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (179% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 617mg per serving (27% 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 brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes, brown sugar can be used as a substitute for white sugar, giving the dish a richer flavor. Just keep in mind that it may alter the color and slightly change the sweetness level. Adjust the amount based on your preference.
What kind of rice is best for this recipe?
Long-grain rice, such as basmati or jasmine, works best for this recipe as it provides a fluffy texture and absorbs the sauce well. However, you can also use medium or short-grain rice based on your preference.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and rice ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat the rice and sauce, combining them just before serving for the best texture.
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).