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Sweet and Sour Pork Stir Fry

Sweet and Sour Pork Stir Fry
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Sweet and Sour Pork Stir Fry is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender pork strips cooked quickly in a tangy, sweet sauce with fresh colorful vegetables and pineapple chunks. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe balances sweet, sour, and savory flavors while keeping cleanup minimal with a one-pan stir fry method. Customize it easily to suit dietary needs or preferences and enjoy a homemade twist on the beloved Chinese takeaway classic.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb pork tenderloin or pork shoulder, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • Pinch of salt

Vegetables & Fruit

  • 1 each red, green, and yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
  • 3 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1/4 cup water (splash)

Cooking

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pork: Slice the pork tenderloin or shoulder into thin, bite-sized strips. Toss the pork with cornstarch and a pinch of salt to lightly coat each piece, which will help the pork crisp up nicely when cooked.
  2. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar (or honey), ketchup, and a splash of water until fully combined. This mixture will create the signature sweet and sour flavor for the dish.
  3. Stir-Fry the Pork: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the pork strips in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary) and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the pork from the pan and set aside.
  4. Cook the Vegetables: In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add the sliced bell peppers and stir-fry until they are tender-crisp, maintaining their vibrant color and crunch.
  5. Combine Everything: Return the cooked pork to the skillet. Add the pineapple chunks and pour the prepared sauce over all the ingredients. Stir well and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat every piece deliciously.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Finish the dish with fresh green onions for a burst of freshness. Serve immediately alongside steamed rice or noodles for a complete, satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Use high heat for stir-frying to ensure pork stays tender and cooks quickly.
  • Cook pork in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which helps achieve a better sear.
  • Prep all ingredients and sauce beforehand for smooth cooking.
  • Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce by tasting and adding more sugar or vinegar as preferred.
  • Fresh pineapple is recommended for livelier flavor and texture, though canned works well too.
  • For gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
  • Swap pork with chicken breast or tofu for alternative versions.
  • Add extra vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for more crunch and nutrients.
  • Include chili flakes or fresh chilies for a spicy variation.
  • Use maple syrup or agave instead of brown sugar or honey for different sweetener alternatives.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days or freeze up to 2 months.
  • Reheat gently on skillet or microwave in short bursts to keep texture intact.

Nutrition

Keywords: sweet and sour pork, stir fry, quick dinner, Chinese recipe, weeknight meal, pork stir fry, easy recipe, colorful vegetables

Find it online: https://homemademealz.com/sweet-and-sour-pork-stir-fry/