Escape to the tropics any night of the week with this delectable Pineapple Fried Pork recipe.
Featuring tender chunks of pork enveloped in a luscious sweet and sour sauce, dotted with vibrant pineapple, red onion, and green bell peppers, this dish promises a delightful burst of flavors and textures with every bite.
Skill Level: Intermediate / Beginner*
This recipe is perfect for home cooks looking to expand their culinary skills beyond the basics. It involves multiple components such as marinating, sautéing, and sauce preparation that require some kitchen know-how and timing precision.
*Make it even easier! See recipe shortcuts here.
Health Highlights:
This dish incorporates lean pork, a good source of high-quality protein that is essential for muscle repair and growth. The pineapple not only adds a rich source of vitamin C but also contains bromelain, an enzyme that may help with digestion and inflammation. Bell peppers and onions add fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making this a nutrient-rich meal.
Time and Servings:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- Pork loin, cut into 1-inch cubes – 16 ounces (450 grams)
- Fresh pineapple, cut into chunks – 8 ounces (225 grams)
- Red onion, chopped – to taste (113 grams)
- Green bell pepper, chopped – 4 ounces (113 grams)
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
- Soy sauce – 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
- Rice vinegar – 1 tablespoon (15 ml)
- Brown sugar – 2 tablespoons (30 grams)
- Garlic, minced – 2 cloves
- Fresh ginger, minced – 1 tablespoon (15 grams)
- Cornstarch – 1 tablespoon (15 grams)
- Water – 1/4 cup (60 ml)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Marinate Pork:
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Add pork cubes and toss to coat evenly. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Prepare Vegetables:
- While pork marinates, prep your vegetables by slicing the onion, chopping the bell pepper, and cutting the pineapple into chunks.
- Cook Pork:
- Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork in a single layer and sear until nicely browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove pork from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining oil, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add red onion and bell pepper, cook until they begin to soften, about 3-4 minutes.
- Make Sauce:
- Add brown sugar and water to the skillet, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Bring to a simmer and let reduce slightly, about 2-3 minutes. Return pork to the skillet along with pineapple chunks. Toss everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through and sauce is slightly thickened.
- Season:
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
Tips for Perfection:
- Ensure pork is not overcooked to keep it tender and juicy.
- Use fresh pineapple for a better flavor and texture than canned ones.
- Allow the pork to marinate as long as possible to enhance the flavor.
How to Make This Even Easier
Making Pineapple Fried Pork can be simplified even further with a few shortcuts that save time without sacrificing too much on the flavor quality. Here are some easy alternatives:
– Use Bottled Sweet and Sour Sauce:
Instead of preparing the sauce from scratch with soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, and cornstarch, you can use a pre-made bottled sweet and sour sauce. This not only cuts down on the number of ingredients you need to keep track of but also reduces the cooking steps. Simply add the sauce to the cooked pork and vegetables and heat through.
– Opt for Canned Pineapple:
Using canned pineapple chunks can save you the peeling and chopping time. Plus, canned pineapple is typically pre-cut in perfectly sized chunks, which is ideal for this recipe. Make sure to drain the pineapple well before adding it to the dish to prevent it from becoming too watery.
– Pre-Cut Vegetables:
Many grocery stores offer pre-cut vegetables that can be used directly in recipes. Buying pre-sliced onions and chopped bell peppers can significantly decrease your prep time. These might be slightly more expensive, but the convenience might be worth the cost depending on your schedule.
– Pre-Minced Garlic and Ginger:
Instead of mincing fresh garlic and ginger, you can buy them pre-minced in jars, which are readily available in most supermarkets. This not only saves time but also means you can have these staples on hand whenever you need them, without worrying about them spoiling quickly.
– Pre-Cooked and Cubed Pork:
Some stores sell pre-cooked and cubed pork, which is ideal for quick stir-fries. Using this ingredient eliminates the need to marinate and cook the pork, reducing the recipe’s time significantly. Just add it in the last few minutes to heat through with the sauce and vegetables.
By utilizing these shortcuts, you can prepare a delicious Pineapple Fried Pork dish in nearly half the time, making it a perfect quick and easy meal for busy weeknights.
Optional Ingredients:
- Red chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Cashew nuts for an added crunch.
Vegetarian Suggestions:
Replace pork with firm tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. Make sure to press the tofu well to remove excess water and achieve a better texture when fried.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this vibrant dish over a bed of steamed rice or alongside noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
Nutrient Information per Serving:
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 15 g
Storage and Reheating:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop until thoroughly warmed.
Origin and Folklore:
This dish has its roots in Chinese cuisine, adapted by various cultures across Southeast Asia and the Pacific. The addition of pineapple is a nod to the sweet and sour flavor profile popular in many Asian dishes, symbolizing prosperity and wealth in Chinese tradition.
Conclusion:
This Pineapple Fried Pork is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Perfect for shaking up your dinner routine. Enjoy the fusion of sweet, sour, and savory flavors and the satisfaction of creating something wonderfully exotic from scratch (or not!).