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Sweet and Sour Pork Stir Fry

Sweet and Sour Pork Stir Fry
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This Sweet and Sour Pork Stir Fry is a vibrant and flavorful dish that masterfully blends the tangy brightness of rice vinegar with the rich, savory taste of tender pork. Featuring juicy pork pieces tossed with pineapple chunks, red and green bell peppers, garlic, and ginger in a luscious, glossy sweet and sour sauce, this recipe offers a perfect fusion of sweet, sour, and savory flavors with a delightful crunchy and tender texture. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a colorful, easy-to-make meal ideal for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb pork tenderloin or pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables and Fruit

  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1/2 cup green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced

Sauce

  • 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
  • 2 tbsp ketchup or tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup water (splash, for thinning the sauce)

Other

  • 2 tbsp cornstarch (plus extra for tossing pork)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for stir-frying)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pork: Cut your pork into bite-sized pieces and pat dry to ensure a good sear. Toss the pork lightly in a little cornstarch to help create a crispy coating when stir-fried.
  2. Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, and a splash of water. Stir well until the sugar dissolves to form your tangy, glossy stir-fry sauce.
  3. Cook the pork: Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat. Add pork pieces and stir-fry until they turn golden and are cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  4. Stir-fry vegetables and pineapple: In the same pan, add garlic and ginger, sauté until fragrant. Toss in bell peppers and pineapple chunks, stir-frying just until vegetables soften slightly but stay crisp.
  5. Combine and thicken: Return the pork to the pan, pour in the sauce mixture, and stir everything quickly. Add a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with a little cold water) and cook for another minute until the sauce thickens and beautifully coats the pork and veggies.

Notes

  • Dry your pork well to ensure crispiness; moisture prevents a good sear.
  • Use high heat to quickly sear meat and vegetables, locking in flavor and texture.
  • Cut pork and vegetables uniformly for even cooking and better presentation.
  • Don’t skip thickening the sauce; it makes every bite glossy and flavorful.
  • Let the pork rest briefly after cooking to redistribute juices and retain tenderness.
  • For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
  • You can swap pork for chicken or tofu for lighter or vegetarian options.
  • Add fresh chili or chili flakes to spice up the dish if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: sweet and sour pork, pork stir fry, quick dinner, Asian stir fry, gluten-free pork recipe

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