If you’re in the mood for a dish that tantalizes your taste buds with a perfect balance of sweetness and tang, this Sweet and Sour Pork Stir Fry is just what you need. It’s a colorful dish that brings together tender pork, vibrant vegetables, and a luscious sauce that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or when you’re entertaining guests. In only 30 minutes, you can serve up a vibrant meal that looks as good as it tastes. The combination of flavors and textures will have everyone reaching for seconds.
The beauty of this stir fry is its versatility: feel free to use your favorite vegetables or adjust the sweetness and sourness to your liking. The result? A dish that’s not just a meal, but a delightful experience that will brighten up your dinner table.
A Colorful Combination of Flavors
The Sweet and Sour Pork Stir Fry is a delightful dish that perfectly showcases a blend of flavors and textures. Tender strips of pork are complemented by vibrant bell peppers and sweet pineapple, creating a visually appealing and appetizing meal.
This stir fry brings a burst of color to your plate, making it not just a meal, but an experience. The glossy sauce glistens with every bite, inviting you to dig in. The harmony between the sweetness of pineapple and the tartness of the sauce elevates the overall taste.
Preparing the Ingredients
Getting your ingredients ready is a crucial step that ensures your cooking process flows smoothly. Start by slicing the pork tenderloin into thin strips, which helps it cook evenly and quickly. Chop the bell peppers into bite-sized pieces, and slice an onion to add depth to the flavor.
Don’t forget to mince the garlic, as it adds a wonderful aroma and enhances the overall taste of the dish. Laying out all your ingredients makes it easy to keep track as you move through the cooking process.
Cooking the Pork to Perfection
In a large skillet or wok, heat up some vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add in the sliced pork and cook until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
It’s important to remove the pork from the pan after cooking to prevent overcooking and to retain its juiciness. Set it aside while you prepare the vegetables, which will add freshness and vibrant colors to the final dish.
Bringing the Vegetables to Life
In the same pan, introduce the sliced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for a few minutes until they begin to soften and release their flavors. Next, toss in the bell peppers, cooking them just long enough to maintain a bit of crunch.
After a few minutes of sautéing, add the pineapple chunks. This not only enhances the dish’s taste profile but also provides a juicy element that contrasts nicely with the savory pork.
Creating the Tangy Sauce
For the sauce, mix together soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar in a bowl. This mixture will bring together the sweet and sour elements that define the dish. Pour it into the pan, allowing it to simmer and meld with the flavors of the vegetables.
To achieve the desired thickness, incorporate a cornstarch and water mixture into the sauce. This will transform it into a glossy coating that clings to the pork and veggies, enhancing each bite.
Serving Your Stir Fry
After combining the cooked pork back into the pan, stir everything well to ensure the sauce envelops the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. The final step is to serve the stir fry over a bed of fluffy white rice.
Garnishing with sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions adds a touch of elegance and extra flavor. The rustic wooden table setting adds to the inviting atmosphere, making your Sweet and Sour Pork Stir Fry a delightful centerpiece for any meal. Enjoy the balance of sweetness and tang with every mouthful!
Delicious Sweet and Sour Pork Stir Fry Recipe
This Sweet and Sour Pork Stir Fry features succulent pieces of pork tenderloin, bell peppers, and pineapple, all tossed in a glossy, flavorful sauce. It’s a delightful mix of sweet and tangy flavors with a satisfying crunch from the fresh vegetables.
The taste is a harmonious blend of sweet pineapple and tangy vinegar, complemented by the savory notes of the pork and the freshness of the vegetables, making it a delicious option for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork tenderloin, sliced into thin strips
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced (red, green, or yellow)
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Slice the pork tenderloin, bell peppers, and onion, and mince the garlic.
- Cook the Pork: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork strips and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the pork from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, add the onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add Pineapple: Stir in the pineapple chunks and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar. Pour this mixture into the pan and bring it to a simmer.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- Combine: Return the cooked pork to the pan, stir well to coat with the sauce, and heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the sweet and sour pork stir fry over cooked rice for a complete meal.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
