Tropical Pineapple Sweet and Sour Pork

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 15 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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This Tropical Pineapple Sweet and Sour Pork is a delicious twist on the classic takeout favorite. With fresh pineapple and bell peppers, it brings a vibrant, fruity flair that feels like a mini-vacation on your plate.

Ingredients for Tropical Pineapple Sweet and Sour Pork

Pork tenderloin is lean yet tender, perfect for absorbing the vibrant flavors of the sauce. The pineapple chunks add natural sweetness and a tropical touch. Red and green bell peppers bring a pop of color and a subtle crunch. Onion layers in its aromatic depth. The all-purpose flour and corn starch create a crispy coating for the pork. Pineapple juice forms the base of our tangy sauce, balanced by the acidity of rice vinegar and the sweet-tartness of ketchup. Soy sauce adds umami, while brown sugar sweetens the mix. Ginger and garlic infuse warmth and depth of flavor.

Tips & Tricks

  • Make sure your oil is at the right temperature by testing a small piece of pork first. It should sizzle immediately but not burn quickly.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan when frying the pork. This ensures even cooking and maximum crispiness.
  • For a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer before adding the vegetables, allowing it to reduce slightly.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, which will soak up the delicious sauce. For an extra tropical touch, serve with a side of coconut-infused rice. A simple cucumber salad on the side can add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Yes, canned pineapple can be used, but fresh pineapple offers a better texture and flavor.
What can I substitute for rice vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can be used as a substitute, though the flavor will slightly differ.
Can I bake the pork instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the pork at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, though it won't be as crispy as frying.

Tropical Pineapple Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe Walkthrough

Start by seasoning your pork cubes with salt and black pepper. This simple step is crucial for building flavor from the ground up. In a separate bowl, mix together all-purpose flour and corn starch. Coat each pork cube in the flour mixture until thoroughly covered. This is what will give the pork that irresistible crispy exterior.

Heat your vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to fry, but not so hot that it burns. Fry the pork cubes in batches, giving each piece enough space to crisp up evenly. It should take about 5-7 minutes per batch. Once golden brown and cooked through, let them drain on paper towels to shed any excess oil.

While the pork is cooking, grab a saucepan. Combine pineapple juice, rice vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic. Bring this mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a smooth, glossy sauce.

Add your pineapple chunks, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and onion to the sauce. Cook them until the vegetables are tender yet still crisp — about 5 minutes should do it. You want them to maintain some bite for texture.

Finally, toss the fried pork with the sauce and vegetables in the pan. Stir until every piece is well coated and glossy. Serve immediately over steamed rice to soak up all that luscious sauce.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Packs a punch of flavor with a balance of sweet, sour, and savory.
  • Uses fresh ingredients that elevate the dish beyond your typical takeout.
  • Quick to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
  • Offers a unique way to enjoy pork tenderloin with a tropical flair.

Ingredients

1 lb pork tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 onion, diced
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup corn starch
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup ketchup
3 tbsp soy sauce
3 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp ginger, minced
1 tsp garlic, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 cups vegetable oil for frying

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, toss pork cubes with salt and black pepper.
2. In a separate bowl, mix all-purpose flour and corn starch. Dredge pork cubes in flour mixture until evenly coated.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Fry pork cubes until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.
4. In a saucepan, combine pineapple juice, rice vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
5. Add pineapple chunks, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and onion to the sauce. Cook until vegetables are tender but crisp, about 5 minutes.
6. Toss fried pork with the sauce and vegetables until well coated.
7. Serve hot over steamed rice.

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