Sweet and Savory Pork Pineapple Stir-Fry
Indulge in this delightful Sweet and Savory Pork Pineapple Stir-Fry that combines succulent pork with the vibrant sweetness of pineapple and a medley of crunchy coleslaw. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this one-dish meal bursts with flavor and offers a beautiful balance of sweet and savory notes. Serve it over fluffy rice for a satisfying and nutritious meal that your family will love. Marinating the pork in the sauce while you prepare the other ingredients enhances the flavor profile, ensuring every bite is a tasty adventure.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Uncooked instant rice
1 1/2 cups (Measure out the rice for cooking.)
Water
2 cups (Use for cooking rice and mixing sauce.)
Brown sugar
4 tablespoons (Divided: 3 tablespoons for sauce, 1 tablespoon for caramelizing pineapple.)
Cornstarch
1 1/2 teaspoons (Mix with liquid ingredients to thicken the sauce.)
Ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon (Add fresh or ground ginger for flavor.)
Crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (Optional, adjust to taste for heat.)
Soy sauce
3 tablespoons (Use for seasoning the pork.)
Pineapple chunks
1 (20 ounce) can (Drain and reserve 2 tablespoons of liquid for sauce.)
Boneless lean pork
3/4 lb (Cut into thin bite-size strips.)
Coleslaw mix
1 (16 ounce) bag (Ready to use, a mix of shredded cabbage and carrots.)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the instant rice, cover, and remove from heat. Let it sit for about 5 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
2
In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of brown sugar, cornstarch, ground ginger, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), the remaining ½ cup of water, soy sauce, and the reserved 2 tablespoons of pineapple juice. Set this mixture aside to thicken and develop flavors.
3
In a 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat over medium-high heat. Add the drained pineapple chunks and sprinkle them with the remaining 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. Cook for about 5 minutes until caramelized, turning occasionally so they brown evenly. Remove the pineapple from the skillet and set aside.
4
In the same skillet, add the pork strips and cook over medium-high heat for 2 minutes until they begin to brown. Then stir in the coleslaw mix and continue to cook for 3 to 6 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through and the cabbage is tender.
5
Return the caramelized pineapple to the skillet. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook, stirring constantly, for 3 minutes. The sauce should glaze the pork and thicken slightly.
6
Serve the sweet and savory pork pineapple stir-fry over the fluffy rice and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sweet and Savory Pork Pineapple Stir-Fry?
It is a quick weeknight dinner combining succulent pork, sweet caramelized pineapple, and crunchy coleslaw served over fluffy rice.
What type of pork is best for this stir-fry?
Boneless lean pork cut into thin bite-size strips is recommended for the best results in this stir-fry.
How do I prepare the rice for this dish?
Boil 2 cups of water, add 1.5 cups of instant rice, cover, remove from heat, and let sit for 5 minutes until the water is absorbed.
How do I make the stir-fry sauce?
Whisk together 3 tablespoons of brown sugar, cornstarch, ground ginger, red pepper flakes, 1/2 cup of water, soy sauce, and 2 tablespoons of pineapple juice.
How do I caramelize the pineapple?
Cook drained pineapple chunks with 1 tablespoon of brown sugar in a nonstick skillet for 5 minutes until they brown evenly.
What is included in the coleslaw mix?
The coleslaw mix used in this recipe is a 16-ounce bag containing a mix of shredded cabbage and carrots.
How long should I cook the pork strips?
Cook the pork for 2 minutes to brown, then stir in the coleslaw mix and cook for another 3 to 6 minutes until the pork is cooked through.
Are the crushed red pepper flakes mandatory?
No, the 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes is optional and can be adjusted to your heat preference.
Why is cornstarch used in the sauce?
Cornstarch is used as a thickening agent to create a glossy glaze that coats the pork and vegetables.
Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?
Yes, you can use fresh ginger for flavor as a substitute for the 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger.
What should I do with the juice from the pineapple can?
You should drain the chunks but reserve 2 tablespoons of the liquid to add to the sauce mixture for extra flavor.
How do I know when the rice is ready?
The rice is ready when all the water is absorbed and the grains are tender and fluffy.
What size skillet is recommended?
A 12-inch nonstick skillet is recommended to ensure there is enough room to stir-fry all the ingredients together.
In what order should I cook the components?
Start by cooking the rice, then prepare the sauce, caramelize the pineapple, cook the pork and cabbage, and finally combine everything.
Can I substitute the brown sugar?
Brown sugar provides the specific sweet profile for this dish, but honey or maple syrup could be used as alternatives.
Is this a nutritious meal?
Yes, it is a balanced and nutritious meal featuring lean protein and various vegetables.
How do I ensure the pork stays tender?
Cutting the pork into thin strips and flash-frying it over medium-high heat prevents it from becoming tough.
Can I use regular rice instead of instant rice?
Yes, but you must follow the specific water-to-rice ratio and longer cooking times for regular rice compared to instant rice.
What provides the savory element in the dish?
The combination of soy sauce, ground ginger, and the lean pork provides the savory depth of the meal.
Is marinating the pork helpful?
Yes, marinating the pork in the sauce while you prep other ingredients enhances the overall flavor profile.
Can I add extra vegetables to the stir-fry?
Absolutely, you can add bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli to increase the vegetable content.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the sweet pineapple and mild sauce make it a popular choice for children.
How do I prevent the pineapple from burning?
Turn the pineapple chunks occasionally while they caramelize over medium-high heat to ensure even browning.
What if I do not have a nonstick skillet?
You can use a standard skillet or a wok, though you may need to add a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
Can I use pork tenderloin for this recipe?
Yes, pork tenderloin is a great choice as it is lean and remains tender when cooked quickly.
How much soy sauce is required?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of soy sauce for the savory sauce mixture.
Can I make this without a pre-made coleslaw mix?
Yes, you can manually shred a mix of green cabbage and carrots to equal about 16 ounces.
How much brown sugar goes into the sauce?
Three tablespoons of brown sugar are used in the sauce, while the fourth tablespoon is used for the pineapple.
Does this recipe contain dairy?
No, this recipe is naturally dairy-free as it contains no milk, butter, or cheese products.
How is the dish finished?
The dish is finished by stirring the thickened sauce into the pork and pineapple mixture until it forms a glaze, then serving over rice.