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Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe No Fry

A healthier version of the classic Sweet and Sour Pork, combining juicy pork, fresh vegetables, and tropical pineapple in a flavorful sauce without frying.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Pork and Marinade
  • 12 ounces pork tenderloin, thinly sliced Good quality for maximum flavor.
  • 2 teaspoons soy sauce For marinating the pork.
Vegetables
  • 1/2 medium onion, cut into 1/3 inch (8 mm) strips
  • 1.5 cups Mini or English cucumber, halved lengthwise and sliced
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple, cut into bite-sized pieces Fresh pineapple preferred for best flavor.
  • 1 cup bell pepper (any color), julienned
  • 1-2 pieces green onions, chopped (optional)
Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce Use a gluten-free substitute if needed.
  • 2 tablespoons sriracha Adjust for desired heat level.
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
Other
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil (like canola or vegetable oil) For cooking the pork.
  • 5 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1/2 cup unsalted roasted cashews, plus extra for garnish Optional for topping.
For Serving
  • Jasmine rice For serving alongside the dish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Remove any silver skin from the pork tenderloin, then cut it in half horizontally. Slice each half into 1/3 inch (8 mm) pieces and place them in a small mixing bowl. Add 2 teaspoons of soy sauce and mix well to coat.
  2. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, white vinegar, oyster sauce, sriracha, soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil. Stir until the sugar is mostly dissolved. Set aside.
Cooking
  1. Heat a wok or large pan over high heat. Add the neutral oil. Once the oil is very hot, add the pork in a single layer. Let it cook without stirring for about 1-2 minutes until browned. Toss and stir for about 30 seconds until most of the pork is cooked. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
  2. In the same wok, lower the heat to medium. Add a little more oil if needed, then sauté the chopped garlic and onion, stirring until the garlic turns golden, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Increase the heat to high, then add the cucumber, pineapple, bell pepper, and your freshly made sweet and sour sauce. Toss everything together for about 2 minutes until the vegetables are just tender.
  4. Add the pork back into the wok and stir for an additional 30 seconds until heated through. Be careful not to overcook the pork!
  5. Turn off the heat and stir in the cashews and green onions (if using).
  6. Plate up the dish, topping with more cashews and green onions if desired. Serve it over fluffy jasmine rice.

Notes

For meal prep, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to a month. Reheat gently in a skillet.