Candy and Bitter Pork (An Straightforward 30-Minute Recipe)

This Candy and Bitter Pork is a wholesome spin on considered one of my favorite Chinese language takeout dishes. Tender items of pork and juicy chunks of pineapple are coated in a scrumptious candy and bitter sauce that tastes similar to the actual factor, however with out the entire dangerous stuff! Better of all, it takes simply 25 minutes to make!

Sweet & Sour Pork

I’ve been getting so many requests for extra takeout impressed dishes, so right here is one other simple one for you! This Candy and Bitter Pork tastes similar to the actual factor with tender items of pork, juicy chunks of pineapple and a thick sauce that’s the good mixture of candy and bitter. I believe you’ll love this one pan dish that comes collectively in simply 25 minutes! Eat it by itself, or on a mattress of cauliflower rice for a extra filling meal, simply be sure you make further as a result of leftovers reheat nicely.

Why You Will Love This Candy and Bitter Pork

This can shortly turn out to be considered one of your favourite dishes to make when you find yourself craving take out. This selfmade model of some of the widespread chinese language dishes, couldn’t be any simpler to make, and takes simply half-hour to make begin to end.
The tender pork is pan seared till crisp on the surface after which tossed with veggies, pineapple chunks and probably the most scrumptious sauce that’s the good steadiness of candy and bitter flavors.
A variety of different candy and bitter pork recipes that you can find on-line require deep frying the pork, and numerous retailer purchased sauces which might be loaded with sugar and components. This more healthy model makes use of a easy selfmade sauce, and requires the pork to be pan seared, which nonetheless offers it a crispy texture, however with out the entire oil.
This candy and bitter pork recipe is Whole30, Paleo, Grain Free, Gluten Free, Dairy Free and Particular Carbohydrate Eating regimen Authorized.

Substances You Want For This Candy and Bitter Pork

Pork: I want utilizing pork tenderloin, however thick-cut pork chops, pork loin, pork neck or boneless pork shoulder additionally work for this recipe.
Coconut aminos: Coconut aminos, soy sauce and tamari all work on this recipe.
Baking soda: baking soda is used as a tenderizer for the meat. You’ll want to solely go away the pork to marinate for a most of quarter-hour, any longer and it’ll change the feel of the pork.
Pineapple: Each pineapple juice and pineapple chunks are used on this recipe. To avoid wasting gadgets I’ve to purchase, I often simply use canned pineapple in juice in order that I can use each the juice and pineapple within the can. If you happen to want to make use of contemporary pineapple, then you’ll have to purchase contemporary pineapple juice individually for the sauce the pork marinade.
Honey: Honey is what offers the candy and bitter sauce its beautiful candy flavour and balances out the tang from the vinegar. Maple syrup can be utilized instead of honey, or to make this recipe Whole30, soak medjool dates in sizzling water for 10 minutes till they’ve softened after which mix them with the opposite sauce substances., Medjool dates will make the sauce candy however sadly received’t give it that sticky consistency that may come from utilizing honey.
Apple Cider Vinegar: a key ingredient within the tangy sauce. Both apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar can be utilized.
Apricots: Dried apricots may seem to be an odd ingredient so as to add to this recipe, however they thicken the sauce whereas additionally giving it a sticky and candy taste. When shopping for dried apricots search for ones which might be gentle and never skinny and arduous.
Bell peppers: Cubed bell pepper is the first vegetable within the stir fry. For diverse shade and texture I like to make use of inexperienced bell pepper which is barely firmer with both a crimson, orange or yellow bell pepper which is softer and sweeter in taste.
Yellow onion: Thinly sliced yellow onion can be added to the stir fry, I like to chop the onion fairly thinly so it melts
Ginger: In terms of ginger, by view is all the time the extra the merrier. I completely love the style of ginger and like to cut it into items reasonably than grate it as a result of I discover it offers the dish a stronger ginger taste.

How To Make This Candy and Bitter Pork

Lower the pork tenderloin into comparable sized items (approx 1 inch cubes) and place them in a medium bowl together with the coconut aminos, baking soda and pineapple juice. Stir the pork items round in order that they’re all nicely coated within the marinade substances. Put aside whilst you put together the remainder of the substances.
In a blender mix the entire sauce substances and mix till clean.
Warmth just a little little bit of oil in a big skillet on medium-high warmth. As soon as sizzling add within the marinated pork and sear for five minutes till the pork is golden brown in color. Switch the fried pork to a plate.
Add within the ginger, onion and bell peppers and saute for five minutes till the peppers start to melt.
Return the crispy pork again to the pan and add within the pineapple and pour the candy and bitter sauce overtop. Depart it to prepare dinner
Return the pork again to the pan and add within the pineapple. Pour the candy and bitter sauce overtop and stir to make sure all the pieces is nicely coated within the sauce. Depart to prepare dinner for 2-3 minutes on medium warmth till all the pieces is heated by means of. Garnish with chopped inexperienced onions and sesame seeds.

You’ll find detailed step-by-step directions within the recipe card beneath.

Can I Use Rooster As an alternative?

Completely! If you don’t eat pork, you’ll be able to merely swap the pork on this recipe for 1.5 kilos rooster breasts to make candy and bitter rooster (which is one other dish you could find at numerous chinese language eating places). You’ll want to lower the rooster into equal sized cubes roughly 1 inch in measurement.

Is This Candy and Bitter Pork Spicy?

No this simple pork stir fry is a 0 out of 10 for spiciness. If you need to provide it a kick of spice, I’d advocate including in crimson pepper flakes to the sauce.

Can I Make This In Advance?

Completely! This candy and bitter pork reheats extremely nicely and is a good dish to make for busy weeknights when everyone seems to be consuming at totally different instances. Merely put together the meal and both retailer it within the fridge for individuals to microwave when prepared, or maintain it heat in a skillet on the range prime. If the sauce begins to evaporate an excessive amount of and dry out, I like to recommend including a splash of pineapple juice to the stir fry.

Is This Candy & Bitter Pork Whole30?

To make this candy and bitter pork dish Whole30, use medjool dates instead of honey as a sweetener within the sauce. You’ll want to take away the pit from the medjool dates, and if they don’t seem to be gentle, place them in a bowl with some sizzling water for 5-10 minutes to melt them.

What To Serve With This Candy and Bitter Pork

I prefer to serve this candy and bitter pork stir fry over a mattress of rice to soak up any extra sauce. Relying on the weight loss plan that you’re on, cauliflower rice, white rice or brown rice all work splendidly.

What About Leftovers?

Leftovers will final for as much as 4 days saved within the fridge in an hermetic container. Leftovers may be reheated within the microwave or in a skillet on medium warmth on the range.

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If you happen to make this recipe let me know within the remark part beneath, I’d love to listen to what you suppose or take a photograph and tag me (@everylastbite_) on Instagram, I like seeing your pictures!