Hawaiian Pork Stir-fry

Hawaiian Pork Stir-fry Recipe - A Taste of the Tropics

Region / culture: Hawaii | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Hawaiian Pork Stir-fry is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender pork with a sweet and tangy sauce, bell peppers, onions, and pea pods. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love.

History

Hawaiian Pork Stir-fry is a popular dish that combines traditional Chinese stir-fry techniques with Hawaiian flavors. The sweet and sour sauce used in this recipe is a classic Hawaiian sauce that is often used in dishes like sweet and sour chicken. The combination of tender pork, colorful vegetables, and a tangy sauce makes this dish a favorite among many.

Ingredients

Sweet and Sour Sauce

0.5 cup of cider vinegar
0.5 cup of packed brown sugar
0.5 cup of ketchup
0.25 cup of cornstarch
0.25 cup of unsweetened pineapple juice
2 tbsp of soy sauce

Pork

2 lb (907 g) of lean boneless pork, cut into 0.75 inch cubes
1 beaten egg
0.5 cup of cornstarch
6 tbsp of peanut oil
1 green bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1 inch squares
1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1 inch squares
1 medium onion, cut into wedges with layers separated
0.25 lb (113 g) of Chinese pea pods, with ends and strings removed
hot cooked rice

How to prepare

Prepare the sweet and sour sauce and set it aside.
Dip the pork cubes in beaten egg, drain briefly, and roll them in cornstarch to lightly coat.
Shake off any excess cornstarch.
Place a wok over high heat.
When the wok is hot, add 2 tbsp of oil.
Once the oil is hot, add half of the pork.
Stir fry the pork until it is evenly browned, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
Remove the pork from the wok and set it aside.
Repeat the previous step to brown the remaining meat, adding more oil as needed.
Add the remaining 2 tbsp of oil to the wok.
Add the bell peppers and onion, and stir fry until the vegetables are tender-crisp, which should take about 2 minutes.
Add the pea pods and stir for one minute.
Stir the sweet and sour sauce and add it to the wok.
Continue stirring until the sauce boils and thickens.
Return the pork to the wok and stir until it is heated through.
Serve the dish with hot cooked rice.
You can also pass soy sauce if desired.

Variations

Substitute chicken or shrimp for the pork for a different protein option.
Add pineapple chunks for a tropical twist.
Use different vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or snap peas.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cut the pork into evenly sized cubes to ensure even cooking.

- Be sure to heat the wok before adding the oil to prevent sticking.

- Stir-fry the pork in batches to ensure that it browns evenly.

- Don't overcook the vegetables - they should be tender-crisp for the best texture.

- Serve the dish with hot cooked rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Hawaiian Pork Stir-fry with hot cooked rice and a side of steamed broccoli for a complete meal. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying is a quick and efficient cooking technique that involves cooking food in a hot wok with a small amount of oil. The high heat helps to cook the food quickly while preserving its texture and flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken broth instead of pineapple juice in the sweet and sour sauce.

- Substitute arrowroot powder for cornstarch.

- Use any color bell peppers or vegetables of your choice.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sweet and sour sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. You can also cut the pork and vegetables in advance to save time on busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Hawaiian Pork Stir-fry in a large serving bowl or on individual plates. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a crisp white wine such as a Riesling or a light lager beer. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with a glass of pineapple juice or iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 450 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 45g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 18g per serving

Saturated Fat: 4g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 28g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 120% of daily value per serving

Iron: 15% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains soy

Summary

This Hawaiian Pork Stir-fry is a balanced meal that provides a good amount of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Hawaiian Pork Stir-fry is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines tender pork with a sweet and tangy sauce, colorful vegetables, and hot cooked rice. This dish is perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal that the whole family will enjoy.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe is still vivid in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I had just returned home from a trip to Hawaii. The sights, sounds, and flavors of the islands were still fresh in my mind, and I was eager to recreate some of the delicious dishes I had sampled during my time there.

One evening, as I was rummaging through my collection of cookbooks and recipe cards, I stumbled upon a faded yellowed piece of paper tucked away in the back of a drawer. It was a recipe for Hawaiian Pork Stir-fry that I had picked up from a local market in Maui. The ingredients were simple yet flavorful - tender pork, sweet pineapple, crisp bell peppers, and a tangy soy sauce-based marinade. I knew instantly that I had to try my hand at making it.

As I gathered the ingredients and prepared the marinade, I couldn't help but reminisce about my time in Hawaii. The warm sun on my skin, the gentle rustle of palm trees, the scent of tropical flowers in the air - it all came flooding back to me as I stood in my kitchen, whisking together soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a splash of pineapple juice.

I marinated the pork slices for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld and permeate the meat. Then, I heated up a wok and stir-fried the pork until it was golden brown and caramelized. The sweet aroma of the pineapple mingled with the savory scent of the pork, creating a mouthwatering fragrance that filled my kitchen.

I added in the bell peppers and onions, letting them sizzle and soften in the wok. The colors of the vegetables popped against the rich brown pork, creating a vibrant and visually appealing dish. I tossed in a handful of cashews for crunch and a sprinkle of green onions for freshness, then drizzled the entire stir-fry with a glossy sauce made from soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of honey.

As I plated the Hawaiian Pork Stir-fry and took my first bite, I was transported back to the sun-kissed shores of Hawaii. The flavors were a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a hint of tanginess from the pineapple and a subtle kick of heat from the ginger and garlic. Each bite was a symphony of tastes and textures, a true culinary delight that reminded me of the beauty and diversity of Hawaiian cuisine.

Since that day, Hawaiian Pork Stir-fry has become a regular fixture on my dinner table. I love sharing this recipe with friends and family, watching their faces light up as they take their first bite and savor the complex and harmonious flavors. It's a dish that never fails to bring back fond memories of my time in Hawaii, and I am grateful for the opportunity to recreate a taste of paradise in my own kitchen.

As I sit here, reflecting on the journey that led me to discover this recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and people who have shaped my love for cooking. From the bustling markets of Maui to my own humble kitchen, each step along the way has been a lesson in creativity, ingenuity, and the joy of sharing good food with others. And as long as I have my trusty recipe for Hawaiian Pork Stir-fry, I know that a taste of the islands will always be just a few simple steps away.