If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant colors and a dynamic twist of flavors, the Sweet & Savory Pork Stir Fry with Pineapple and Vegetables Recipe is going to become your new favorite weeknight hero. This dish marries tender pork with crisp veggies and juicy pineapple chunks, all wrapped up in a luscious sauce that dances between sweet, tangy, and savory notes. It’s bright, comforting, and surprisingly easy to whip up, making it perfect for any occasion where you want big flavor with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays a starring role, combining to create a perfect balance of taste, texture, and eye-catching color. From the mellow sweetness of honey to the zing of lime juice and the crunch of fresh vegetables, these essentials transform simple pantry staples into a mouthwatering stir fry you’ll crave again and again.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds comforting moisture and deepens the sauce’s flavor base.
- ÂĽ cup soy sauce: Brings that essential salty umami boost critical for stir fries.
- 3 tablespoons honey: Sweetens the dish naturally and balances the tangy pineapple perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Infuses a fresh, citrusy brightness that lifts every bite.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Offers aromatic depth and a mild kick that complements the pork beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (can sub hot sauce): Adds a touch of fiery warmth without overpowering the dish.
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger: Imparts a subtle spicy zest that enhances the overall flavor complexity.
- ÂĽ teaspoon sesame oil: A little drizzle goes a long way with its nutty, toasted character.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Essential for thickening the sauce to that perfect glossy finish.
- 1 ½ lbs. boneless pork chops: The star protein, tender and ready to soak up all those savory notes.
- Salt/Pepper: Simple seasonings to highlight the pork’s natural flavor.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Used again to give the pork a nice coating for searing.
- 1-2 tablespoons peanut oil (can sub olive oil): For stir-frying with a high smoke point and subtle nutty undertone.
- ÂĽ cup dry white wine: Adds a mild acidity and depth to deglaze your pan.
- 1 yellow onion: Sweetness and texture, thinly sliced for quick cooking.
- 2 ½ cups broccoli florets: Crisp greens that brighten the dish visually and nutritionally.
- 2 ribs celery: Adds a slight peppery crunch that contrasts nicely with softer veggies.
- ½ cup carrots (julienned): A touch of natural sweetness and vibrant orange hue.
- 1 red bell pepper (diced): Bursting with color and a mild fruity flavor.
- 1 (15.25 oz.) can pineapple chunks, drained well, juice reserved: The tropical star, combining sweet and tangy that ignites this stir fry’s signature character.
- 1-2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter (optional): Adds a creamy richness to the sauce, making it extra luscious.
- Green Onions, Toasted Sesame Seeds, Rice: Perfect finishing touches and serving bases.
How to Make Sweet & Savory Pork Stir Fry with Pineapple and Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by mixing together the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, minced garlic, sriracha, ground ginger, sesame oil, and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch in a bowl. If you want that extra creamy touch, whisk in the smooth peanut butter here. This combination will form a thick, sticky, and flavorful sauce that brings everything together wonderfully.
Step 2: Prep the Pork
Cut your boneless pork chops into thin strips for quick cooking. Season them lightly with salt and pepper, then toss with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to give them a delicate coating. This will help achieve that optimum sear and keep the pork tender inside.
Step 3: Sear the Pork
Heat your peanut (or olive) oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the pork strips in batches if needed, and sear until golden brown and cooked just through, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove pork and set aside to keep warm.
Step 4: Stir Fry the Vegetables
In the same pan, add the white wine to deglaze, scraping up all those delicious browned bits. Toss in the onions, broccoli florets, celery, carrots, and red bell pepper. Stir constantly and cook until veggies begin to soften but stay crisp, about 4-5 minutes.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Add the drained pineapple chunks and the pork back to the pan. Give your sauce a quick stir and pour it over everything. Cook while stirring gently until the sauce thickens beautifully and coats all ingredients evenly, about 2-3 minutes. Don’t forget to add the reserved pineapple juice for extra flavor depth if you like!
How to Serve Sweet & Savory Pork Stir Fry with Pineapple and Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing off your Sweet & Savory Pork Stir Fry with Pineapple and Vegetables Recipe with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds adds not only a vibrant pop of color but also a lovely crunch and aromatic accent. These garnishes elevate the dish from everyday to restaurant-quality.
Side Dishes
This stir fry pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up all the delicious sauce. For a low-carb alternative, try it with cauliflower rice or even a simple bed of quinoa to complement the sweet and tangy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your stir fry in crispy lettuce cups or alongside thick, chewy noodles. Wrapping spoonfuls in warm tortillas for a casual taco-style meal is surprisingly delightful too. It’s a versatile dish that can shift effortlessly depending on your mood and occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your stir fry into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers feel just as special as the first serving.
Freezing
You can freeze the stir fry for up to 2 months, but keep in mind that vegetables like broccoli might get softer after thawing. Freeze portions separately if you want to maintain the best texture and reheat with care.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until just warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened up too much during refrigeration for a perfect consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken instead of pork in this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breast or thighs work beautifully and will take on the sauce flavors just as well as pork. Adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken remains juicy and tender.
Is this recipe spicy? How can I adjust the heat?
The sriracha adds a mild kick, but if you prefer less heat, you can reduce or omit it completely. For those who love extra spice, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or more hot sauce.
Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Swap the pork for tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken. Ensure your soy sauce is vegan-friendly and omit the peanut butter if allergic.
What’s the best way to julienne carrots?
Julienning means cutting carrots into thin, matchstick-sized strips. Peel the carrot, slice it into thin planks, then stack those planks and slice into thin strips. This technique helps the carrots cook evenly and look great.
How can I make the sauce thicker if it seems too thin?
Add a bit more cornstarch slurry – mix cornstarch with cold water – and stir it into the sauce while cooking until it thickens to your liking. Just be cautious to add little by little to avoid an overly thick sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet & Savory Pork Stir Fry with Pineapple and Vegetables Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a little celebration on your plate. It’s vibrant, quick to prepare, and hits all the right flavor notes without fuss. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, give this recipe a try – it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe rotation.
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Sweet & Savory Pork Stir Fry with Pineapple and Vegetables Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
This vibrant Pork Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender pork chops are cooked with a medley of fresh vegetables and a tangy, slightly sweet sauce made from soy, honey, lime, and a hint of sriracha for some heat. Enhanced by the crunch of broccoli and celery and the sweetness of pineapple chunks, this stir fry delivers a perfect balance of savory and sweet with a hint of spice. Serve it over steamed rice and garnish with green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Sauce and Marinade
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ÂĽ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (can substitute hot sauce)
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ÂĽ teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Protein
- 1 ½ lbs. boneless pork chops
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for dusting pork)
Cooking Ingredients
- 1–2 tablespoons peanut oil (can substitute olive oil)
- ÂĽ cup dry white wine
Vegetables and Fruit
- 1 yellow onion
- 2 ½ cups broccoli florets
- 2 ribs celery
- ½ cup carrots, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 (15.25 oz.) can pineapple chunks, drained well (juice reserved)
Optional and Garnishes
- 1–2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter (optional)
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Cooked rice (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, combine chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, minced garlic, sriracha, ground ginger, sesame oil, and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Stir well until the cornstarch is fully dissolved to create a smooth sauce mixture. Set aside.
- Prepare the pork: Cut the boneless pork chops into thin, bite-sized strips. Season with salt and pepper, then lightly dust with 1 tablespoon cornstarch, which will help the pork brown nicely and thicken the sauce during cooking.
- Heat the pan: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 to 2 tablespoons of peanut oil over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot before adding any ingredients to get a good sear on the pork and vegetables.
- Cook the pork: Add the pork strips to the hot oil in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Stir-fry until browned on all sides and just cooked through, about 3-5 minutes. Remove the pork from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion, broccoli florets, celery ribs sliced diagonally, julienned carrots, and diced red bell pepper. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 4-5 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
- Deglaze: Pour in the ÂĽ cup dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom for added flavor. Let the wine reduce slightly for 1-2 minutes.
- Add pineapple and sauce: Stir in the well-drained pineapple chunks and pour in the prepared sauce mixture along with the reserved pineapple juice. Stir continuously as the sauce comes to a simmer and thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine pork and optional peanut butter: Return the cooked pork to the skillet and toss everything together to coat in the sauce. If desired, add 1-2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter for extra creaminess and depth of flavor. Mix well until the peanut butter is melted into the sauce.
- Final adjustments and garnish: Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra sriracha if needed. Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a fresh, nutty finish.
- Serve: Serve the pork stir fry hot over steamed rice for a hearty, delicious meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to adjust the flavor slightly or make it lighter.
- If you prefer a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Adjust the sriracha amount to control the spiciness to your taste.
- For extra crunch, add snap peas or water chestnuts.
- Peanut butter is optional but adds a lovely nutty richness; you can omit it for a simpler sauce.
- This recipe can be customized with other proteins like chicken or tofu.
