Healthier SWEET & SOUR PORK (no soy sauce)
1 to 1-1/4 lb. pork, trimmed & cut into 1” pieces (I usually use thick boneless pork chops)
2 TB rice vinegar……………………..………….......……1 TB balsamic vinegar
3 TB ketchup……………………………………........……3 TB honey
1 TB vegetable oil……………………………….......……1 tsp. garlic, crushed or minced
1 egg, lightly beaten w/1 TB water………………...........1/2 cup cornstarch
1 tsp. Kosher salt…………………………………........….1/2 tsp. cracked or crushed red pepper
1 tsp. fresh grated ginger (or 1/2 tsp. ground).....................1/4 cup white or yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 cup bell pepper, seeded & cut into thin strips (I like to mix colors)
1 cup fresh pineapple, cut into 1” pieces………...............1/4 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced………….........……..Fresh cilantro, chopped
white rice for serving ~ cooked per package instructions
NOTE: If your family likes spicier food, you can always add 1/2 to1 whole jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely minced (add when you add the bell pepper)
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Whisk together the honey, vinegars, ketchup, pineapple juice, garlic, ginger, salt, and red pepper in a small bowl; set aside.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Whisk together the egg & water in a medium-large bowl, and add the pork pieces; stir so that every piece is completely coated. Put half of the cornstarch into a plastic bag, and add half of the dipped pork. Close the bag tightly and shake, to completely coat the pork ~ add it to the pan; repeat with the rest of the pork. Cook until lightly golden brown and crispy, about 2-4 minutes per side. Take them out and set aside (Work in batches if your pan is small; you don’t want to overcrowd the pork)
Now add the bell pepper and onion ~ cook until just tender but still crisp, about 2 minutes. Stir in the pork, pineapple and honey/vinegar mixture. Stir to coat everything well and cook until the sauce thickens, probably 1-2 minutes.
Remove from heat ~ serve over rice, garnished with sliced green onions and cilantro.
Serves 2-4 (depends on your appetite)