Sweet and Sour Pork: A Flavor-Packed Quick Pork Dinner Everyone Will Love

Let’s talk about one of the ultimate takeout cravings: sweet and sour pork. You know the one—tender chunks of pork, bright bell peppers, sweet pineapple, all drenched in that glossy, tangy-sweet sauce that somehow makes everything taste like a celebration. Now imagine bringing that magic to your own kitchen… without a pile of takeout containers. Yes, you can totally make it yourself, and yes, it’s easier than you think.

This dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a win. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids, a picky partner, or just yourself (with plenty of leftovers), this homemade version of your favorite pork stir fry hits the spot. Bonus? You can make it in under an hour, or let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting while you do literally anything else. Either way, this is the kind of quick pork dinner you’ll want on repeat.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet and Sour Pork

Sweet and sour pork is a weeknight hero. It brings restaurant-style flavor with none of the fuss. The sauce? A perfectly balanced combo of ketchup, soy, vinegar, and brown sugar that clings to each bite like a dream. Add juicy pineapple and tender-crisp peppers and you’ve got a winner. Plus, it works beautifully in a slow cooker or on the stovetop—whatever your schedule demands.

Sweet and Sour Pork

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• Author: Olivia Hartwellen
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Sweet and Sour Pork is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that combines tender pork chunks, colorful bell peppers, and juicy pineapple in a glossy, tangy-sweet sauce. With its perfect balance of savory and sweet, this easy pork stir fry captures all the magic of classic takeout—right from your own kitchen. Whether made on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, it’s a quick pork dinner that everyone at the table will love.

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Ingredients

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• 1 1/2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), chopped

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained (reserve the juice)

• 1/2 cup ketchup

• 1/3 cup rice vinegar

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 1/3 cup brown sugar

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced

• 2 tbsp cornstarch

• 1/4 cup water

• Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

• Season pork with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sear the pork in batches for 6–8 minutes until browned on all sides. Transfer to a slow cooker or deep skillet.

• Add chopped bell pepper, onion, and pineapple chunks to the pork.

• In a bowl, whisk together ketchup, rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and reserved pineapple juice. Pour over the pork and vegetables.

• Slow cooker method: Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours.
  Stovetop method: Cover and simmer on low for 30–40 minutes until the pork is tender.

• In the last 10 minutes, whisk cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce to thicken.

• Stir well before serving and serve hot over rice or noodles.

Notes

Pork shoulder gives the most tender texture, but pork loin or tenderloin also works.

Add extra veggies like snap peas or zucchini for variety.

Adjust sweetness or tang by tweaking brown sugar or vinegar.

Red pepper flakes or chili can add heat.

Leftover sauce tastes amazing over steamed broccoli or fried rice.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stir-fry or slow cooker
• Cuisine: Chinese-American

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained (reserve the juice!)
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/3 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• Salt and black pepper to taste

How to Make Sweet and Sour Pork

1. Start by seasoning your pork with a bit of salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sear the pork in batches. Brown well on all sides for 6–8 minutes, then transfer to a slow cooker or deep skillet.
2. Add chopped bell pepper, onion, and drained pineapple chunks to the pork.
3. In a bowl, mix ketchup, rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and reserved pineapple juice until smooth. Pour over pork and veggies.
4. For the slow cooker: Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours. For stovetop: Cover and simmer on low for 30–40 minutes until the pork is tender.
5. In the last 10 minutes of cooking, whisk cornstarch with water and stir it in to thicken the sauce.
6. Stir well before serving. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Tips for the Best Pineapple Pork Stir Fry

• Pork shoulder gives the best texture—tender and juicy—but you can swap in pork loin if that’s what you have on hand.
• Want more veggies? Snap peas or chopped zucchini work great here.
• If you’re in a rush, pre-cut stir fry pork strips cook even faster.
• Leftover sauce? Drizzle it over steamed broccoli or fried rice—no drop goes to waste.
• Taste the sauce before adding the cornstarch. Want it tangier? Add a splash more vinegar. Sweeter? A little extra brown sugar does the trick.

From My Kitchen to Yours

I still remember the first time I made this dish at home. It was a cold Thursday, and we were all dragging. I didn’t want another frozen dinner, and I definitely didn’t want to deal with takeout wait times. So I pulled out a pork shoulder, some pantry staples, and just went for it. When I served this vibrant, saucy beauty over steaming jasmine rice, the table went silent—except for the sounds of very happy chewing. That’s when I knew I had a keeper.

What to Serve with Sweet and Sour Pork

You’ve got options here! White rice is the classic choice (hello, sauce sponge), but jasmine or basmati rice adds extra fragrance. Noodles also make a great base, especially if you love slurping up extra sauce. For a lighter plate, try it with a crisp cucumber salad or steamed broccoli on the side. And if you’re going full feast-mode? Add veggie egg rolls or dumplings to the mix.

How to Store Leftovers

This dish keeps beautifully. Let leftovers cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave until hot. If the sauce thickens too much in the fridge, just add a splash of water while reheating. Want to freeze it? Go for it—just note that the bell peppers may soften a bit more when thawed, but the flavor? Still fabulous.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of pork?

Absolutely. Pork loin or tenderloin work well—they’re leaner but still flavorful. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.

Is this dish very sweet?

It has a balanced sweet-tangy flavor. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the brown sugar slightly or add more vinegar to taste.

Can I make it spicier?

Yes! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped chili for a kick.

Does it work with chicken instead?

Definitely. Swap pork for chicken thighs or breasts for a lighter twist.

One Saucy Ending

There’s just something joyful about sweet and sour pork—the bright colors, the sizzling sauce, the way it brings smiles with every bite. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience. Whether you’re leaning into the stovetop method for a fast fix or letting your slow cooker do the work, this is a quick pork dinner that’s guaranteed to impress. So grab a fork, scoop a big helping over rice, and savor every tangy, juicy bite.

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