Forget everything you thought you knew about pork. This isn't your grandma's roast; it's a vibrant, flavour explosion that will redefine your expectations. Sweet and sour pineapple braised pork delivers tender, juicy pork infused with the tropical sweetness of pineapple, a tangy kick from vinegar, and a savory depth from soy sauce and aromatics. The result is a dish so delicious, it's practically addictive – perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Imagine succulent pork melting in your mouth, complemented by the bright, refreshing notes of pineapple. This recipe achieves that perfect balance effortlessly, combining simple ingredients to create a complex and unforgettable flavour profile. Ready to experience the magic? Let's dive into the easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions below to create your own unforgettable Sweet and Sour Pineapple Braised Pork.
Tools Needed
- Pan
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- Pork belly: 500g
- Onion
- Garlic
- Pepper
- Chili
- Pineapple: 1/2 small pineapple (Pineapple 9 preferred)
- Fish sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Sugar: 1.5 tablespoons + 1 tablespoon for pineapple
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Seasoning powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- MSG: 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
- Cooking oil
- Water: 2 cups + 3 tablespoons
- Raw vegetables (for dipping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Marinate and Prep Ingredients
- Cut the pork belly into bite-sized, square pieces.
- In a bowl, combine the pork with onion, garlic, pepper, and chili. Add fish sauce, sugar, salt, seasoning powder, and MSG (optional). Mix well.
- Cut the pineapple into chunks.
Step 2. Caramelize Pork and Build Flavor
- In the same pan, caramelize 0.5 tablespoon of sugar with 3 tablespoons of water over medium heat.
- Add the marinated pork to the pan and stir-fry until the caramel color is absorbed into the meat.
- Add 2 cups of boiling water, reduce heat to low, and simmer until the sauce reduces and the meat is tender.
- Add extra chili peppers (optional). Continue to simmer until the sauce has reduced to half its original amount.
Step 3. Stir-fry Pineapple and Combine
- Stir-fry the pineapple with 1 tablespoon of sugar until bright yellow.
- Add the stir-fried pineapple and simmer for another 5-10 minutes.
Step 4. Serve and Garnish
- Turn off the heat and serve. Garnish with raw vegetables if desired.
Read more: Vietnamese Braised Pork Ribs: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Use Pineapple 9 for the best sweet and sour balance.
- Don't overcook the pineapple, as it will become too sour.
- Adjust the amount of sugar and salt to your preference.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Canned pineapple chunks work perfectly well in this recipe. Just drain them well before adding them to the pot.
2. What kind of pork is best for braising?
Pork shoulder or butt (also called Boston butt) is ideal for braising because it's a tougher cut that becomes incredibly tender during the long, slow cooking process.
3. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! You can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the pork as instructed, then transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
This Sweet and Sour Pineapple Braised Pork recipe is a testament to the magic of simple ingredients expertly combined. With minimal effort, you'll create a dish that's bursting with flavor and guaranteed to impress your family and friends. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy this delicious and unforgettable meal!