Spicy Sweet-and-Sour Pork with Coconut Rice

Oh man, oh man! I love this dish, and for so many different reasons too. Despite the large number of ingredients, it was such a snap to put together at the end of a busy day. I also love, love, love the coconut rice. I don't know why I didn't ever think about doing it this way before! This recipe is definitely a keeper when it comes to homemade (Americanized) Chinese food. Hen hao chi!

Spicy Sweet-and-Sour Pork
Cooking Light Magazine, Aug. 2009
Makes 4 servings (1 1/2 c. each)
Nutrition: 347 Calories, 11g. Fat, 27g. Protein, 3g. Fiber

1/4 c. slivered almonds (opt.)
1 lb. pork tenderloin, but into 3/4-inch cubes
2 Tbs. cornstarch, divided
3 Tbs. low-sodium soy sauce, divided
1 (8 oz.) can pineapple chunks in juice, undrained
1/4 c. cider vinegar
1/4 c. sugar
2 Tbs. ketchup
2 tsp. Sriracha
1 Tbs. canola oil
1 c. chopped onion
1 tsp. bottled minced ginger (or 1/4 tsp. dried)
1 c. chopped green bell pepper
1/4 c. slivered green onions (opt.)

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place almonds on a baking sheet; bake at 400 for 4 minutes or until toasted. Set aside.

2. While almonds cook, combine pork, 1 Tbs. cornstarch, and 1 Tbs. soy sauce; toss well to coat. Drain pineapple in a sieve over a bowl, reserving juice.

3. Combine pineapple juice, remaining 1 Tbs. cornstarch, remaining 2 Tbs. soy sauce, vinegar and next 3 ingredients (through Sriracha), stirring with a whisk.

4. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add canola oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add pork to pan; saute 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Add 1 c. onion, ginger and garlic; saute 1 minute. Stir in pineapple and bell pepper; saute 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in vinegar mixture; bring to a boil. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.

5. Sprinkle with almonds and green onions (opt.) and serve over rice.


Coconut Rice

1 c. uncooked basmati rice
1 1/4 c. water
1/2 c. light coconut milk
1/4 tsp. salt

1. Combine ingredients in a small saucepan; bring to a boil.

2. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 16 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.