Myanmar Sweet and Sour Pork with Mango
A delightful variation of the classic sweet and sour pork, this Burmese version incorporates the tropical sweetness of fresh mango, adding a unique fruity dimension. Tender pieces of pork are stir-fried with vibrant vegetables and a tangy, sweet sauce, finished with the lusciousness of ripe mango. It's a flavorful and refreshing dish that highlights Myanmar's abundant tropical fruits.
🧂 Ingredients
- 400 g Pork tenderloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Ginger, minced
- 1 medium Onion, cut into wedges
- 1 medium Bell pepper (any color), cut into chunks
- 100 g Pineapple chunks
- 1 medium Ripe mango, cubed
- 4 tbsp Ketchup
- 2 tbsp Soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp Sugar
- 3 tbsp Water
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 tsp Sesame seeds, toasted (for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a bowl, toss the sliced pork with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
💡 Tip: The cornstarch coating helps to tenderize the pork and create a slight crispiness when fried. - 2
In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and water to make the sauce. Set aside.
💡 Tip: Prepare the sauce in advance to ensure it's ready when needed during the stir-frying process. - 3
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated pork in a single layer and stir-fry until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the pork from the wok and set aside.
💡 Tip: Cook the pork in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the wok, which can lead to steaming instead of frying. - 4
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok. Add minced garlic and ginger and stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
💡 Tip: Be careful not to burn the garlic and ginger. - 5
Add the onion and bell pepper to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender-crisp.
💡 Tip: Stir-frying vegetables quickly helps them retain their vibrant color and crisp texture. - 6
Add the pineapple chunks and stir-fry for another minute.
💡 Tip: Pineapple adds a natural sweetness and tang to the dish. - 7
Return the cooked pork to the wok. Pour the prepared sweet and sour sauce over the ingredients. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
💡 Tip: Ensure the sauce coats all the ingredients thoroughly. - 8
Gently fold in the cubed mango. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, just until the mango is heated through but still holds its shape.
💡 Tip: Add the mango at the very end to prevent it from becoming mushy. - 9
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and serve immediately with steamed rice.
💡 Tip: This dish is best enjoyed fresh.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Choose a firm, ripe mango that is not overly soft to ensure it holds its shape during cooking.
- ✓Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce to your preference by varying the amounts of sugar and rice vinegar.
- ✓For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic and ginger.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or water chestnuts for more texture and color.
- Substitute chicken or firm tofu for pork.
- A splash of fish sauce can add an extra layer of umami to the sauce.