Myanmar Sweet and Sour Pork with Pineapple and Tomatoes
A vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender pieces of pork stir-fried with sweet pineapple chunks and juicy tomatoes in a tangy, sweet, and savory sauce. This popular Burmese stir-fry balances sweet, sour, and umami notes, making it a delightful accompaniment to steamed rice.
🧂 Ingredients
- 400 g Pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch
- 2 tbsp Soy sauce
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece Ginger, minced
- 1 medium Onion, cut into wedges
- 200 g Pineapple chunks
- 2 medium Tomatoes, cut into wedges
- 4 tbsp Ketchup
- 2 tbsp Sugar
- 2 tbsp Rice vinegar
- 50 ml Water
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a bowl, toss the pork pieces with cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
💡 Tip: Marinating the pork with cornstarch helps to tenderize it and create a slightly crispy coating when fried. - 2
In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, sugar, remaining 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and water to make the sauce. Set aside.
💡 Tip: Preparing the sauce in advance ensures it's ready to be added quickly during the stir-fry process. - 3
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork and stir-fry until browned and cooked through. Remove pork from the wok and set aside.
💡 Tip: Don't overcrowd the wok; cook the pork in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning. - 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: Stir-frying aromatics quickly releases their flavor without burning them. - 5
Add the onion wedges to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
💡 Tip: Cooking the onions until they are slightly tender but still have a bite adds texture to the dish. - 6
Add the pineapple chunks and tomato wedges to the wok. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
💡 Tip: Adding the pineapple and tomatoes towards the end preserves their texture and fresh flavor. - 7
Return the cooked pork to the wok. Pour the prepared sweet and sour sauce over everything. Stir well to coat all ingredients.
💡 Tip: Ensure the sauce coats all the ingredients evenly for a balanced flavor. - 8
Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and glazes the pork and vegetables. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
💡 Tip: Stirring continuously as the sauce thickens prevents it from sticking to the wok. - 9
Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately with steamed rice.
💡 Tip: Steamed jasmine rice is the perfect accompaniment to soak up the delicious sauce.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a spicier version, add a pinch of red chili flakes with the garlic and ginger.
- ✓You can substitute pork tenderloin for pork shoulder for a leaner option, but adjust cooking time.
- ✓Ensure your pineapple is ripe for maximum sweetness and flavor.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other vegetables like bell peppers (any color), snap peas, or carrots for extra color and nutrients.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute firm tofu or tempeh for the pork.
- A splash of fish sauce can add an extra layer of umami to the sauce.