Get ready to transform your dinner routine with a mouthwatering Sweet and Sour Pork Tenderloin that will make your taste buds dance! 🍽️ Imagine a perfectly seared, juicy pork tenderloin glazed with a tantalizing sweet and sour sauce that combines the perfect balance of pineapple, soy, and brown sugar - this isn't just another boring weeknight meal, this is a culinary adventure waiting to happen. Whether you're craving a restaurant-quality dish or looking to impress your family with minimal effort, this Chinese-inspired recipe will become your new go-to comfort food that's both easy to prepare and incredibly delicious!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pork tenderloin (about 1 lb)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the pork tenderloin by patting it dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating the sweet and sour sauce.
- Preheat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat and add a small amount of cooking oil.
- Sear the pork tenderloin on all sides until it develops a golden-brown crust, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
- Add chopped bell peppers and onions to the pan around the pork, allowing them to start caramelizing.
- Pour the prepared sweet and sour sauce over the pork and vegetables, reducing heat to medium-low.
- Cover the skillet and let the pork cook for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Remove the pork from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain.
- Spoon the remaining sauce and caramelized vegetables over the sliced pork before serving.
Tips
- 🔪 Pro Cooking Tips for Perfect Sweet and Sour Pork Tenderloin:
- Always pat your pork tenderloin completely dry before seasoning to ensure a beautiful golden-brown sear.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature - 145°F is the sweet spot for perfectly cooked, juicy pork.
- Let the meat rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- For extra flavor, consider marinating the pork in the sweet and sour sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Cut the bell peppers and onions into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little water or extra pineapple juice to thin it out.
- Serve over steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a complete meal that will satisfy everyone at the table!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 158kcal
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 30mg
