Sweet and Sour Ground Pork and Cabbage Stir-Fry

The Sweet and Sour Ground Pork and Cabbage Stir-Fry is an intriguing fusion of flavors and textures that create a satisfying and balanced meal. This dish combines the savory taste of ground pork with the vibrant crunch of cabbage, all brought together by a tangy and sweet sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal, this stir-fry is both nutritious and delicious.

The primary ingredients for this dish include ground pork, cabbage, carrot, and onion. These provide a rich source of protein and a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. Ground pork is a versatile ingredient that absorbs flavors well, making it ideal for stir-fries. The cabbage adds a slight sweetness and a satisfying crunch, while the carrot and onion add additional flavor and texture layers.

The heart of this dish, though, is the sauce; a blend of tomato paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, pineapple juice, and brown sugar. The tomato paste gives the sauce a rich depth, while the soy sauce adds umami. Rice vinegar introduces a tangy element which is balanced by the natural sweetness of pineapple juice and brown sugar. A touch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle heat, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the sauce.

The cooking process begins by heating vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok. The ground pork is cooked until it is browned and slightly crispy, giving it a rich, savory flavor. Once cooked, the pork is set aside, and the vegetables are stir-fried in the same skillet. The vegetables are cooked until tender-crisp, maintaining their vibrant colors and textures. This quick, high-heat cooking method also helps preserve the nutrients and flavors of the vegetables.

Once the vegetables are ready, the cooked ground pork is returned to the skillet, and the sweet and sour sauce is poured over the mixture. The sauce quickly coats the pork and vegetables, creating a glossy, flavorful finish. A little more cooking time allows the sauce to thicken slightly and meld with the other ingredients, ensuring every bite is infused with its tangy, sweet, and savory notes.

The dish is garnished with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, which adds a slightly spicy touch. The green onions enhance the dish’s visual appeal and contribute a mild onion flavor that complements the other ingredients.

Sweet and Sour Ground Pork and Cabbage Stir-Fry can be served on its own as a complete meal or paired with steamed rice or noodles to absorb the flavorful sauce. The dish is versatile and can be adapted to include other vegetables, such as bell peppers or snap peas, based on personal preferences or seasonal availability.

This stir-fry is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into a delicious and nutritious meal. The combination of ground pork, fresh vegetables, and a well-balanced sweet and sour sauce creates a dish that is satisfying and full of flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe will become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Sweet and Sour Ground Pork and Cabbage Stir-Fry

Recipe by Kyle Taylor

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: MainsCuisine: Asian, FusionDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Total time

35

minutes

Sweet and Sour Ground Pork and Cabbage Stir-Fry combines savory ground pork with crisp vegetables in a sweet and sour sauce, creating a delightful and balanced meal. Garnished with green onions and red pepper flakes, this dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground pork

• 1 head of cabbage, thinly sliced

• 1 large carrot, julienned

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced

• 2 cloves of garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 1/4 cup rice vinegar

• 1/4 cup pineapple juice, freshly squeezed if possible

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

• to taste, salt and ground black pepper

• for serving, chopped green onion

• for garnish, red pepper flakes

Directions

• Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
  Whisk together the tomato paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, pineapple juice, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Set aside.
• Cook the Ground Pork:
  Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork and cook until it is slightly browned, 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and ground black pepper. Remove the ground pork from the skillet and set aside.
• Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
  Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same skillet. Add the sliced onion and julienned carrot, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and stir-fry until fragrant, 1 minute. Add the thinly sliced cabbage and stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until it becomes tender.
• Combine and Cook:
  Return the cooked ground pork to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the pork and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything. Cook for 3-4 minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
• Serve:
  Transfer the sweet and sour ground pork and cabbage stir-fry to serving dishes. Garnish with chopped green onions and additional red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

• Thicken the Sauce: To thicken the sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water, then stir the mixture into the sauce during the final cooking stage until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.