Sweet and Sour Pork Tenderloin

Sweet and sour pork is a popular Chinese dish made with pieces of pork that are battered and fried until crispy, then coated in a tangy sauce made from vinegar, sugar, tomato sauce, and other ingredients. 

The sauce usually has a balance of sweetness and acidity, and can be adjusted to taste. Some versions of the dish also include vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and pineapple. Sweet and sour pork is often served with steamed rice and is a staple in many Chinese restaurants.

Ingredients:

1 (1 1/4 pound) pork tenderloin, trimmed of silver skin

salt and ground black pepper

⅓ cup ketchup

⅓ cup seasoned rice vinegar

1 (8 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained with juice reserved

2 tablespoons brown sugar

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 teaspoons hot chili sauce (such as Sriracha®)

1 teaspoon soy sauce

1 pinch red pepper flakes

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 teaspoon butter

¼ cup chopped green onion (white part only)

2 tablespoons chopped green onion tops

Directions:

1.Cut tenderloin into 4 pieces. Arrange in a single layer between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet until each is about 1-inch thick. 

2.Generously season with salt and black pepper.

Whisk ketchup, rice vinegar, reserved pineapple juice, brown sugar, garlic, hot chili sauce, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Set aside.

3.Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over high heat. Place pork in pan; reduce heat to medium. Cook until browned on both sides and cooked through, 5 to 6 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.

4.Return skillet to medium heat. Stir butter into hot pan. When butter melts and starts to brown, stir in pineapple chunks. Cook, stirring, until pineapple is golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes.

5.Stir in ketchup mixture and 1/4 cup green onion (white parts). Reduce heat to low and simmer until garlic and onion have softened, 5 minutes.

6.Return pork to skillet; cook, stirring, until pork is heated through. Garnish with 2 tablespoons green onion tops.