Sweet and Sour Pork

ingredients

1/2 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup water
4 teaspoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon sesame oil
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons minced ginger
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons sherry
2 tablespoons peanut or vegetable oil
1 pound lean pork shoulder, cubed
2 teaspoons Essence, recipe follows
1 green bell pepper, stemmed and seeded, cut into strips
1/2 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 cups cubed pineapple
Steamed white basmati rice, accompaniment
1/4 cup chopped toasted macadamia nuts, garnish
1/4 cup chopped green onions, garnish

directions

1
In a bowl, combine the pineapple juice, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, water, soy sauce, pepper flakes, and sesame oil. In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium-high heat. Add the ginger and garlic, and
2
cook, stirring, for 15 seconds. Add the pineapple juice mixture and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring, until the sugar dissolves, 2 to 3 minutes.
3
In a bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in the sherry. Add to the simmering sauce and whisking constantly. Reduce the heat and simmer until thickened, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat.
4
Season the pork with the Essence. In a wok or large saute pan, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over high heat, swirling to coat the sides. Add the pork and cook, stirring, until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
5
Return the wok to high heat. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil, swirling to coat the sides. Add the bell peppers and onions, and cook, stirring, until wilted, 1 to 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-high. Add the sauce and bring to a boil until thickened. Add the pineapple and pork, and cook, stirring, until warmed through, 1 minute. Remove from the heat and adjust the seasoning to taste. Divide the rice among 4 dinner plates, and top with the pork and sauce. Garnish each with the nuts and green onions, and serve immediately.

notes

Essence (Emeril's Creole Seasoning): 2 1/2 tablespoons paprika 2 tablespoons salt 2 tablespoons garlic powder 1 tablespoon black pepper 1 tablespoon onion powder 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper 1 tablespoon dried leaf oregano 1 tablespoon dried

Source: Deanna NIckel