While this quick recipe deviates from the American Chinese restaurant classic that inspired it—pineapple and bell pepper are replaced by carrots and snow peas and the pork is stir-fried rather than deep fried—the ketchup is not a shortcut. In fact, it helps give this dish its signature tanginess.
| Level: | Easy |
| Total: | 25 min |
| Prep: | 15 min |
| Cook: | 10 min |
| Yield: | 4 servings |
Ingredients
- 1 pound pork tenderloin, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 3 tablespoons sugar, plus a pinch
- 3 tablespoons peanut or vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, thinly sliced
- 3 scallions, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 3 cups snow peas, cut in half
Instructions
- Toss the pork with 1/2 tablespoon vinegar and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Mix the remaining 2 tablespoons vinegar, the soy sauce, cornstarch, ketchup, 3 tablespoons sugar, 1/3 cup water and 1/2 teaspoon salt in another bowl.
- Heat 2 tablespoons peanut oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the pork and slowly stir until it turns mostly opaque, about 2 minutes. Remove the pork with a slotted spoon and transfer to a plate. Discard the oil and wipe out the skillet.
- Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon peanut oil in the skillet, then stir-fry the garlic with a pinch each of salt and sugar, 15 seconds. Add the carrots and scallions and stir-fry until crisp-tender, 2 minutes. (Add a little water if the garlic starts to stick to the skillet.) Add the pork, snow peas and soy sauce mixture; stir until the pork is cooked through and the sauce is thickened, about 3 minutes.
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 348 |
| Total Fat | 15 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 3 grams |
| Cholesterol | 74 milligrams |
| Sodium | 674 milligrams |
| Carbohydrates | 27 grams |
| Dietary Fiber | 4 grams |
| Protein | 28 grams |
Reviews
Made it several times. I love what balsamic does for it.
Very salty, I ended up throwing out the sauce and started over with 1/2 the soy and Hoisin sauce in lieu of ketchup, and none of the sugar.
super tasty!! kid and husband approved!
This was sooooo good! Just like what you get when you go out to eat!
Sorry, this was one of the worst recipes I’ve ever tried from Food Network. Way too much sugar, and the ketchup was overpowering. The ingredients sounded so good but all put together, it just didn’t work .
Yummy! Love the Veggies. Instead of Ketchup, try Hoison Sauce.
I would like to have the nutritional info print with your recipes. I cook for a diabetic.
I loved it! so easy and tasty!
I modified this slightly. I always cut sugar in half the first time I make a recipe and found that it was perfect for my taste. I also added a red bell pepper as I had one on hand and needed to use it up. The recipe is simple for a busy day and I’ll make it again.
I made this recipe last night and it was fantastic! I was really pleased with the sauce and the entire recipe was super easy to make. This is definitely a keeper!