This recipe was created using only the ingredients I had available in the cupboard, and it turned out to be everyone’s favourite! I’ve standardised the measurements and simplified the process so it’s easy to follow, but feel free to adjust it to suit your own taste.
🍍 Sweet and Tangy Pineapple Pork
Ingredients:
1.5 kg pork, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 whole fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into chunks
1 large onion, sliced
5 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp fermented soybeans (this is very salty, so wash first and crush)
4 tbsp soy sauce
Salt, to taste (but may not be needed)
Black pepper, to taste
2-3 tbsp cooking oil
3 cups water
2-inch Ginger minced (optional)
Choices for garnish (to your preference):
Spring onions or sliced onions
Fresh red or green chillies, or chilli flakes for a spicy kick
Bell pepper for a fresh, crunchy touch
Coriander for a herby note
🍍 Instructions
Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Add garlic and onion and cook until fragrant.
Add the pork and stir to combine with the aromatics.
Flavour with soy sauce.
Then add the fermented soybeans and stir well, letting the pork absorb the flavours.
Add black pepper and bay leaves.
Add pineapple chunks.
Let it cook for a few minutes, allowing the pineapple to brown slightly and the flavours to meld.
Add 3 cups water and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the pork is very tender (about 30-45 minutes).
Check and stir from time to time. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your desired taste.
The sauce will reduce down to a thick consistency.
Garnish with spring onion, sliced onion, sliced chillies or chilli flakes, whichever you prefer.
The pork is tender, and the combination of bromelain in the pineapple and the heat made the pork so tender that it almost melted in your mouth. Even if you don’t usually like pork fat, this flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth fat will make you want to eat it.
Serve hot with steamed rice, steamed beans and carrot salad. or whatever you prefer on the day.
This is a very satisfying dish. The pineapple gives it a nice tang and sweetness, while the fermented soybeans add a deep umami flavour. The taste is rich, with a balanced saltiness and sweetness, and the pineapple flavour pairs beautifully with the pork. The peppery and onion garnish gave it a fresh finish.
Try it, and it may just become a regular favourite on your menu!
Wishing everyone a lovely day,
Mariah :)