Sweet and Sour Pork

Recipe courtesy Emeril Lagasse, 2002

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

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 thyme

Combine all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight jar or container.

Yield: about 2/3 cup

Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking", by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch. Published by William and Morrow, 1993.