Sweet and Sour Pork Tenderloin is a quick, flavorful dinner that brings a perfect balance of tangy and sweet. Juicy pork simmers in a pineapple and vinegar sauce that’s bold, bright, and comforting. With just one skillet, you’ll have an easy meal that looks and tastes like takeout but fresher and faster. Perfect for weeknights when you want something fun and family-pleasing without the hassle.
Why This Sweet And Sour Pork Tenderloin Is a Weeknight Win
- Fast prep: You can have everything prepped and ready in just 10 minutes.
- Easy cleanup: One skillet means less mess.
- Big flavor: This dish packs a punch with sweet and tangy tastes.
How to Make Sweet And Sour Pork Tenderloin (3 Steps & Timing)
Here’s how to make Sweet And Sour Pork Tenderloin in just three easy steps using a skillet.
Sear the Pork:
- Pat 1.5 lbs of pork tenderloin dry. Season it with salt and pepper. Dredge it in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour.
- Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the pork tenderloin for 2-3 minutes on each side until it’s nicely browned. Remove the pork and set it aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of pineapple juice, 1/4 cup of rice vinegar, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 2 tbsp of soy sauce, 1 tbsp of cornstarch, 1 tsp of ground ginger, 1/2 tsp of garlic powder, and 1/4 tsp of red pepper flakes (if you like heat).
- Add 1 cup of pineapple chunks and 1/2 cup of thinly sliced red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften.
Cook Everything Together:
- Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and bring it to a simmer.
- Return the pork tenderloin to the skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover it, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Let the pork rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve it over rice or noodles, topped with the sauce and 1/4 cup of thinly sliced green onions.
Quick Sides & Serving Ideas
- Serve with steamed rice.
- Pair it with sautéed green beans.
- Try it alongside a simple salad.
- Add some egg rolls for a fun touch.
Storage & Reheat (No Soggy Leftovers)
You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, the pork will last for about a month. To reheat and keep it crispy, use an air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm.
Got Leftovers? Make Them Work for You
Leftovers don’t have to be boring. Most of the time they’re a head start on tomorrow’s meal. Toss roasted veggies into eggs, turn last night’s chicken into wraps, or freeze soups for a lazy-night rescue. The trick is storing them right and keeping it simple. That way, instead of another chore, leftovers feel like a shortcut. See more easy ideas here and make the most of what you’ve got.
10-Minute Prep & Time-Saving Shortcuts
- Use pre-chopped vegetables for quick prep.
- Buy pre-cooked rotisserie pork tenderloin.
- Use bagged rice or noodle mixes to save time.
- Keep store-bought pineapple chunks on hand for an easy addition.
Smart Swaps & Variations
- Use chicken tenderloin instead of pork for a different taste.
- Swap brown sugar for honey or maple syrup for a unique flavor.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to cut back on salt.
- Try using frozen vegetables for convenience.
Craving Something Quick and Crave-Worthy?
Lazy Bites is my go-to spot for those snack cravings that hit out of nowhere. Cheesy pulls, sweet bites, and sides that come together fast no fuss, no fancy prep. Whether it’s a lazy Saturday, a game night spread, or just a quick fix before dinner, these recipes are made to hit the spot without stealing your time. Grab a bite now and keep it easy.
Sweet and Sour Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds pork tenderloin patted dry
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour for dredging
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup green onions thinly sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- Season pork tenderloin with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork on all sides for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, rice vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, cornstarch, ground ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Add pineapple chunks and sliced red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Pour in the sauce mixture and bring to a simmer.
- Return pork to skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until internal temp reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Let pork rest for 5-10 minutes, then slice and serve with sauce and green onions over rice or noodles.
Notes
Nutrition
Lazy Cook’s Pro Tips
A couple of small tweaks can save you time every week. Line sheet pans with parchment for zero scrubbing, keep pre-chopped garlic in the fridge for instant flavor, and double-batch sauces so you’ve got a backup for busy nights. Little shortcuts like these keep dinners easy without giving up taste. See more time-saving tips here and make cooking less of a chore.
FAQs about Sweet And Sour Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Can I use chicken instead of pork tenderloin?
Yes, chicken works great with the same sauce. Just adjust the cooking time chicken usually cooks a little quicker than pork. Always check the internal temp hits 165°F before serving.
What if my sauce turns out too thin?
Just mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a splash of water, then stir it into the simmering sauce. It will thicken up in a minute or two, giving you that glossy, restaurant-style finish.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the sauce and veggies earlier in the day. When ready, just sear the pork, add everything together, and simmer. Freshly cooked tenderloin has the best texture, but prepping ahead saves you a lot of time.
What sides go best with Sweet and Sour Pork Tenderloin?
Rice is the classic choice, but noodles also work well. Steamed veggies like broccoli or snap peas balance out the tangy-sweet sauce. Add a simple green salad or egg rolls to make it feel like a full spread.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, just make sure your skillet is large enough to handle everything. If not, cook the pork in batches before combining everything in the sauce.
Wrapping It Up
Sweet and Sour Pork Tenderloin is a weeknight winner that delivers big flavor without a big mess. Juicy pork, tangy pineapple, and a sweet-savory sauce come together in one skillet for a meal the whole family will love. It’s quick, easy, and just plain fun to eat. Give it a try tonight you’ll be surprised how simple it is to make a takeout-style dish right at home.
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