Gluten Free Sweet and Sour Pork

Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds lean pork tenderloin, cut into 1 inch cubes
• 2 teaspoons finely grated fresh ginger
• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes , divided
• 9 tablespoons gluten free chicken stock, divided
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoons wheat free soy sauce
• 3 teaspoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons peanut or vegetable oil
• 1 medium white onion, cut into 1 inch pieces
• 2 bell peppers (green, red, yellow or orange or a combination), cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1 (8 ounce) can water sliced water chestnuts in water, drained
• 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks in juice, drained and juice reserved
• 18 maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced on the diagonal for garnish

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, toss the pork pieces with the ginger, garlic and 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes. Let set while preparing the rest of the ingredients.
2. Prepare the sauce by mixing 1/4 cup of the reserved pineapple juice with 6 tablespoons chicken stock, the ketchup, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce and remaining 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes in a small mixing bowl.
3. In another small bowl mix the remaining 3 tablespoons of chicken stock with the cornstarch until well blended.
4. Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the oil and swirl it to coat the sides and bottom of the pan. Add the pork mixture and stir fry for 5 minutes or until they are cooked through.
5. Remove the pork from the pan to a plate and set aside.
6. Add the onions, peppers and sliced water chestnuts and stir fry until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes.
7. Add the sauce mixture to the vegetables and cook, stirring until the sugar dissolves and it comes to a boil. Add the cornstarch mixture, the pork (along with any juices that have accumulated on the plate), the pineapple chunks and the maraschino cherries. Cook until everything is heated through and the sauce has thickened, about 2 minutes.
8. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve with hot rice.

Attribution

Recipe and photo used with permission from: National Cherry Growers Foundation

Recipe developed by Carol Kicinski.