Space Center Sweet & Sour Pork

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pork chunks in a tangy pineapple-bell pepper sauce, evoking the vibrant colors of a space mission with a sweet-savory kick. This chinese-inspired asian ready in about 38 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, cornstarch, rice vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.9 (10 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 18 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 1 lb cubed pork with 2 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering; add pork and cook 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 sliced red bell pepper, 1 sliced green bell pepper, and 1 sliced onion to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp and onions are translucent.
  3. Step 3: Whisk together 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 1/4 cup ketchup, 3 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp pineapple juice; pour over vegetables and bring to a simmer.
  4. Step 4: Return pork to skillet, stir in 1/4 cup water, and add 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water. Cook 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Space Center Sweet & Sour Pork take to make?

Total time is about 38 minutes (20 min prep + 18 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Space Center Sweet & Sour Pork?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork tenderloin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Space Center Sweet & Sour Pork?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Space Center Sweet & Sour Pork for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Space Center Sweet & Sour Pork?

Chinese asian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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