WW Weight Watchers Sweet & Sour Pork: A Lighter Take on a Classic

There are some dishes that just scream comfort food, and for me, sweet and sour pork is one of them. I remember countless family dinners where this vibrant, tangy dish would be the star of the table, the sweet and sour sauce coating tender pieces of pork and crisp vegetables. Even as I embraced a more mindful approach to my eating, I deeply missed that comforting, familiar flavor. So, when I stumbled upon this Weight Watchers version, I was intrigued. It promised all the beloved tastes and textures of the classic, but with a lighter touch, making it a dish I could enjoy more often without guilt. This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for health.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 38-40 minutes
• Total Time: 53-55 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yield: Approximately 6 servings
• Dietary Type: Weight Watchers Friendly

Ingredients

This recipe focuses on lean protein and vibrant produce, making it a satisfying and flavorful choice.

• Cooking Spray: 1 spray, for coating the skillet.
• Lean Pork Tenderloin: 1 1⁄2 pounds, meticulously cut into thin strips.
• Canned Unsweetened Pineapple Chunks: 15 ounces, drained, with the juice reserved.
• Water: 1⁄2 cup.
• Rice Wine Vinegar: 1⁄3 cup.
• Packed Brown Sugar: 1⁄4 cup.
• Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons, the secret to our luscious sauce.
• Table Salt: 1⁄2 teaspoon, to enhance the other flavors.
• Low Sodium Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon, adding that essential savory depth.
• Medium Green Peppers: 2, sliced into bite-sized pieces.
• Small Onion: 1, sliced.
• Cooked Brown Rice: 3 cups, kept warm for serving.

Equipment Needed

You won’t need a plethora of specialized tools for this flavorful dish.

• Large Nonstick Skillet: Essential for cooking the pork and building the sauce without excess oil.
• Small Bowl: For whisking together the sauce ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps carefully to create a delightful sweet and sour pork experience.

1. Begin by heating a nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. This initial high heat is crucial for achieving a beautiful sear on the pork.
2. Add the pork strips to the hot skillet. Cook them until they are golden brown, which should take approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Once browned, remove the pork from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. It’s important to drain any excess fat that may have accumulated in the skillet after cooking the pork.
3. Next, drain the canned pineapple chunks. Be sure to reserve the juice from the can; this liquid is a key component of our tangy sauce.
4. In a small bowl, combine the water, rice wine vinegar, packed brown sugar, cornstarch, table salt, low sodium soy sauce, and the reserved pineapple juice. Whisk these ingredients together until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
5. Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet (after draining any residual fat from cooking the pork). Cook the sauce over medium heat until it begins to slightly thicken, which should take about 2 minutes. Keep an eye on it, as cornstarch-based sauces can thicken quickly.
6. Return the cooked pork to the skillet with the thickening sauce. Cover the skillet and cook over low heat until the meat is tender. This slow cooking process will take approximately 30 minutes, and you’ll want to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking.
7. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the sliced green peppers, sliced onion, and the drained pineapple chunks to the skillet. Continue to cook, uncovered, until the vegetables are tender-crisp and heated through.
8. To serve, divide the cooked brown rice among your serving plates. Spoon the sweet and sour pork and vegetable mixture generously over the warm brown rice. This recipe yields about 1 cup of pork and vegetable mixture and 1/2 cup of rice per serving.

Expert Tips & Tricks

As a chef, I’ve learned a few little secrets that can elevate any dish, and this sweet and sour pork is no exception.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing the pork, ensure you don’t add too much at once. Overcrowding will steam the pork instead of searing it, preventing that desirable golden-brown crust. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Taste and Adjust: The beauty of homemade sauces is the ability to customize. Before adding the pork back, give the sauce a quick taste. If you prefer it a little sweeter, you can add a touch more brown sugar. For more tang, a splash more vinegar works wonders.
• Vegetable Crispness: The recipe calls for adding the vegetables in the final 5 minutes. If you prefer your vegetables slightly softer, feel free to add them a minute or two earlier. Conversely, for a snappier bite, add them closer to the end.
• Tender Pork is Key: Pork tenderloin is naturally lean and tender, but the 30-minute simmer in the sauce is essential for ensuring it’s fork-tender. Don’t rush this step! Using a lower heat allows the flavors to meld beautifully without overcooking the pork.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This sweet and sour pork is best served immediately while the vegetables are vibrant and the sauce is glossy. It’s a complete meal when served over fluffy brown rice.

For leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. To reheat, you can gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a tablespoon or two of water or broth if the sauce seems a little thick. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave, stirring halfway through for even heating.

Nutritional Information

While Weight Watchers points can vary based on individual plans and specific ingredient brands, this recipe is designed to be a lighter option. The exact nutritional values will depend on the brands of ingredients used and precise portioning.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	343.5 kcal
Calories from Fat
Total Fat	5 g	7%
Saturated Fat	1.5 g	7%
Cholesterol	73.7 mg	24%
Sodium	348.4 mg	14%
Total Carbohydrate	47.8 g	15%
Dietary Fiber	3.8 g	15%
Sugars	18.1 g	72%
Protein	26.7 g	53%

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Variations & Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable!

• Vegetable Swaps: Feel free to swap out the green peppers and onion for other crisp vegetables. Broccoli florets, snap peas, bell peppers of different colors, or even thinly sliced carrots would be delicious additions. Just ensure they are cut to a size that will cook within the final 5 minutes.
• Pineapple Power: If you don’t have canned pineapple, you can use fresh pineapple chunks. You’ll simply need to extract about 1/2 cup of juice from fresh pineapple to use in the sauce.
• Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce mixture for a subtle spicy undertone.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different cut of pork?
A: While pork tenderloin is recommended for its leanness and tenderness, you could use lean pork loin if tenderloin isn’t available. Adjust cooking time as needed to ensure tenderness.

Q: Is the sauce too sweet?
A: The sweetness comes from the brown sugar and pineapple. You can adjust the amount of brown sugar to your personal preference, but remember that Weight Watchers recipes often balance flavors for healthier options.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: The components can be prepped ahead of time. The vegetables can be sliced, and the pork can be cut. However, it’s best to cook the dish just before serving for optimal texture and flavor.

Q: What can I serve with this dish besides brown rice?
A: Quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even a simple side salad would be excellent accompaniments to this sweet and sour pork.

Q: How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
A: If your sauce isn’t thickening enough, you can create a slurry by mixing an additional teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and whisking it into the simmering sauce. Cook for another minute until thickened.

Final Thoughts

This WW Weight Watchers Sweet & Sour Pork is a testament to how we can enjoy our favorite flavors in a way that nourishes our bodies and supports our health goals. It’s a dish that brings a smile to my face with every bite, reminding me that delicious, comforting food can indeed be part of a balanced lifestyle. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how satisfying and flavorful it is. Serve it with a side of steamed broccoli for an extra boost of green goodness, and perhaps a glass of iced green tea to complement the flavors. Enjoy this delightful reimagining of a beloved classic!