If you’re looking for a stir-fry that’s quick, delicious, and packed with vibrant flavors, this Pineapple Pork Stir-Fry is just what you need. It’s sweet, savory, and has a delightful crunch, making it perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or a last-minute gathering. Ready in under 30 minutes, this stir-fry offers a healthy, satisfying meal that combines lean protein with fresh vegetables and a pop of tropical fruit.

“Pork: The Other White Meat”

If you were around in the 80’s, you’ll remember this campaign that made pork popular again!!  But how exactly is red meat different from white?

In the simplest terms, red meat is commonly red when raw and darkens as it cooks, while white meat is light in appearance and whitens as it cooks. Boom. Pork is a white meat. Case closed.

But, it’s important to remember that this is just a rule of thumb. In nutritional science, red meat is defined as any cut of meat that has more of the protein myoglobin than found in white meat. Because myoglobin is found in high concentrations in the meat of mammals, the USDA classifies any meat that comes from a mammal as red meat. 

In a nutshell, pork usually has significantly more myoglobin than chicken and turkey has, which is why it has traditionally been labeled red.

So, I guess it’s both!

And this Pineapple Pork Stir-Fry will be the best place to test out the waters!

Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Pork Stir-Fry

1. Balanced Flavors: The natural sweetness of pineapple complements the savory pork, while red peppers add a mild heat and cashews bring a satisfying crunch.
2. Quick and Easy: Stir-fries are known for their speed, and this one is no exception. With just a little prep work, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in less than 30 minutes.
3. Nutrient-Rich: Loaded with protein, healthy fats, and fiber, this dish has plenty of nutritional value. Pineapple brings in vitamin C, red peppers are rich in antioxidants, and cashews provide healthy fats.
4. Customizable: Easily adjust the ingredients or spices to suit your taste, whether you like it spicier, sweeter, or packed with extra vegetables.
5. Minimal Clean-Up: Since everything cooks in one skillet, you’ll spend less time washing dishes, which is always a win!

List of Ingredients for Pineapple Pork Stir-Fry and Explanation:

• Pork Tenderloin: Lean, tender, and quick to cook, pork tenderloin is a perfect protein for stir-fries. Its mild flavor works well with the sweetness of pineapple and the crunch of cashews.
• Pineapple Chunks: Fresh or canned pineapple adds a touch of sweetness and acidity, balancing the savory flavors in the stir-fry. Choose fresh if you want a firmer texture, or use canned for convenience.
• Red Peppers: Mildly sweet with a slight crunch, red peppers add color, vitamins, and a hint of natural sweetness that pairs well with pineapple and pork.
• Cashews: For extra texture and richness, cashews add a delightful crunch. They also bring healthy fats and a subtle nuttiness that enhances the dish.
• Soy Sauce: Provides a savory, salty element that ties all the flavors together. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce if you want to control the saltiness.
• Garlic: Adds depth and flavor to the stir-fry. Freshly minced garlic works best for an aromatic base.
• Ginger: Adds a warm, peppery, and slightly sweet flavor that complements the pineapple and pork.
• Green Onions/Chives: Green onions add a mild onion flavor without overpowering the dish. They also make for a lovely garnish.
• Honey: A touch of sweetness enhances the pineapple flavor and helps caramelize the pork slightly.
• Coconut Oil: For this kind of stir-fry, coconut oil works well, because that extra layer of flavor is perfect for Asian-inspired dishes.
• Cornstarch: To help thicken the sauce, cornstarch can be used if you like a slightly thicker glaze on the pork and vegetables.

Substitutions, Add-Ins, and Flavor Variations

• Protein Substitutes: Swap out pork tenderloin for chicken breast, beef strips, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Extra Vegetables: Add broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for extra color and crunch. Mushrooms also work well for an earthier flavor.
• Spiciness: If you like a bit of heat, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha sauce to the stir-fry.
• Nuts: If you’re out of cashews or prefer a different nut, try peanuts (my first choice after cashews) or almonds. For a nut-free option, consider sunflower seeds or omit the nuts altogether.
• Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lime or orange zest to the sauce for a fresh, citrusy note that complements the pineapple.
• Lower Sodium: Use a reduced-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos to lower the salt content if desired.
• Sweetness Level: Adjust the honey to make the stir-fry more or less sweet, based on your preference.

How to Make Pineapple Pork Stir-Fry

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by cutting the pork tenderloin into bite-sized cubes. Chop the red pepper and green onions
2. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and ginger. If you’re using cornstarch, mix it in with the sauce to help thicken it during cooking.
3. Cook the Pork: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive or sesame oil. Add the pork cubes and cook until they are browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Add the Vegetables and Pineapple: Add the red peppers and pineapple chunks to the skillet, stirring them with the pork. Pour in the sauce and toss everything together until well-coated.
5. Finish with Cashews and Green Onions: Toss in the cashews and green onions and cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well-combined and heated through.

How to Serve This:

This Pineapple Pork Stir-Fry pairs beautifully with steamed rice, rice noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. For added freshness, sprinkle some extra green onions on top or garnish with a few fresh pineapple chunks. Another great side is a light salad, like cucumber salad, which contrasts the warm, rich flavors of the stir-fry.

Storing, Freezing, and Make-Ahead Instructions

• Storing: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water or soy sauce to prevent the pork from drying out.
• Freezing: If you want to freeze this dish, cook the pork, sauce, and vegetables, but hold off on adding the cashews and green onions until serving. Freeze in an airtight container for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop, adding fresh cashews and green onions to preserve their crunch.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare and marinate the pork ahead of time for even more flavor. The sauce can also be prepped a day in advance and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

Similar Recipes to Try on the Blog

If you enjoyed this Pineapple Pork Stir-Fry, here are a few more quick, healthy, and flavorful recipes you’ll love:

Orange Cashew Honey Chicken: Delicious sweet chicken bites with the addition of orange makes for a perfect dish.

Cheesecake Factory Copycat: A Healthy Sweet and Spicy Chicken: A classic, sweet, and tangy stir-fry that pairs perfectly with bell peppers and pineapple for a comforting, familiar taste.

10 Minute Honey Garlic Air Fryer Salmon Bites: This dish combines perfectly cubed salmon with sweet honey, and a spicy kick from the garlic.

One-Skillet Easy Gnocchi Vegan Dinner: A vegetarian-friendly option that brings out rich, savory flavors that brings out all the flavours.

This quick pineapple pork tenderloin stir-fry with cashews and red peppers is a recipe you’ll want to keep in your weeknight rotation. With its balanced flavors, simple prep, and easy customization, it’s a fantastic dish for both busy weeknights and special occasions. Enjoy this colorful and flavorful stir-fry with your favorite side, and watch it quickly become a family favorite!

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Cashew Pineapple Pork Stir Fry

This Pineapple Pork Stir Fry with crunchy cashews is my go-to stir fry recipe that is always a guaranteed hit at the dinner table. Tender pork loin and sweet pineapple chunks plus the crunch of the cashews work so well together. And the stir fry sauce is made with simple pantry ingredients and is flavorful without overwhelming the pork and pineapple. Your family will love it!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Chinese

Servings 6

Ingredients

  

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 lb pork tenderloin cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 bell peppers chopped
• 1/2 small can (398 mL) pineapple chunks drained
• 1 red onion chopped
• ¼ cup thinly sliced green onions or chives
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds white or black
• 1/3 cup cashews

Stir Fry Sauce:

• ½ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup vinegar malt, apple cider or white (if that's all you have)
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoons ginger minced
• 4 cloves garlic minced

Instructions

 

• Heat the coconut oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the pork and cook until it is golden brown, about 8 minutes.
• While the pork is cooking, mix the sauce ingredients together in a medium-sized bowl; chop the veggies.
• Turn the heat to high then add the peppers, pineapple, and onion to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the peppers begin to soften. Pour the sauce into the pan and let it thicken.
• Remove the pan from the heat and sprinkle on the green onions, sesame seeds and cashews.
• Serve with basmati rice or cauliflower rice!