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Easy Sweet & Sour Pork Mince – Best 20-Minute Dinner

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A quick and easy sweet and sour pork mince recipe that comes together in just 20 minutes using simple pantry ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a budget-friendly, crowd-pleasing dinner that tastes like takeout.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground pork (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1 small onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots blend
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium if desired)
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
  • Steamed jasmine rice or white rice for serving
  • Sliced green onions for garnish
  • Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
  2. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon vegetable or avocado oil. Swirl to coat the pan.
  3. Add diced onion and cook for 2 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and grated ginger (if using) and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add ground pork to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon into small crumbles. Let cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to develop a brown crust, then stir and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until no pink remains.
  5. Add diced red bell pepper and frozen peas and carrots. Stir and cook for 2 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  6. Whisk the sauce mixture again and pour it over the pork and vegetables. Stir immediately to coat everything evenly. The sauce will bubble and thicken within 30-60 seconds.
  7. Let the mixture simmer for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is glossy and thickened. Add a splash of water if too thick, or simmer longer if too thin.
  8. Drizzle sesame oil over the top and stir once more (optional).
  9. Serve immediately over steamed rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

For best results, don’t overcrowd the pan when browning the pork. Use high heat for proper browning. Whisk the sauce again just before pouring as cornstarch settles. Prep all ingredients before starting as the dish cooks quickly. Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors meld. Store in refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: sweet and sour pork, ground pork recipe, quick dinner, 20 minute meal, weeknight dinner, easy stir fry, budget friendly dinner, pork mince

Find it online: https://bouncybowl.com/easy-sweet-and-sour-pork-mince-best-20-minute-dinner/