When you’re craving something that perfectly balances sweet and spicy, this Sweet Jalapeno Pork is exactly what you need. Tender pieces of pork are coated in a glossy sauce that combines the heat of fresh jalapenos with the sweetness of honey and brown sugar, creating a flavor explosion that’s absolutely irresistible. This dish is incredibly versatile and works beautifully over rice, tucked into tacos, or served alongside your favorite vegetables. The best part is that it comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. The caramelized edges of the pork combined with the vibrant sauce create a restaurant-worthy meal that will become a regular request in your household.
Serving Quantity: 4 servings
Cooking Time: 35 minutes (10 minutes prep, 25 minutes cooking)
Nutritional Information per serving:
1. Calories: 385
2. Protein: 34g
3. Carbohydrates: 28g
4. Fat: 15g
5. Fiber: 1g
6. Sugar: 22g
7. Sodium: 650mg
Ingredients You Need:
1. 1.5 pounds pork tenderloin, cut into bite-sized cubes
2. 3 fresh jalapenos, seeded and finely diced
3. 1/3 cup honey
4. 1/4 cup brown sugar
5. 1/4 cup soy sauce
6. 3 garlic cloves, minced
7. 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
8. 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
9. 1 tablespoon cornstarch
10. 2 tablespoons water
11. 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
12. Salt and pepper to taste
13. Green onions, sliced for garnish
14. Sesame seeds for garnish
Prepare the Pork
Pat the pork cubes dry with paper towels to help them brown nicely. Season the pork pieces generously with salt and pepper on all sides. This step is important because it helps create a flavorful crust when the meat hits the hot pan. Set the seasoned pork aside while you prepare your other ingredients.
Make the Sweet Jalapeno Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, brown sugar, and soy sauce until the sugar dissolves completely. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and diced jalapenos to the mixture. Stir everything together well. The sauce should smell incredibly aromatic with the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and spicy notes. If you like extra heat, add the red pepper flakes at this stage.
Brown the Pork
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, add the pork cubes in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to work in batches. Let the pork cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes on one side until it develops a golden-brown crust. Flip the pieces and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes on the other side. The pork should be browned on the outside but doesn’t need to be fully cooked through yet as it will continue cooking in the sauce.
Combine Everything Together
Once all the pork is browned, return all pieces to the pan if you cooked in batches. Pour the sweet jalapeno sauce over the pork and stir to coat every piece. Reduce the heat to medium and let the sauce bubble gently. Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pork is cooked through and the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the water to create a slurry. Pour this mixture into the pan with the pork and sauce. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes as the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon and cling beautifully to each piece of pork. If the sauce gets too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of water.
Final Touches
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add a bit more honey if you want it sweeter, more soy sauce for saltiness, or extra jalapenos for more heat. Cook for one final minute to let all the flavors meld together perfectly.
Serve and Garnish
Transfer the sweet jalapeno pork to a serving platter or individual plates. Sprinkle generously with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a beautiful presentation and added flavor. The green onions add a fresh, crisp element that balances the rich sauce perfectly.
Helpful Tips for Success:
1. For less heat, remove all the seeds and white membranes from the jalapenos before dicing, as this is where most of the spice lives.
2. You can substitute pork tenderloin with pork chops or even chicken breast if you prefer, just adjust cooking time accordingly.
3. This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop, so it’s perfect for meal prep.
4. Serve over steamed jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, or rice noodles to soak up all that delicious sauce.
5. If you want a crispier texture, you can coat the pork cubes lightly in cornstarch before browning them.
6. Add colorful bell peppers or snap peas to the dish during the last few minutes of cooking for extra vegetables and crunch.
7. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
8. For a smoky twist, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the sauce mixture before cooking.
