Sweet Jalapeño Pork – The Perfect Blend of Heat and Sweetness

Sweet Jalapeño Pork is a mouthwatering dish that strikes the perfect balance between spicy and sweet. With tender cuts of pork glazed in a sticky, flavorful jalapeño sauce, this recipe offers a delightful twist to your typical dinner menu. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving something bold for dinner, this dish delivers satisfying flavors in every bite. The fresh jalapeños add just enough kick, while the honey or brown sugar balances it with a rich sweetness. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and ideal for both weeknights and special occasions.

Why You Will Love This Sweet Jalapeño Pork

This Sweet Jalapeño Pork recipe is an explosion of bold flavors that will leave you craving more. The combination of sweet honey and spicy jalapeños creates a dynamic glaze that coats the tender pork pieces perfectly. It’s a versatile dish—great with rice, tortillas, or even in sandwiches. Whether you’re a spice lover or someone with a sweet tooth, this dish has something for everyone. Plus, it’s made with pantry-friendly ingredients and is incredibly simple to cook, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.

Preparation Process Of Sweet Jalapeño Pork

Start by trimming and cubing your pork, ensuring all pieces are roughly the same size for even cooking. Chop jalapeños finely, removing seeds for a milder taste. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices to create the sweet and spicy marinade. Sear the pork in olive oil until browned, then add garlic and jalapeños. Pour in the sauce and simmer until the pork is tender and glazed. Optional cornstarch slurry can be added to thicken the sauce further.

Step By Step Instructions

Season & Sear Pork: Season cubed pork with salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic and chopped jalapeños for about 1 minute until fragrant and slightly softened.

Add Sauce Ingredients: Pour in soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Stir well to combine and deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits for extra flavor.

Simmer Pork: Return seared pork to the pan. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pork is tender and sauce thickens slightly.

Thicken Sauce (Optional): For a thicker glaze, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir it into the pan and simmer for an additional 5–7 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Serve: Remove from heat and let rest for 2–3 minutes. Serve hot with rice, tortillas, or your preferred sides.

How to Serve?

• Over steamed white or jasmine rice
• With warm tortillas or flatbread
• Alongside roasted vegetables
• In a sandwich or slider bun
• As a taco filling with avocado and cilantro

Tips & Variations

Nutrition

1. Calories: 390
2. Protein: 32g
3. Carbohydrates: 20g
4. Sugars: 14g
5. Fat: 21g
6. Saturated Fat: 5g
7. Sodium: 620mg
8. Fiber: 1g

Recipe Card

Sweet Jalapeño Pork – The Perfect Blend of Heat and Sweetness

Recipe by Rachael rayCourse: Dinner Recipe

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

35

minutes

Calories

390

kcal

Sweet Jalapeño Pork is the ultimate fusion of spicy and sweet, featuring tender pork simmered in a rich, glossy glaze made from honey, jalapeños, and soy sauce. The combination of fiery peppers and caramelized sweetness creates an unforgettable flavor profile that’s perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare and packed with punch, this dish pairs well with rice, tortillas, or even a side salad. It’s an ideal recipe for spice enthusiasts and sweet-savory lovers alike. Whether you’re meal prepping or entertaining guests, Sweet Jalapeño Pork is sure to impress.

Ingredients

• Pork shoulder or pork loin – 2 lbs, cut into cubes

• Fresh jalapeños – 2 to 3, finely chopped (deseeded for less heat)

• Garlic cloves – 4, minced

• Honey – 1/3 cup

• Brown sugar – 1/4 cup

• Soy sauce – 1/4 cup

• Apple cider vinegar – 2 tablespoons

• Olive oil – 2 tablespoons

• Salt – 1 teaspoon

• Black pepper – 1/2 teaspoon

• Ground cumin – 1/2 teaspoon

• Paprika – 1/2 teaspoon

• Cornstarch – 1 tablespoon (optional, for thickening)

• Water – 1/4 cup (for slurry if using cornstarch)

Directions

• Season & Sear Pork: Season cubed pork with salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
• Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic and chopped jalapeños for about 1 minute until fragrant and slightly softened.
• Add Sauce Ingredients: Pour in soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Stir well to combine and deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits for extra flavor.
• Simmer Pork: Return seared pork to the pan. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pork is tender and sauce thickens slightly.
• Thicken Sauce (Optional): For a thicker glaze, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir it into the pan and simmer for an additional 5–7 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
• Serve: Remove from heat and let rest for 2–3 minutes. Serve hot with rice, tortillas, or your preferred sides.

Recipe Video

Notes

• Use gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid irritation.
• Let the pork rest for 5 minutes before serving to absorb flavors.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the pork.

FAQs

Conclusion