Sweet Jalapeno Pork
Tender pork cubes are seared, simmered in a sweet and spicy brown sugar glaze, and finished with fresh jalapeños for the perfect balance of caramelized flavor and heat.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds pork shoulder cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 –4 fresh jalapeños finely chopped (leave seeds for heat, remove for mild)
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 Lime
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Stir until the sugar has dissolved.
- Add the cubed pork to a bowl or zip bag and pour the marinade over it. Mix well to coat. Cover and marinate at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for maximum flavor).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork (reserve marinade for later) and sear for 5–6 minutes, allowing the outside to caramelize.
- Stir in the chopped jalapeños and minced garlic. Cook 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet. Reduce heat to medium and let the pork simmer 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.
- Plate the pork, spoon extra sauce over the top, and garnish with fresh sliced jalapeños or cilantro. Serve with rice, noodles, or tortillas.
Video
Recipe Tips
For extra caramelization and deeper flavor, let the sauce reduce until it becomes thick and glossy when it sticks to the pork, you know it’s perfect. If you want more heat, leave the jalapeño seeds in. If you want it milder, remove them before slicing.
