Mars: Valeen Montenegro cooks for the first time on television

pork shoulder

🥗Healthier: chicken breast

💰Cheaper: pork loin

Chicken breast is leaner, while pork loin is often less expensive.

brown sugar

🥗Healthier: coconut sugar

💰Cheaper: white sugar

Coconut sugar offers a lower glycemic index, while white sugar is readily available.

soy sauce

🥗Healthier: tamari

💰Cheaper: liquid aminos

Tamari is gluten-free, while liquid aminos are often less salty.

sesame oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Olive oil provides heart-healthy fats, while canola is often less expensive.

Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.

Add chopped onion and bell pepper; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Stir in minced garlic and ginger; cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Add pork shoulder to the skillet; sear until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes.

Pour in soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar; stir to combine.

Add pineapple chunks and bring to a simmer.

Cover and reduce heat; braise for 1-1.5 hours until pork is tender.

Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry; stir into the pork mixture.

Cook for an additional 5 minutes until sauce thickens.

Season with black pepper and red pepper flakes to taste.

Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level: