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Sweet Jalapeno Pork

Featured in Hearty Main Courses.

Coat thinly sliced pork and jalapenos in egg and breadcrumbs, fry until crispy, then toss in a simple sauce made with soy, brown sugar, garlic and ginger. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
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Ranah
Updated on Mon, 31 Mar 2025 20:04:37 GMT
A plate of food with rice and meat. Pin it
A plate of food with rice and meat. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

Thinly sliced pork and fresh jalapeños fried until golden and crispy, then generously coated in a sweet, garlicky spice sauce creates a mouthwatering dish that comes together quickly and won't break the bank. The combination of tender meat with the slight kick from jalapeños creates a perfect balance that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

I first made this recipe when I had a surplus of jalapeños from my garden last summer. My husband, who typically approaches spicy foods with caution, went back for thirds and has requested it regularly ever since. The beauty of this dish is how it transforms everyday ingredients into something that feels special enough for company.

Ingredients for Sweet Jalapeño Pork

  • Pork Butt/Shoulder: This marbled cut stays tender and juicy even after frying. The natural richness of pork butt perfectly complements the spicy-sweet elements in the dish.
  • Fresh Jalapeños: The star ingredient that provides both heat and a fresh, green flavor. Leave seeds in for maximum impact or remove for milder taste.
  • Breadcrumbs: Regular seasoned breadcrumbs create a thinner, more delicate coating that complements rather than overpowers the pork.
  • Garlic: Fresh minced garlic creates the aromatic base for the sauce. There's simply no substitute for the depth it brings.
  • Soy Sauce: Provides the salty, umami foundation of the sauce. Use low-sodium varieties to better control the final salt level.
  • Brown Sugar: Creates the sweet component that balances the heat from the jalapeños. Dark brown sugar works best.
  • Rice Vinegar: A splash adds the necessary brightness that cuts through the richness of the fried pork.
  • Toasted Sesame Seeds: These add a nutty finish and delightful texture contrast.
  • Green Onions: Their fresh bite and color make the perfect garnish.
A plate of food with rice and meat. Pin it
A plate of food with rice and meat. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

How to Make Sweet Jalapeño Pork

Step 1:
Slice pork against the grain into 1/8-inch strips. Freeze for 20-30 minutes if difficult to slice.
Step 2:
Cut jalapeños into 1/4-inch rings (keep seeds for spice or remove for milder flavor).
Step 3:
Combine breadcrumbs with garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Step 4:
Whisk eggs with water to create a thin batter for coating.
Step 5:
Dip pork and jalapeños in egg, then breadcrumb mixture.
Step 6:
Fry pork in 350°F oil for 2-3 minutes until golden, then jalapeños for 1-2 minutes.
Step 7:
Simmer sauce ingredients (brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar) until thickened.
Step 8:
Toss fried pork and jalapeños with sauce, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

The Secret to Perfect Frying

The key to getting this dish right is maintaining proper oil temperature. Too hot, and the coating burns before the pork cooks through; too cool, and the breading absorbs too much oil and becomes soggy. Watch for visual cues: the oil should bubble steadily around the meat, not violently or barely at all.

Why Breadcrumbs Work Better Than Panko

Traditional breadcrumbs create a thinner, more delicate coating that complements the thin slices of pork perfectly. Panko creates too thick a crust that can overshadow the meat in this recipe.

My mother-in-law was skeptical about jalapeños until she tried this dish. Now she grows them specifically for this recipe.

A plate of food with rice and meat. Pin it
A plate of food with rice and meat. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

Perfect Pairings

While delicious with steamed rice, try pairing with cucumber salad or stir-fried bok choy. Leftovers make incredible sandwiches on crusty bread.

Sweet Jalapeño Pork has become one of those recipes my family requests regularly. The dish brings together everything I love about cooking - simple ingredients, balanced flavors, and happy faces at the table.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How spicy is this dish?
The heat level is moderate with fresh jalapenos. For a milder version, remove seeds and membranes from the jalapenos before slicing. For extra heat, keep the chili flakes in the sauce.
→ Can I use a different cut of pork?
Yes! While pork shoulder is recommended, pork butt or tenderloin work great too. Just make sure to slice it thinly for quick cooking and maximum crispiness.
→ Is there a way to make this without frying?
You could try baking the breaded pork and jalapenos at 425°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The texture won't be quite as crispy, but it'll still be delicious.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh while the pork is crispy. If needed, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and fry the pork just before serving to maintain the texture.
→ What sides go well with this dish?
Steamed rice is perfect for soaking up the sauce. For a complete meal, add a simple vegetable like steamed broccoli, bok choy, or a cucumber salad on the side.

Crispy Sweet & Spicy Pork

Thinly sliced pork and jalapenos fried until golden, then tossed in a sticky sweet-savory sauce with garlic, ginger and sesame. Ready in just 30 minutes!

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Ranah

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: North American

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ For the Pork

01 1 pound pork shoulder, sliced thinly (pork butt or pork tenderloin will work too)
02 3-4 large jalapenos, sliced 1/4 inch thick
03 2 cups seasoned breadcrumbs
04 1/2 cup cornstarch
05 1 large egg, whisked
06 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
07 1/4 teaspoon salt
08 4 cups vegetable oil

→ For the Sauce

09 2 tablespoons olive oil
10 3 cloves garlic, minced
11 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
12 1/2 teaspoon dried red chili flakes, optional
13 1/2 cup light soy sauce
14 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
15 1/2 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
16 2 teaspoons sesame seeds, toasted
17 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions

Step 01

Whisk together the cornstarch and breadcrumbs in a bowl and set aside.

Step 02

Add the thinly sliced pork and jalapenos to a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg with salt and pepper, then pour over the pork and jalapenos. Toss until everything is coated with egg. Transfer to the breadcrumb mixture and toss until well coated.

Step 03

Heat vegetable oil to 350°F in a deep skillet. Fry the breaded pork and jalapenos in batches until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Don't overcrowd the oil. Once fried, transfer to a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain.

Step 04

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Add the dried chili flakes, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, half the sesame seeds, and half the green onions. Stir to combine and bring to a low boil. Keep stirring and cook until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 05

Add the fried pork and jalapenos to the skillet with the thickened sauce. Toss until everything is well coated. Plate and garnish with the remaining sesame seeds and green onions.

Notes

  1. Different cuts of pork work well in this recipe - pork shoulder, pork butt, or pork tenderloin are all good choices.
  2. This is an inexpensive yet flavorful dinner option that's ready in just 30 minutes.
  3. For less heat, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapenos before slicing.

Tools You'll Need

  • Deep skillet or frying pan
  • Large skillet for sauce
  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Paper towels
  • Cooking thermometer (for oil temperature)

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains gluten (breadcrumbs)
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains soy (soy sauce)
  • Contains sesame seeds

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 534
  • Total Fat: 26 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 58 g
  • Protein: 18 g