Dinner tonight: sweet-and-sour pork lo mein

Lo mein, the popular Chinese noodle dish, gets a shot of flavour with a sweet-and-sour sauce in this simple version. Use canned pineapple chunks for convenience. Cashews round out the dish with a bit of salty crunch.

Preparation time 15 minutes 

Cooking time 20 minutes 

Serves 4

• 225 g (8 oz) lo mein noodles or fettuccine
• 500 g (1 lb) pork tenderloin, cut crosswise into 0.5 cm (1/4 in) thick strips
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) cornstarch, divided
• 1 can (225 g/8 oz) pineapple chunks in juice, drained with juice reserved
• 50 ml (1/4 c) rice vinegar
• 50 ml (1/4 c) sugar
• 50 ml (1/4 c) ketchup
• 22 ml (1 1/2 tbsp) soy sauce
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) canola oil, divided
• 500 ml (2 c) sliced mushrooms
• 250 ml (1 c) snow peas, trimmed
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) peeled grated fresh ginger
• 125 ml (1/2 c) chopped green onions
• 175 ml (3/4 c) roasted salted cashews

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions.
2. Combine the pork and 15 millilitres (one tablespoon) of the cornstarch in a large bowl.
3. Combine the reserved pineapple juice, vinegar, sugar, ketchup and soy sauce in a small bowl; mix well.
4. Heat 15 millilitres (one tablespoon) of the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork and cook until no longer pink, three to four minutes. Transfer the pork to a plate and return the skillet to the stove.
5. Heat the remaining 15 millilitres (one tablespoon) oil and add the mushrooms, snow peas and ginger, and cook, stirring often, until crisp-tender, four to five minutes. Add the pineapple cubes and green onions and cook for 30 seconds. Add the pork and cashews and cook until hot, one minute.
6. Add the ketchup mixture, bring to a boil and cook until thick, one minute. Add the noodles and cook until hot, one to two minutes. Serve immediately.

To save a few minutes of prep time, try using 500 millilitres (two cups) frozen vegetables cut specifically for stir-fries. Any combination will work just fine.