Tropical Ham Delight: Sweet & Sour Pepper Stir Fry 🍍🌶️

Ham and Peppers Stir Fry with Sweet and Sour Sauce 🍍🌶️

Overview:

Name: Ham and Peppers Stir Fry with Sweet and Sour Sauce
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Description:

We call this dish “Ham and Peppers” for its starring ingredients, but it’s also packed with the sweetness of pineapple and the savory kick of onions. This recipe is not just a fantastic way to utilize leftover ham, but it’s a flavorful journey that has evolved over the years to suit our tastes. We prefer our ham and onions slightly browned, with peppers that are crisp yet tender. Enjoy this delightful stir fry over a bed of steamed rice, adding soy sauce to taste. Just a note: this dish is at its best when freshly made, as it tends to lose a bit of its magic upon reheating. But trust us, there’s rarely any left to reheat!

Ingredients:

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delectable Ham and Peppers Stir Fry with Sweet and Sour Sauce:

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 387
• Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8.1g
• Cholesterol: 78.7mg
• Sodium: 722.2mg
• Carbohydrates: 35.4g
  • Fiber: 1.4g
  • Sugar: 28.1g
• Protein: 20.7g

Instructions:

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful Ham and Peppers Stir Fry with Sweet and Sour Sauce:

1. Prepare the Sauce:

   • Start by stirring the cornstarch with about 2 or 3 tablespoons of the chicken broth in a small bowl.
   • Once the cornstarch is dissolved and smooth, add in the remaining sauce ingredients and set the mixture aside.

2. Brown the Ham:

   • In a skillet or wok, melt 1/3 of the butter over moderately high heat.
   • Add the cooked ham and sauté until it begins to brown.
   • Remove the ham from the skillet/wok and set it aside.

3. Sauté Onions and Peppers:

   • Melt another 1/3 of the butter in the same skillet or wok.
   • Sauté the chopped onions until they start to soften and become translucent.
   • Add the sliced bell peppers and the remaining 1/3 of butter to the skillet/wok.
   • Once the onions have a lovely golden-brown color, add back the ham along with the pineapple chunks and tidbits (juice included).

4. Add the Sauce:

   • Stir the sauce mixture in the small bowl to ensure it’s smooth.
   • Pour the sauce into the skillet/wok with the ham, peppers, and onions.
   • Increase the heat and stir until the sauce begins to bubble.

5. Thicken and Finish:

   • Reduce the heat to medium and continue stirring for a minute or two, allowing the cornstarch to fully cook.
   • If the sauce is too thick for your liking, you can gently thin it out with a little water or more chicken broth.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

   • This Ham and Peppers Stir Fry with Sweet and Sour Sauce is best served immediately.
   • Scoop generous portions over steamed rice.
   • For those who love a bit of heat, sprinkle some dried hot red pepper flakes over the top for an extra zing!

🍍🌶️ Serving Suggestions:

• Steamed Rice: Fluffy, white steamed rice makes the perfect base for this flavorful stir fry.
• Garnish: A sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions can add a pop of color and texture.
• Side of Veggies: Pair this dish with steamed broccoli, snow peas, or bok choy for a complete meal.

🍲 Recipe Notes:

• Leftovers: While this stir fry is best enjoyed fresh, any leftovers can be refrigerated for up to two days. Reheating might result in slightly softer peppers, but the flavors will still be fantastic.
• Customize: Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking. Add more veggies like snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms for extra variety.
• Sauce Consistency: Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more or less cornstarch mixture. Aim for a glossy, coating consistency.

🥢 Dive into Flavor!

With its blend of sweet pineapple, savory ham, crunchy peppers, and tangy sauce, this Ham and Peppers Stir Fry with Sweet and Sour Sauce is a delightful symphony of flavors and textures. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful lunch, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy! 🍍🌶️