Sweet & Sour Pork

Tips:
Pork shoulder or butt is available both bone-in or boneless and typically sold in portions significantly larger than 1 pound--3 to 5 pounds. To get the amount you need for this recipe, ask the butcher to start with 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 pounds before trimming to make sure you get 1 pound of trimmed boneless pork shoulder or butt. Or buy a larger portion and freeze the rest for another use.

If you're making this with canned pineapple, you can use 2 tablespoons juice from the can.

To season your wok the traditional way: Scrub a new carbon-steel wok with hot water, soap and a scouring pad to remove the factory coating. Rinse and dry thoroughly. Heat the wok over high heat until a bead of water vaporizes within 1 to 2 seconds. Swirl 2 tablespoons peanut oil or vegetable oil into the pan. Add 1/2 cup sliced unpeeled fresh ginger and 1 bunch scallions cut into 2-inch pieces. Reduce the heat to medium and stir-fry the mixture, pressing it into the sides of the wok as you go. Keep stir-frying and pressing the seasonings all over the wok for about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool. (Discard the scallions and ginger.)

Note: Shao Hsing (or Shao xing) is a seasoned rice wine. It is available at most Asian specialty markets and in the Asian section of some larger supermarkets. If unavailable, dry sherry is the best substitute.

People with celiac disease or gluten-sensitivity should use soy sauces that are labeled "gluten-free," as soy sauce may contain wheat or other gluten-containing sweeteners and flavors.