Caramel-Braised Pork

INGREDIENTS

• 2 lb. boneless pork shoulder roast, cut into 2 1/2- to 3-inch cubes
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 1 Tbs. vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup plus 2 Tbs. sugar
• 1 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
• 2 Tbs. water
• 2 Tbs. plus 2 tsp. soy sauce
• 2 Tbs. plus 2 tsp. fish sauce
• 1 cup diced pineapple (1/4-inch cubes), plus residual juices
• 1/4 cup sake
• 1 Tbs. coarsely ground pepper
• 2 pieces fresh ginger, each 1 inch thick, peeled
• 1 sweet potato, about 9 1/2 oz., peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 2 green onions, white portion only, with root end attached
• 1 green onion, white and green portions, julienned
• Steamed white rice for serving