Elevate your dinner with this classic Sweet and Sour Pork recipe! This dish transforms simple ingredients into a delightful combination of savory and tangy flavors, perfect for a family meal or entertaining guests.

sweet and sour pork in a black bowl with chopsticks

Why You'll Love This Perfect Pork Dish

Quick. Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
Effortless. Minimal preparation for a no-fuss cooking experience.
Incredibly Tasty. The sweet and sour sauce combined with tender pork pieces creates an irresistible flavor explosion.
Versatile. Perfect for serving over rice, noodles, or as a standalone dish with vegetables.

What Is Sweet And Sour Pork?

Sweet and Sour Pork is a popular Chinese dish featuring crispy fried pork pieces tossed in a vibrant, tangy sauce made from vinegar, sugar, and ketchup. It’s often served with bell peppers, pineapples, and onions, creating a delicious blend of flavors and textures.

Is Sweet And Sour Pork Authentic Chinese Food?

Sweet and Sour Pork is a dish with deep Chinese roots, particularly in Cantonese cuisine. While it has been adapted for Western palates, its core concept of combining sweet and tangy flavors is authentically Chinese.

However, the versions served in Western countries may not always be representative of traditional Chinese recipes.

How Do I Make My Pork Tender?

To ensure your sweet and sour pork is tender and delicious, start by selecting the right cut of pork, such as pork shoulder or pork tenderloin.

When ready to cook, coat the marinated pork pieces lightly in cornstarch or flour, which will help achieve a crisp exterior when fried. Fry the pork quickly in hot oil to seal in the juices

Ingredients You'll Need

For The Pork

Pork tenderloin- The main protein of the dish.
Cornstarch- Used to coat the pork, creating a crispy exterior.
Egg- Acts as a binder, helping the cornstarch adhere to the pork pieces.
Vegetable Oil- For frying the pork to golden perfection.

The Sauce

Ketchup- Provides the base for the sweet and sour sauce.
Rice Vinegar- Adds a tangy note that balances the sweetness.
Sugar- Sweetens the sauce, creating a perfect sweet and sour balance.
Soy Sauce- Adds a savory depth to the sauce.
Pineapple Juice- Enhances the sweetness and adds a tropical touch.
Cornstarch Slurry- Thickens the sauce to coat the pork perfectly.

Vegetables

Bell Peppers- Adds color and crunch to the dish.
Pineapple Chunks- Adds sweetness and complements the tangy sauce.
Onion- Adds a savory element that balances the overall flavor.

How To Make Sweet And Sour Pork

Prep the Pork. Cut the pork tenderloin into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, mix the pork pieces with the egg until well coated. Dredge the pork in cornstarch, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
Fry the Pork. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the pork pieces for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Prepare the Sauce. In a saucepan, combine ketchup, rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 3-5 minutes. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry and add to the sauce, stirring until thickened.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables. In a separate skillet, stir-fry bell peppers, pineapple chunks, and onion for 5 minutes until tender-crisp.
Combine Everything. Add the fried pork to the stir-fried vegetables. Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the top and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Serve. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

sweet and sour pork in a dish with chopsticks

Tips And Tricks

Making sweet and sour pork at home can be both enjoyable and rewarding. Here are some tips and tricks to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time:

Choose the Right Cut of Pork. Pork shoulder or pork tenderloin are ideal cuts. Pork shoulder has a bit more fat, which adds flavor and keeps the meat juicy, while tenderloin is leaner and naturally tender.
Coating the Pork. Before frying, coat the marinated pork pieces lightly in cornstarch or a mixture of cornstarch and flour. This creates a crispy exterior when fried and helps the sauce adhere better.
Frying Technique. Fry the pork in hot oil to ensure a crispy coating. Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy pork.

Variations

Sweet and sour pork is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some creative variations to try:

Sweet and Sour Chicken- Substitute pork with boneless chicken breast or thighs. Prepare and cook the chicken in the same way as the pork for a lighter, yet equally delicious, version.
Sweet and Sour Tofu- For a vegetarian option, use firm tofu. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut into cubes. Coat in cornstarch and fry until golden and crispy before adding to the sauce.
Sweet and Sour Shrimp- Use large shrimp instead of pork. Peel and devein the shrimp, then coat with cornstarch and fry until crispy. The cooking time will be shorter since shrimp cook quickly.

What To Eat With Sweet And Sour Pork

Pair your Sweet and Sour Pork with these delicious sides:

Steamed Rice- The perfect base to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Fried Rice- Adds extra flavor and texture to the meal.
Summer Rolls- For a fresh, savory appetizer.

How Long Does It Last?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through before serving.

Can You Freeze It?

Yes, you can freeze Sweet and Sour Pork. Store the pork and sauce separately in airtight containers. Freeze the pork for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and combining.

More Pork Dishes

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Sweet And Sour Pork Recipe | Chinese Sweet And Sour Pork