Recipes
Back to all recipes

Asian

Sweet and Sour Pork

Sweet and Sour Pork is a beloved dish in Asian cuisine, celebrated for its vibrant flavors and appealing textures. The crispy-coated pork chunks enveloped in a tangy, sweet, and slightly tart sauce make every bite irresistible. Perfect for family dinners or special gatherings, this dish brings a lively mix of flavors that both kids and adults love.

Originating from Cantonese cuisine, Sweet and Sour Pork gained popularity worldwide thanks to its eye-catching presentation and delicious taste. Its name reflects the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, crafted from a colorful medley of bell peppers, pineapple, and a flavorful sauce. Over the years, it has become a staple in Chinese restaurants around the globe, cherished for its satisfying crunch and lively sauce.

Prep time: 15 minCook time: 20 minTotal time: 35 minCalories: 450 kcal

Sweet-and-sour pork.jpg by Lusheeta~commonswiki is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

Ingredients

  • 1 lb pork loin or tenderloin, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced (red or green)
  • 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
  • 1/2 cup onion, sliced
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 3 tbsp ketchup
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch, mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, season the pork pieces with salt and pepper. Dip each piece into beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with cornstarch.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the pork pieces in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, sugar, water, and cornstarch mixture to make the sweet and sour sauce.
  4. Remove excess oil from the pan, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Sauté onion and bell peppers until slightly tender, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Add pineapple chunks to the vegetables and cook for another 1 minute.
  6. Pour the prepared sauce into the pan with vegetables and pineapple. Bring to a boil and cook until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
  7. Add the fried pork to the sauce and toss gently to coat all pieces evenly.
  8. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to ensure the pork is heated through and coated with sauce.
  9. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.