Pork in sweet and sour sauce is a delightful dish that balances tangy, sweet, and savory flavors. It’s perfect over rice or noodles and makes for a satisfying meal. Here’s a recipe to create this classic dish:
Ingredients
For the Pork:
- 1.5 lbs (675 g) pork tenderloin or pork loin, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar or white vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup diced pineapple (optional, for added texture)
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
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Prepare the Pork:
- In a bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge the pork pieces in the flour mixture, then dip them into the beaten eggs, and coat again with the flour mixture.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. You need enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan.
- Fry the pork in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
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Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, and pineapple juice. Stir until well combined.
- Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry and add it to the sauce mixture. Stir well.
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Cook the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet or wok, add a tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
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Combine and Simmer:
- Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the cooked vegetables.
- Stir and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Allow the sauce to cook for a few minutes until it starts to thicken.
- If using pineapple chunks, add them to the sauce and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
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Add the Pork:
- Add the fried pork pieces to the skillet and toss to coat them well with the sauce. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the pork is heated through and well-coated with the sauce.
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Serve:
- Serve the sweet and sour pork over cooked rice or noodles.
- Garnish with additional chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Tips
- Pork Alternatives: You can also use chicken or tofu if you prefer a different protein.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like snap peas or carrots for more variety.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat before adding to the vegetables.
Enjoy your sweet and sour pork with its perfect balance of flavors and textures!
