Craving that classic Chinese takeout favorite? Look no further! This Sweet and Sour Pork recipe delivers all the tangy, savory, and sweet flavors you adore, but with a homemade touch that’s surprisingly easy to achieve. Forget the questionable ingredients and excess oil – our step-by-step guide ensures a restaurant-quality Sweet and Sour Pork dish right in your own kitchen. This recipe will walk you through every detail, from preparing the perfectly crispy pork to whipping up a vibrant, flavorful sauce. Get ready to impress your family and friends with your newfound culinary skills!
[Image of perfectly plated Sweet and Sour Pork with a side of rice here. Alt text: Delicious Sweet and Sour Pork served with white rice]
Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe Overview
Before we dive into the ingredients and instructions, let’s take a quick look at the essentials for making this amazing Sweet and Sour Pork.
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 25 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 30 minutes |
| Servings | 4 servings |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)
This is an approximate calculation and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 450-550
- Protein: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
- Fat: 20-30g
Sweet and Sour Pork Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delightful Sweet and Sour Pork. Be sure to have these ingredients handy before you start cooking. This Sweet and Sour Pork uses common ingredients you can find in most supermarkets.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pork Loin | 1 pound, cut into 1-inch cubes | Lean pork loin is recommended. |
| Soy Sauce | 1 tablespoon | Low sodium is preferred. |
| Rice Wine (or Dry Sherry) | 1 tablespoon | Adds depth of flavor. |
| Egg | 1 large | For binding the coating. |
| Cornstarch | 1/2 cup | For coating and thickening the sauce. |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1/4 cup | Helps create a crispy coating. |
| Vegetable Oil | For frying | Canola or peanut oil also works well. |
| Pineapple Chunks | 1 cup, fresh or canned (drained) | Adds the signature sweetness. |
| Bell Peppers (Red, Green, or Yellow) | 1 cup, cut into 1-inch pieces | Adds color and crunch. |
| Onion | 1/2 cup, cut into 1-inch pieces | Adds savory flavor. |
| Ketchup | 1/4 cup | The base of the sweet and sour flavor. |
| White Vinegar | 1/4 cup | Adds the tang. |
| Sugar | 1/4 cup | Balances the acidity. |
| Soy Sauce (for sauce) | 1 tablespoon | Adds umami to the sauce. |
| Water | 1/2 cup | To thin the sauce. |
| Ginger | 1 teaspoon, minced | Adds warmth and aroma. |
| Garlic | 1 teaspoon, minced | Adds pungent flavor. |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste | For seasoning. |
Cooking Instructions
- Marinate the Pork: In a medium bowl, combine the pork cubes with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of rice wine (or dry sherry). Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. This step helps tenderize the pork and infuse it with flavor, creating a more delicious Sweet and Sour Pork.
- Prepare the Coating: In another bowl, whisk together the egg. In a separate bowl, combine the cornstarch and flour.
- Coat the Pork: Dip each pork cube into the egg mixture, then dredge it in the cornstarch and flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. This creates a crispy barrier that will help the pork stay juicy during frying, an essential element of great Sweet and Sour Pork.
- Fry the Pork: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. The oil should be deep enough to partially submerge the pork. Carefully add the coated pork cubes to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- Cook Until Golden Brown: Fry the pork for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the pork with a slotted spoon and place it on a wire rack to drain excess oil. The wire rack is important to prevent the pork from getting soggy.
- Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the ketchup, white vinegar, sugar, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and water. Add the minced ginger and garlic.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce and stir until the sauce thickens. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes.
- Add Vegetables and Pineapple: Add the pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and onion to the thickened sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly tender-crisp.
- Combine Pork and Sauce: Add the fried pork to the saucepan with the sweet and sour sauce and vegetables. Toss to coat the pork evenly with the sauce.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the Sweet and Sour Pork immediately over white rice or fried rice. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions, if desired. Enjoy this homemade Sweet and Sour Pork!
Serving Suggestions
Sweet and Sour Pork is delicious served with:
- White rice or brown rice
- Fried rice
- Steamed broccoli or other green vegetables
- Egg rolls or spring rolls
Tips and Notes for Perfect Sweet and Sour Pork
Here are some extra tips to help you make the best Sweet and Sour Pork ever:
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh pineapple, bell peppers, and onions will provide the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: When frying the pork, work in batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature, which can result in soggy pork.
- Adjust the sweetness and sourness: Taste the sauce and adjust the amount of sugar and vinegar to your preference.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before adding the fried pork.
- Crispy Pork Secret: For extra crispy pork, double-fry it! Fry the pork once, let it rest for a few minutes, then fry it again for a minute or two before adding it to the sauce.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the pork with fried tofu for a vegetarian version of this recipe.
- Chicken Variation: You can easily adapt this recipe to use chicken breast or thighs instead of pork.
This Sweet and Sour Pork recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors, it’s a dish that everyone will love. The crispy pork and vibrant sauce are a winning combination, making it a satisfying and delicious meal. And, because you made it yourself, you know exactly what’s in it! So, ditch the takeout menu and try this recipe tonight. You won’t be disappointed!
The key to perfect Sweet and Sour Pork lies in the balance of flavors. Don’t be afraid to adjust the sugar and vinegar to your liking. Also, ensure the pork is cooked through and crispy, as this will greatly enhance the overall experience of the Sweet and Sour Pork dish. Experiment with different vegetables to customize the recipe to your preferences. Some popular additions include carrots, snap peas, and water chestnuts.
Remember, practice makes perfect. The first time you make Sweet and Sour Pork, don’t be discouraged if it’s not exactly like your favorite restaurant version. Keep tweaking the recipe and experimenting with different techniques until you achieve the perfect result. With a little patience and effort, you’ll be able to create a Sweet and Sour Pork dish that’s even better than takeout!
Sweet and Sour Pork is more than just a dish; it’s an experience. The combination of textures and flavors creates a symphony in your mouth that is both satisfying and addictive. From the crispy pork to the tangy sauce, every element of this dish is perfectly balanced to create a culinary masterpiece. So, gather your ingredients, follow our easy-to-follow instructions, and get ready to enjoy the best Sweet and Sour Pork you’ve ever had!
Enjoy this classic Chinese dish! This Sweet and Sour Pork is sure to become a family favorite.
