Sweet and Sour Pork is a classic Chinese dish beloved for its vibrant colors and delightful balance of flavors. This dish combines crispy pork bites coated in a glossy sauce that perfectly blends sweetness and tanginess. Popular in Chinese restaurants worldwide, Sweet and Sour Pork is also easy to make at home, providing a delicious way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
To prepare Sweet and Sour Pork, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Pork:
- 500g pork tenderloin, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon flour
- Oil for frying
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
For the Vegetables:
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
- 1 small red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 small green bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 small onion, cut into chunks
Preparation and Serving Instructions
1. Marinate the Pork
- In a large bowl, mix the pork cubes with soy sauce and let it marinate for at least 20 minutes.
- Add the egg to the marinated pork and mix well. Then, add cornstarch and flour, ensuring the pork pieces are evenly coated.
2. Fry the Pork
- Heat oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat.
- Fry the pork pieces in batches until they are golden and crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes per batch.
- Remove the pork from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
3. Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine ketchup, white vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry for thickening the sauce.
- Pour the sauce mixture into a pan and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Gradually add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce, stirring constantly until it thickens to your desired consistency.
4. Cook the Vegetables
- In a large pan or wok, stir-fry the bell peppers and onion in a small amount of oil over medium heat until they are slightly tender but still crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the pineapple chunks to the pan and stir for an additional 2 minutes.
5. Combine and Serve
- Add the crispy pork pieces to the pan with the vegetables.
- Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the pork and vegetables, stirring everything together until evenly coated.
- Serve the Sweet and Sour Pork hot over a bed of steamed rice.
Tips for the Best Sweet and Sour Pork
- Crispy Pork: Ensure that the oil is hot enough before frying the pork. If the oil isn’t hot, the pork will absorb too much oil and become soggy.
- Balance the Flavors: Adjust the sweet and sour balance by tweaking the amount of sugar and vinegar in the sauce to suit your taste.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables to maintain the crispness that contrasts beautifully with the tender pork.
Variations
- Sweet and Sour Chicken: Substitute pork with chicken breast or thighs for a lighter version of this dish.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the pork with tofu or a mix of vegetables like zucchini, carrots, and mushrooms.
- Spicy Twist: Add some chopped chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Calorie Information
A serving of Sweet and Sour Pork typically contains around 400-500 calories. The exact calorie count will vary depending on portion size, frying oil absorption, and the specific ingredients used. To reduce calories, consider baking the pork instead of frying or using lean cuts of meat.
Conclusion
Sweet and Sour Pork is a delightful dish that combines crispy fried pork with a tangy, flavorful sauce, making it a family favorite. With this recipe, you can enjoy the authentic taste of this Chinese classic right at home. Whether you stick to the traditional method or try out some variations, Sweet and Sour Pork is sure to please any palate.
