Authentic Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe: How to Make This Classic Chinese Dish at Home

Introduction

Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe is a quintessential dish in Chinese cuisine, celebrated for its vibrant balance of tangy and sweet flavors. This popular dish features crispy pork pieces coated in a glossy, flavorful sauce made from vinegar, sugar, and a touch of soy sauce. While it’s often enjoyed in restaurants, making Sweet and Sour Pork at home allows you to achieve that perfect combination of crispy texture and sweet-tangy sauce. Follow this guide to recreate this classic Chinese favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients

To prepare Sweet and Sour Pork, you will need:

• Pork loin or tenderloin (1 pound): Cut into bite-sized cubes.
• Cornstarch (1/2 cup): For coating the pork to achieve a crispy texture.
• Vegetable oil (for frying): For deep frying the pork.
• Green bell pepper (1 medium): Cut into chunks.
• Red bell pepper (1 medium): Cut into chunks.
• Onion (1 medium): Cut into chunks.
• Pineapple chunks (1 cup): Fresh or canned, drained.
• Garlic (2 cloves): Minced.
• Ginger (1 tablespoon): Freshly grated or minced.

For the Sauce:

• Rice vinegar (1/4 cup): Adds the tangy flavor.
• Sugar (1/4 cup): Balances the acidity of the vinegar.
• Ketchup (1/4 cup): Provides sweetness and a rich tomato flavor.
• Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds depth and umami.
• Water (1/4 cup): To thin the sauce.
• Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Mixed with water to create a slurry for thickening.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pork
   • Cut the Pork: Trim any excess fat from the pork and cut it into bite-sized cubes.
   • Coat the Pork: Place the pork cubes in a bowl and toss with 1/2 cup of cornstarch until evenly coated. This coating helps to create a crispy texture during frying.
2. Fry the Pork
   • Heat the Oil: In a large, deep skillet or wok, heat enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan over medium-high heat.
   • Fry the Pork: Carefully add the coated pork cubes to the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook until the pork is golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove the pork with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
3. Prepare the Sauce
   • Mix the Sauce Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the rice vinegar, sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, and water. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
   • Make the Slurry: In a separate small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. This will thicken the sauce.
4. Cook the Vegetables
   • Stir-Fry the Aromatics: In the same pan used for frying the pork, add a bit more oil if needed. Add the minced garlic, ginger, and chunks of onion. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant.
   • Add the Bell Peppers: Add the green and red bell peppers and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
5. Combine Everything
   • Add the Pineapple: Add the pineapple chunks to the pan with the vegetables.
   • Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the pan, stirring to combine.
   • Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
6. Add the Pork
   • Combine the Pork and Sauce: Return the crispy pork cubes to the pan and toss gently to coat them evenly with the sauce and vegetables.
   • Heat Through: Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the pork to heat through and absorb some of the sauce’s flavors.
7. Serve
   • Plate and Enjoy: Serve the Sweet and Sour Pork hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with additional green onions if desired.

Tips for Success

• Maintain Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the pork to achieve a crispy texture. If the oil is too cool, the pork will become greasy rather than crispy.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and pineapple contribute to a better flavor and texture in the dish.
• Adjust the Sweetness and Tartness: Modify the amount of sugar and vinegar according to your taste preference to achieve the desired balance of sweet and sour.

Conclusion

Making Sweet and Sour Pork at home is a fun and rewarding way to enjoy a classic Chinese dish with a perfect balance of flavors. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can create a delicious, crispy pork stir-fry that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or hosting a gathering, this homemade Sweet and Sour Pork will bring the vibrant taste of Chinese cuisine to your table. Enjoy the delightful combination of crispy pork, tangy sauce, and fresh vegetables!