Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe

Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound pork butt, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • Marinade:
    • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • teaspoon white sugar
    • 1 egg white
    • 2 green onions, chopped
  • Frying:
    • 1 quart vegetable oil for frying
    • cup cornstarch
  • Stir-Fried Vegetables:
    • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
    • 3 stalks celery, cut into -inch pieces
    • 1 medium green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
    • 1 medium onion, cut into wedges
    • 1 pinch white sugar, or to taste
    • Salt to taste
    • 1 cups water, divided
  • Sweet and Sour Sauce:
    • cup white sugar
    • cup apple cider vinegar
    • cup ketchup
    • teaspoon soy sauce
    • teaspoon salt
    • 1 (8-ounce) can pineapple chunks, undrained
    • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Directions:

  1. Place cubed pork in a medium bowl and season with soy sauce, salt, and sugar for the marinade. Add egg white and chopped green onions. Mix everything until well combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to marinate.
  2. Heat 1 quart of vegetable oil in a large, heavy saucepan or deep fryer until it reaches 365F (185C). Coat the marinated pork cubes with cornstarch and carefully fry them in the hot oil until they are evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain the pork on paper towels and set aside.
  3. In a wok or large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the celery, bell pepper, and onion. Stir-fry until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Season with a pinch of sugar and salt to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. In a large saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
  5. Once the sauce has reached a boil, stir in the cooked pork, the vegetable mixture, and the pineapple chunks along with their juice. Bring it back to a boil.
  6. In a small bowl, mix the remaining cup of water with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until smooth. Stir this mixture into the boiling sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the dish is heated through.
  7. Serve the sweet and sour pork hot, garnished with additional green onions if desired.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

  • Calories: 663
  • Total Fat: 35g (45% Daily Value)
  • Saturated Fat: 7g (34% Daily Value)
  • Cholesterol: 43mg (14% Daily Value)
  • Sodium: 1085mg (47% Daily Value)
  • Total Carbohydrates: 75g (27% Daily Value)
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g (8% Daily Value)
  • Total Sugars: 52g
  • Protein: 14g (28% Daily Value)
  • Vitamin C: 36mg (40% Daily Value)
  • Calcium: 57mg (4% Daily Value)
  • Iron: 2mg (8% Daily Value)
  • Potassium: 517mg (11% Daily Value)

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe

FAQ about Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat for the best texture. If the sauce thickens too much, you can add a splash of water to loosen it.

Yes, you can freeze Sweet and Sour Pork. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To reheat, defrost in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove. Be aware that the texture of the vegetables may change slightly after freezing.

Yes, you can substitute pork with chicken, beef, or tofu. For chicken, boneless thighs or breasts work well. If using tofu, make sure to press it to remove excess moisture before frying.

Yes, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the sauce to your preference. Some users recommend using 1/2 cup of sugar instead of the original 3/4 cup for a less sweet result.

If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, you can substitute it with rice vinegar, white vinegar, or even lemon juice. Keep in mind that the flavor may change slightly, but the dish will still be delicious.

It’s best to use fresh vegetables for the stir-fry to maintain their crunch and texture. Frozen vegetables may become mushy and alter the dish's texture, but if necessary, you can use them in a pinch.

Yes, the sweet and sour sauce can be made in advance. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reheat before using, and if it thickens, add a little water to reach the desired consistency.

A neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil or canola oil, is ideal for frying. These oils won’t affect the flavor of the dish and will allow the pork to fry evenly.

If you prefer to avoid deep frying, you can pan-fry the pork in a little oil or bake it in the oven. Baking at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes is a healthier alternative.

To add heat to the dish, you can include chili flakes, chopped fresh chilies, or a bit of hot sauce in the sauce mixture. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste.

Comments

Patrick Adams

08/07/2024 08:16:02 AM

Excellent experience overall. Here are a few suggestions: Avoid using frozen stir-fry vegetables as it alters the dish and doesn't capture the authentic Chinese-American sweet-and-sour flavor. Using 3/4 cups of sugar for a pound of pork makes it overly sweet; I found that using 1/2 cup was sufficient. To maintain a crunchy texture, refrain from overcooking the vegetables and just cook them until the peppers change color. Lastly, for efficiency, consider mixing the cornstarch with the sauce before boiling it.

Jack Gomez

09/28/2022 02:26:03 AM

I utilized the juice from canned pineapple, a sugar substitute, and pan-fried the meat. For my next attempt, I plan to use chicken instead. I topped it off with sesame seeds, while my husband prepared some brown rice.