Ingredients

For the Pork:

• 1 pound pork butt, cut into 1-inch cubes

For the Marinade:

• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon white sugar
• 1 egg white
• 2 green onions, chopped

For Frying:

• 1 quart vegetable oil for frying
• ½ cup cornstarch

For Stir-Fried Vegetables:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 3 stalks celery, cut into ½-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

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

• 1 ¼ cups water, divided
• ¾ cup white sugar
• ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup ketchup
• ½ teaspoon soy sauce
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 (8-ounce) can pineapple chunks, undrained
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Steps to Make Sweet and Sour Pork

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Step 1: Marinate the Pork

1. In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, salt, white sugar, egg white, and chopped green onions.
2. Add the pork cubes to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and let the pork marinate in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, white sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, and salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
2. Add the undrained pineapple chunks, including the juice, to the saucepan. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
3. In a small bowl, mix the remaining ¼ cup of water with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to create a slurry.
4. Gradually add the cornstarch slurry to the saucepan, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Fry the Pork

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
2. Remove the pork from the marinade and coat each piece with cornstarch, shaking off any excess.
3. Carefully place the pork pieces into the hot oil in small batches. Fry for 4–5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
4. Remove the pork with a slotted spoon and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the celery, green bell pepper, and onion to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
3. Season with a pinch of white sugar and salt to taste.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

1. Add the fried pork to the skillet with the stir-fried vegetables. Toss to combine.
2. Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the pork and vegetables, stirring gently to coat everything evenly.
3. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fat: 18g
• Sugar: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 720mg

Why This Recipe is Timeless

Sweet and sour pork’s enduring popularity lies in its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The tanginess of the vinegar, the sweetness of the sugar and pineapple, and the savory richness of the pork create a harmony that appeals to diverse palates.

This dish is also a celebration of culinary technique. From marinating the pork to achieve tender, flavorful bites to achieving a crispy crust through frying, each step showcases the art of cooking. The colorful medley of stir-fried vegetables adds visual appeal and enhances the dish’s nutritional value.

Sweet and sour pork has also become a cultural ambassador, introducing global diners to the joys of Chinese cuisine. It has adapted beautifully to different tastes and ingredients, making it a versatile and accessible dish for home cooks.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different protein instead of pork?

Yes! Sweet and sour sauce pairs well with chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

2. Can I make this dish in advance?

You can prepare the sauce and fry the pork in advance. However, it’s best to combine the components just before serving to maintain the pork’s crispiness.

3. Can I bake the pork instead of frying?

While frying provides the crispiest texture, you can bake the pork at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes after coating it in cornstarch. Brush the pork lightly with oil before baking for better results.

4. Is there a substitute for apple cider vinegar?

White vinegar or rice vinegar can be used as a substitute, though the flavor may vary slightly.

Tips for Perfect Sweet and Sour Pork

1. Cut Uniform Pieces: Ensure the pork and vegetables are cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
2. Maintain Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to keep the oil at the right temperature for frying. Too low, and the pork will absorb oil; too high, and it may burn.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the pork in small batches to maintain the oil’s heat and ensure crispy results.
4. Customize the Sauce: Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce to your liking by varying the sugar and vinegar amounts.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to maintain texture.
2. Freezing: The fried pork can be frozen separately in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before combining with fresh vegetables and sauce.

Conclusion: A Dish Worth Savoring

Sweet and sour pork is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of balance, tradition, and flavor. It brings together the crunch of golden fried pork, the vibrant freshness of stir-fried vegetables, and the luscious tang of sweet and sour sauce to create a dish that’s as delightful to eat as it is to prepare.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish will never fail to impress. Its bright colors and bold flavors make it a standout on any table, while its timeless appeal ensures it remains a beloved favorite for generations.

So, roll up your sleeves, fire up your wok, and bring the magic of sweet and sour pork to your kitchen. With each bite, you’ll taste the harmony of flavors and the love that goes into creating this classic dish. Enjoy it with loved ones and savor the joy it brings. Happy cooking!