Sweet and Sour Pork Loin

by
Pin
Share
Tweet

This post may contain affiliate links learn more

 

 

Sweet and Sour Pork Loin is a beloved dish that perfectly balances the tangy flavors of vinegar with the sweetness of sugar. This dish originates from Chinese cuisine but has found its way into kitchens all around the world due to its delicious flavor profile and ease of preparation. The pork loin is marinated, coated with a light batter, fried to a crisp, and then coated in a glossy, flavorful sweet and sour sauce. This recipe makes for a wonderful weeknight meal or a festive dish for special occasions.

In this recipe, we will guide you step by step to achieve crispy pork with a perfect balance of sweetness and sourness in the sauce.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Pork Loin:

  • Pork Loin: 500g
  • Green Onion: 1 stalk, finely chopped
  • Ginger: 10g, sliced
  • Cooking Wine: 1 tbsp
  • Salt: to taste
  • Soy Sauce: 1 tbsp
  • Corn Starch: 80g
  • Water: 60ml (for batter)
  • Vegetable Oil: 1 tbsp (for frying)

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

  • Olive Oil: 1 tbsp
  • Vinegar: 2 tbsp
  • Cooking Wine: 1 tbsp
  • White Sugar: 4 tbsp
  • Dark Soy Sauce: 1/4 tsp
  • Water: 100ml (for sauce)
  • Corn Starch: 1 tbsp (for thickening)
  • Water: 2 tbsp (for sauce thickening mixture)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Loin

  1. Slice the Pork: Cut the 500g pork loin into thin strips or small bite-sized pieces, depending on your preference.
  2. Marinate the Pork: In a bowl, combine the pork with 10g sliced ginger, 1 tbsp cooking wine, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and a pinch of salt. Let the pork marinate for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter and Fry the Pork

  1. Prepare the Batter: In a bowl, mix 80g corn starch with 60ml water to form a smooth batter. This will give the pork a light coating when fried.
  2. Heat the Oil: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium heat.
  3. Fry the Pork: Dip each piece of marinated pork into the batter, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Fry the pork pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until the pork turns golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and drain on a paper towel.

Step 3: Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce

  1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a separate pan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add Vinegar and Sugar: Add 2 tbsp vinegar, 1 tbsp cooking wine, 4 tbsp white sugar, and 1/4 tsp dark soy sauce. Stir well to dissolve the sugar completely.
  3. Add Water: Pour in 100ml water and bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
  4. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp corn starch with 2 tbsp water to create a slurry. Slowly pour this mixture into the simmering sauce while stirring. Continue to stir until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

  1. Coat the Pork: Once the sauce is ready, add the fried pork pieces into the pan with the sauce. Toss the pork in the sauce until each piece is evenly coated.
  2. Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped green onion to add a fresh touch and extra flavor.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

  1. Serve Hot: Sweet and Sour Pork Loin is best served immediately while the pork is still crispy. Pair it with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
  2. Optional Garnishes: For an extra burst of flavor and color, you can garnish the dish with a few sprigs of fresh cilantro or sesame seeds.

Cooking Tips

  1. Double Frying for Extra Crispiness: If you want the pork to stay crispy longer, you can double fry it. After the initial frying, let the pork rest for a few minutes and then fry it again for 1-2 minutes until it becomes even more golden and crunchy.
  2. Use Fresh Oil: For best results, use fresh vegetable oil for frying the pork to avoid any off-flavors.
  3. Balance the Sauce: Taste the sauce before adding the pork. If it’s too sour, add a bit more sugar; if it’s too sweet, add a little more vinegar. Adjust it to your liking.
  4. Serve Immediately: The pork will stay crispy longer if served immediately after coating it in the sauce. The longer it sits, the more likely it will absorb the sauce and lose its crisp texture.

Storage

  1. Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the pork will lose its crispiness when stored.
  2. Reheating: To reheat, place the pork in a hot oven or air fryer to restore some of the crispiness. Reheating in the microwave will make the pork soft, but it will still be flavorful.
  3. Freezing: You can freeze the fried pork pieces without the sauce. When ready to eat, reheat them in an oven and prepare fresh sweet and sour sauce.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Protein: 25g
  • Fat: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sodium: 400mg

This recipe provides a good balance of protein and carbs, but it is relatively high in sugar and sodium due to the sweet and sour sauce. To reduce sugar and sodium, you can use a sugar substitute and low-sodium soy sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken instead of pork?

  • Absolutely! You can substitute chicken breast or thigh for pork loin in this recipe. The cooking method remains the same.

2. What if I don’t have dark soy sauce?

  • Dark soy sauce is used to add color and depth to the sauce. If you don’t have it, you can use regular soy sauce, but the sauce may be lighter in color.

3. Can I make this gluten-free?

  • Yes, simply replace the soy sauce with a gluten-free version, and ensure the corn starch you’re using is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

4. How can I make the sauce less sweet?

  • If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of sugar to 2-3 tablespoons. Taste as you go to achieve the balance you prefer.

5. What other vegetables can I add?

  • You can add bell peppers, pineapple, or carrots to the dish for added texture and color. Sauté the vegetables in a little oil before combining them with the sauce and pork.

Conclusion

Sweet and Sour Pork Loin is a crowd-pleaser that brings together crispy fried pork and a tangy-sweet sauce. It’s simple to make yet packed with flavors, making it an ideal dish for family dinners or special gatherings. Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced home chef, this recipe offers straightforward steps with rewarding results. Follow the tips to make the pork extra crispy, and don’t hesitate to adjust the sauce to match your personal taste. Enjoy your culinary creation and share it with loved ones for a meal to remember!

Pin
Share
Tweet