Introduction
Sweet and Sour Pork is a beloved dish known for its perfect balance of flavors. This classic Chinese recipe features tender pork coated in a crispy batter, tossed with vibrant vegetables and a tangy-sweet sauce. It’s a colorful and satisfying meal that’s easy to make at home. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to create your own Sweet and Sour Pork!
Ingredients
For the Pork
- 1 pound of pork tenderloin (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup of cornstarch
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- Oil (for frying)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce
- ½ cup of ketchup
- ¼ cup of sugar
- ¼ cup of vinegar (white or apple cider)
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons of water)
For the Stir-Fry
- 1 bell pepper (sliced, any color)
- 1 cup of pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1 onion (sliced)
- 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
Preparing the Dish
Step 1: Coat the Pork
- Season the pork pieces with salt and pepper.
- Set up a breading station: place the cornstarch in one bowl, the beaten eggs in another, and the flour in a third.
- Dip each piece of pork first in the cornstarch, then in the egg, and finally coat with flour.
Step 2: Fry the Pork
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated pork in batches. Fry for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the pork and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Step 3: Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce
- In a saucepan, combine the ketchup, sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce. Heat over medium heat until the mixture is well combined.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Set aside.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Add the sliced onion and bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add the minced garlic and pineapple chunks, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Return the fried pork to the skillet and pour the sweet and sour sauce over the top. Toss everything together until well coated.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
- Cook for another minute to heat everything through.
Serving Suggestions
Step 1: Plate the Dish
Serve your Sweet and Sour Pork hot over a bed of steamed rice or noodles.
Step 2: Enjoy!
This dish is colorful and full of flavor, making it perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Conclusion
Sweet and Sour Pork is a delightful dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. With crispy pork, vibrant vegetables, and a tangy-sweet sauce, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Give this recipe a try for your next meal!