Ultimate Sweet and Sour Pork Delight
Transform your kitchen into a bustling Chinese restaurant with this Ultimate Sweet and Sour Pork Delight recipe. Tender, deep-fried pork cubes are coated in a vibrant, tangy sauce made from a perfect balance of apple cider vinegar, ketchup, and pineapple. Fresh vegetables, including colorful bell peppers and onions, add a delightful crunch, while a hint of heat from optional chili flakes elevates this dish to a family favorite. Not only is this recipe simple to follow, but preparing it at home guarantees a fresher, tastier dish than any take-out! Perfectly paired with fluffy cooked white rice, it’s a complete meal that will impress your family and friends.
4
Servings
475
Calories
24
Ingredients
Ingredients
pork butt
1 lb (cut into 1-inch cubes)
salt
1 teaspoon
sugar
1/4 teaspoon
soy sauce
1 1/4 teaspoons
egg white
1 (slightly beaten with a fork)
green onions
2 (chopped)
vegetable oil
1 quart (for frying)
cornstarch
1/2 cup
vegetable oil
1 tablespoon
green bell pepper
1 large (seeded and cut into strips)
onion
1 medium (cut into wedges)
crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (or adjust to suit heat level)
white sugar
1/4 teaspoon
additional salt
to taste
sesame seeds
1/2 teaspoon (optional)
water
1 cup
salt
1/8-1/4 teaspoon
sugar
3/4 cup
apple cider vinegar
1/3 cup
ketchup
1/4 cup
soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon
pineapple chunks
1 (8 ounce) can (do not drain the juice)
cornstarch
2 tablespoons
cold water
1/4 cup
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, combine the pork cubes with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon sugar, and 1 teaspoon soy sauce. Use your hands to mix well, then add the beaten egg white, ensuring each piece is coated. Stir in the chopped green onions, cover the bowl, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to marinate.
2
Heat 1 quart of vegetable oil in a large heavy pot or electric deep fryer to 365°F (185°C).
3
Remove the marinated pork from the refrigerator and toss it with 1/2 cup cornstarch until evenly coated. This step will give the pork a crispy texture.
4
Fry the pork in batches, cooking for about 8 minutes or until each piece is golden brown and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pot, as this will reduce the frying temperature. Allow the fried pork to drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
5
In a large wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the bell pepper strips, onion wedges, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are just tender, then season with 1/4 teaspoon sugar and a pinch of salt. Remove the vegetable mixture from the heat and set aside.
6
For the sweet and sour sauce, combine 1 cup water, 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon salt, 3/4 cup sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, and 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce in a large skillet or saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil.
7
Once boiling, return the fried pork and the vegetable mixture to the pan, adding the pineapple chunks along with the juice from the can. Bring everything back to a simmer.
8
In a separate small bowl, combine 1/4 cup cold water and 2 tablespoons cornstarch, whisking until smooth. Slowly pour this mixture into the simmering sauce while stirring continuously until the sauce becomes bubbly and thickens.
9
If desired, sprinkle with sesame seeds for an added touch before serving. Enjoy the sweet and sour pork hot over a bed of fluffy cooked rice.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
60g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in the Ultimate Sweet and Sour Pork Delight?
The recipe uses 1 lb of pork butt, cut into 1-inch cubes.
How long should the pork be marinated?
The pork should be refrigerated and marinated for at least 1 hour.
What ingredients are in the pork marinade?
The marinade consists of salt, sugar, soy sauce, a beaten egg white, and chopped green onions.
What is the recommended temperature for frying the pork?
The vegetable oil should be heated to 365 degrees Fahrenheit (185 degrees Celsius).
How do you achieve a crispy texture on the pork?
Toss the marinated pork with 1/2 cup of cornstarch until evenly coated before frying.
How long does it take to fry the pork cubes?
Fry the pork in batches for about 8 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Why should I avoid overcrowding the pot when frying?
Overcrowding the pot will reduce the frying temperature, which can affect the crispiness and cooking time.
Which vegetables are included in this recipe?
The dish features green bell pepper strips and onion wedges.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, you can add 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes (or adjust to your heat preference) during the stir-fry.
What is used to sweeten the sauce?
The sauce uses 3/4 cup of sugar along with the juice from the canned pineapple.
What provides the sour flavor in the sauce?
The tangy flavor comes from 1/3 cup of apple cider vinegar and 1/4 cup of ketchup.
How do you thicken the sweet and sour sauce?
Whisk together 1/4 cup cold water and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, then slowly pour it into the simmering sauce.
Should the pineapple juice be drained?
No, do not drain the juice; add the pineapple chunks along with the juice from the can to the sauce.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 475 calories.
What are the macronutrient counts for this dish?
One serving contains 20g of fat, 60g of carbohydrates, and 15g of protein.
What should the fried pork drain on?
Allow the fried pork to drain on paper towels or a wire rack to remove excess oil.
Is there a recommended garnish for this dish?
You can optionally sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of sesame seeds over the dish before serving.
What is the best way to serve Sweet and Sour Pork?
It is best served hot over a bed of fluffy cooked white rice.
How much vegetable oil is needed for frying?
You will need 1 quart of vegetable oil for deep frying.
What type of vinegar is used?
The recipe specifies apple cider vinegar for the sauce.
How are the bell peppers prepared?
The green bell pepper should be seeded and cut into strips.
How many total ingredients are required?
There are 24 ingredients listed for this recipe.
Can I use an electric deep fryer?
Yes, you can use either a large heavy pot or an electric deep fryer.
When do you add the vegetables back into the sauce?
Return the fried pork and vegetable mixture to the pan once the sauce mixture has reached a boil.
How do you prep the onion?
One medium onion should be cut into wedges.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to marinate the pork cubes with salt, sugar, soy sauce, egg white, and green onions.
How long do you stir-fry the vegetables?
Stir-fry the bell pepper and onion for 3-4 minutes until just tender.
What size of pineapple can is used?
The recipe calls for one 8-ounce can of pineapple chunks.
Does the recipe contain soy sauce?
Yes, soy sauce is used both in the pork marinade and in the sweet and sour sauce.