Dave'S Sweet 'N' Sour Pork
Sweet 'n' sour pork features tender pork cubes in a tangy, sweet and savory sauce with vibrant vegetables, perfect for those craving bold flavors and a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup white or red vinegar ⓘ
- 1 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup orange juice ⓘ
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice ⓘ
- 1/2 cup tomato paste ⓘ
- cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 pound lean pork, cut in 1/2-inch cubes ⓘ
- flour ⓘ
- soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 to 2 eggs, separated ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, coarsely chopped ⓘ
- garlic to taste ⓘ
- cooked rice ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine vinegar, orange juice, pineapple juice, and tomato paste in a medium pan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer gently for 10 to 20 minutes.
- Thicken the sauce with cornstarch and keep warm.
- Meanwhile, coat the pork cubes with flour and dip in beaten eggs.
- Deep fry or sauté the pork until cooked through and golden.
- In a skillet, sauté chopped onion, green pepper, and garlic until tender.
- Combine cooked pork with the sautéed vegetables.
- Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the pork and vegetables, toss to coat, and serve with cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier texture, consider using a mixture of cornstarch and flour to coat the pork. If you prefer a healthier version, try using chicken or tofu instead of pork. You can also replace the tomato paste with ketchup for a sweeter sauce. For added flavor, include ginger or other vegetables like snap peas, similar to those found in Sweet And Sour Stir-Fry.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish over a bed of cooked rice for a satisfying meal. It pairs beautifully with steamed broccoli or a side salad for added crunch and freshness. For a complete feast, consider serving it alongside other Chinese recipes like Stir-Fried Rice Confetti or Quick Sweet And Sour Pork.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the pork tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dave'S Sweet 'N' Sour Pork contains roughly 550 calories, with 20g protein, 105g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (88% of the Daily Value), protein (39% of the Daily Value), and potassium (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2557mg per serving (111% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for pork, you can easily substitute it with chicken, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different proteins may require varying cooking times to ensure they are thoroughly cooked.
How can I make the sauce less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness of the sauce, you can decrease the amount of sugar or add a splash of soy sauce or vinegar for a savory balance. Additionally, incorporating more acidity through lime juice or rice vinegar can help offset the sweetness, creating a more balanced flavor profile.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and pork in advance. Store the sauce separately in the fridge and reheat it just before serving. For the pork, keep it cooked and warm until ready to serve, or reheat it briefly in a hot skillet to maintain its crispiness while combining it with the sauce and vegetables.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).