Easy Sweet And Sour Pork

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Chinese

A vibrant and flavorful sweet and sour pork dish featuring tender pork strips, colorful vegetables, and a tangy sauce, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup oil
  • 1/4 pound Chinese pea pods
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 medium red pepper, cut into strips
  • 1 pound lean pork, cut into 2-inch strips
  • 1/2 cup green onion slices
  • 1 jar sweet and sour sauce
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a wok or large skillet.
  2. Add pea pods, sliced mushrooms, red pepper strips, and green onion slices.
  3. Stir-fry the vegetables for 3 minutes until tender-crisp.
  4. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set aside.
  5. Add remaining oil to the pan and cook the pork strips for 5 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  6. Return the vegetables to the pan and add sweet and sour sauce and soy sauce.
  7. Heat thoroughly, then serve over hot rice.

Tips & Substitutions

For added flavor, marinate the pork in soy sauce and a touch of ginger before cooking. If you want a crunchier texture, consider adding water chestnuts or substituting with bell peppers. You can easily swap the vegetables based on your preferences; try using broccoli or snap peas for a variation. This dish is also great for using up leftover vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the sweet and sour pork over a bed of hot rice or with steamed rice. It also pairs beautifully with Imperial Fried Rice for a heartier meal. For added freshness, garnish with sesame seeds or chopped cilantro. Consider serving alongside a crisp salad or spring rolls for a complete Asian-inspired meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Easy Sweet And Sour Pork contains roughly 305 calories, with 11g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (168% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (50% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1773mg per serving (77% of the Daily Value).

305 kcal 15% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 10.9g 22% DV
Total Fat 19.3g 25% DV
Carbs 24.8g 9% DV
Fiber 4.2g 15% DV
Sugar 9.3g 19% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1772.6mg 77% DV
Potassium 714.8mg 15% DV
Cholesterol 17.9mg 6% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 447.1mcg 50% DV
Vitamin C 151.6mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 8mcg 40% DV
Calcium 47mg 4% DV
Iron 2mg 11% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Soy

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?

Yes, you can substitute the pork with chicken, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different proteins may require varying cook times to ensure they are fully cooked.

Is the sweet and sour sauce homemade or store-bought?

This recipe uses a jarred sweet and sour sauce for convenience, but you can make your own by combining vinegar, sugar, ketchup, and soy sauce. Homemade sauces allow you to adjust sweetness and tanginess to your liking.

What can I do if my sauce is too thick?

If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water or broth to thin it out while reheating. Stir well to combine until you achieve your desired consistency. This ensures the dish remains flavorful and not overly sticky.

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).

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