Mickie'S Sweet And Sour Pork
Sweet and sour pork features tender pork in a tangy sauce with vibrant vegetables and pineapple, perfect for those craving a flavorful, colorful, and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. boneless pork, cut into small pieces ⓘ
- 1/3 cup cornstarch ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons cooking sherry or pineapple juice ⓘ
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 2 cups vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 large onions, each cut into 6 wedges ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons cider vinegar ⓘ
- 3/4 cup water
- 4 green peppers, cut into strips ⓘ
- 1 carrot, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup diced water chestnuts ⓘ
- 3/4 cup pineapple chunks ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/3 cup catsup ⓘ
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine 4 tablespoons cornstarch, 2 tablespoons sherry or pineapple juice, and 4 tablespoons soy sauce.
- Toss the pork pieces in this mixture to coat evenly.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Fry the coated pork in the hot oil until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In a separate pan, sauté the onions, green peppers, and carrot until slightly tender.
- Add water chestnuts and pineapple chunks to the vegetables and cook for another 2 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix cider vinegar, water, sugar, and catsup to make the sauce.
- Pour the sauce into the pan with vegetables and bring to a boil.
- Add the cooked pork to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and coated with sauce.
- Serve hot with steamed rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier texture, double-coat the pork by dipping in cornstarch a second time before frying. You can substitute the pork with chicken or tofu for variations. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes to the vegetable sauté. For a quicker option, use pre-cut stir-fry vegetables. This dish pairs exceptionally well with Fried Rice With Ham.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Sweet and Sour Pork hot over a bed of steamed rice for a satisfying meal. Freshly chopped scallions can add a burst of flavor as a garnish. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside Pork Egg Rolls or a side of steamed broccoli. This dish also pairs well with a light salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mickie'S Sweet And Sour Pork contains roughly 877 calories, with 18g protein, 131g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (140% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (87% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2445mg per serving (106% 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?
Yes, you can substitute the pork with chicken, beef, or even shrimp. Adjust the cooking time as needed, especially for chicken and shrimp, which may cook faster. For a vegetarian option, try firm tofu cut into cubes.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
If your sauce turns out too thick, simply add a little water or broth while heating it up. Stir well to combine until you reach your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning if necessary, especially if you've added more liquid.
How can I make this dish less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, cut back on the sugar and pineapple chunks. You can also add extra vinegar or soy sauce to balance the flavors. For a savory twist, incorporate additional vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas to enhance the overall taste without increasing sweetness.
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).