Pastor Zesch'S Favorite Sweet And Sour Pork
A vibrant sweet and sour pork dish featuring tender meat, colorful vegetables, pineapple, and a tangy sauce, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the pork or chicken in hot cooking oil; drain excess fat.
- Cover and cook until the meat is tender, adding water as needed to keep it moist.
- Boil green peppers and carrots in a small amount of water until just tender; drain and set aside.
- Combine salt, sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, and water; bring to a boil.
- Add the cornstarch mixed with water to the boiling mixture and cook, stirring, until slightly thickened.
- Add the cooked green peppers, carrots, pineapple tidbits, and meat to the sauce.
- Cook for one more minute, then serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use pork shoulder or chicken thighs for a juicy, tender texture. If you want to reduce sugar, consider using a sugar substitute or honey for a different flavor profile. You can also add pineapple tidbits to enhance the sweet-sour balance, as often seen in Chinese recipes. Adjust the soy sauce for a saltier taste or substitute with tamari for a gluten-free option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish over steamed rice or alongside fried rice to soak up the sauce. It pairs beautifully with stir-fried vegetables or a simple salad for a balanced meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving it with a side of egg rolls or dumplings, enhancing the flavors of this sweet and sour pork dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the sweet and sour pork in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Avoid reheating more than once to preserve quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pastor Zesch'S Favorite Sweet And Sour Pork contains roughly 1042 calories, with 6g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 83g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (87% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (59% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 other meats instead of pork or chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute pork with beef or tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times as needed; beef may require longer to become tender, while tofu needs less time. Ensure that the meat is cooked through for safe consumption.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you desire a thicker sauce, simply increase the amount of cornstarch in the slurry. Mix an additional tablespoon of cornstarch with an equal amount of water, adding it gradually to the sauce while stirring until the desired thickness is achieved.
What can I serve with sweet and sour pork?
Sweet and sour pork pairs well with plain white rice, but you can also serve it with fried rice or noodles for a heartier meal. Adding some steamed broccoli or bok choy can enhance the dish's nutritional value and provide a colorful presentation.
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).