Sweet And Sour Chicken Or Pork
Sweet and sour chicken or pork features tender meat in a tangy, sweet, and savory sauce with pineapple, colorful peppers, and onions, perfect for a flavorful meal enjoyed over rice.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. chicken or lean pork, cut into 2-inch strips ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 c. water ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/2 c. brown sugar, packed ⓘ
- 1/4 c. vinegar ⓘ
- 1 c. pineapple juice ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 small green pepper, washed, seeded and cut into thin strips ⓘ
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1 large can pineapple chunks, drain and reserve syrup ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown pork or chicken in hot oil.
- Add water, cover, and simmer for 1 hour.
- Combine cornstarch, salt, brown sugar, vinegar, pineapple juice, and soy sauce; cook, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened.
- Pour sauce over hot chicken or pork.
- Let stand for 10 minutes.
- Add green pepper, onion, and pineapple chunks.
- Cook for 5 minutes.
- Serve over hot fluffy rice and pass extra soy sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker meal, consider using pre-cut chicken or pork. You can substitute the brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness. If you're looking for a lower-carb option, replace the pineapple juice with unsweetened coconut milk. Adding a splash of ginger or garlic can enhance the flavor, similar to other delicious Chinese recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This sweet and sour chicken or pork pairs beautifully with hot fluffy rice, but you can also serve it over noodles for a satisfying meal. Consider adding a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad to balance the flavors. For a fun twist, serve with Pancit Canton (Sauteed Egg Noodles) for a delightful variation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Chicken Or Pork contains roughly 1090 calories, with 2g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 98g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1135mg per serving (49% 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 frozen chicken or pork for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken or pork, but it's best to thaw it thoroughly before cooking. This ensures even cooking and better texture. If you're in a hurry, you might consider using cooked rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation.
What type of vinegar is best for sweet and sour dishes?
Rice vinegar is commonly used in sweet and sour recipes for its mild flavor. However, you can also use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar if rice vinegar isn't available. Just be cautious with the quantity, as stronger vinegars may alter the taste.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! You can incorporate a variety of vegetables such as carrots, snap peas, or broccoli for added nutrition and color. Just ensure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking, and add them along with the green pepper and onion.
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).