Sweet And Sour Chops
Sweet and sour chops combine crispy fried pork with a tangy, sweet sauce featuring pineapple and vegetables, perfect for a flavorful family dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 4 to 6 lean pork chops ⓘ
- 1 cup self-rising flour ⓘ
- 1/2 cup beer ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup white vinegar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 6 tablespoons cold water ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chili sauce ⓘ
- 1 small can pineapple chunks, drained ⓘ
- 1/3 cup sliced celery ⓘ
- 1/3 c. sliced celery ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix self-rising flour, beer, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to create a batter thick enough to coat the pork chops.
- Lightly salt the pork chops and coat them with the batter.
- Heat 1 inch of oil in a skillet or deep fryer until hot.
- Fry the breaded pork chops until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Drain the fried chops on paper towels.
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, white vinegar, water, 1/2 teaspoon salt, cornstarch, paprika, and cold water to make the sweet and sour sauce.
- Cook the sauce over medium heat, stirring until thickened.
- Add chili sauce, drained pineapple chunks, and sliced celery to the sauce, heating through.
- Serve the fried pork chops topped with the sweet and sour sauce mixture.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter batter, consider using rice flour instead of self-rising flour. If you want to add some heat, try incorporating a pinch of cayenne pepper into the batter or the sweet and sour sauce. If you don’t have beer, sparkling water or club soda can be a suitable substitute to maintain the batter's lightness. This recipe is versatile, and you can explore other flavor profiles by adding ginger or garlic for a twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sweet and sour chops over a bed of steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. They also pair well with Bread Dumplings With Bacon for a hearty side. Consider garnishing with fresh cilantro or green onions for added flavor and color. For a fresh touch, a side salad can balance the richness of the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sweet and sour chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chops in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating the sauce, warm it gently on the stovetop to avoid separation.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Chops contains roughly 506 calories, with 33g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (189% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (73% of the Daily Value), and protein (67% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1873mg per serving (81% 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 besides pork for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chicken or turkey chops for a lighter option. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the meat. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
What can I use instead of white vinegar?
If you don’t have white vinegar, apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar can be excellent alternatives, providing a slightly different flavor profile but still achieving the sweet and tangy balance in the sauce. Adjust the sugar if using a sweeter vinegar.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The sweet and sour sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure to reheat it gently before serving, and it can be used in other dishes as well, such as Ham Or Pork Fried Rice.
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).