Sweet And Sour Pork (Chicken)
Sweet and sour pork with pineapple, colorful vegetables, and a tangy sauce, perfect for a vibrant, satisfying meal suitable for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 (20 oz.) can pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vinegar ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil ⓘ
- 1 pound pork loin or 2 cups chicken breast, in strips ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger ⓘ
- 2 carrots, sliced thin ⓘ
- 1 onion, cut in wedges ⓘ
- 1 green or red pepper ⓘ
- 2 cups snow peas ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine 3 tablespoons of pineapple juice with water, cornstarch, soy sauce, vinegar, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Set aside.
- Heat cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add pork or chicken strips and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and ground ginger; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in sliced carrots, onion wedges, and green or red pepper; cook for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Add pineapple chunks and snow peas; cook for another 2 minutes.
- Pour in the prepared sauce mixture; cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats all ingredients, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve hot over steamed rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch to 1.5 tablespoons. If you prefer a sweeter taste, add a tablespoon of brown sugar. You can substitute the pork loin with chicken breast or tofu for a vegetarian option. To enhance the dish, add a splash of orange juice to the sauce mixture for a citrusy twist. This recipe is a great introduction to Chinese recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Sweet and Sour Pork over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Vegetable Stir-Fry Deluxe or a fresh side salad. For added flavor, consider sprinkling sesame seeds on top before serving. This dish is versatile and can be enjoyed as a main course or a hearty side.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or heat gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the vegetables crisp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Pork (Chicken) contains roughly 502 calories, with 13g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (116% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (53% of the Daily Value), and iron (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 532mg per serving (23% 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 vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be used in this recipe. Just add them to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking to ensure they are heated through but still retain some crunch. This can save time and is a great way to enjoy this dish even when fresh produce isn't available.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat level, you can add more red pepper flakes or incorporate a diced fresh chili pepper into the stir-fry. Additionally, a splash of sriracha or chili sauce can enhance the spice without overpowering the sweet and sour flavors. Adjust according to your heat preference.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply stir-fry the meat and vegetables, then add the sauce. This saves prep time and allows for a quick meal.
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).