Sweet And Sour Pork Or Chicken
Sweet and sour pork or chicken combines tender meat with tangy pineapple, colorful peppers, and a flavorful sauce, perfect for a vibrant, family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown bite-sized pieces of chicken or pork slowly in oil.
- Add 1 cup water and chicken bouillon cube, then simmer until tender.
- In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar, cornstarch, vinegar, soy sauce, and pineapple chunks.
- Add sliced green peppers, onions, and carrots to the meat.
- Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the mixture and cook until thickened.
- Serve hot over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, use pre-cut meat and frozen veggies. If you don't have chicken bouillon, vegetable broth works well. Adjust the sweetness by varying the brown sugar, or substitute with honey for a different flavor. Adding crushed red pepper can give it a spicy kick, echoing flavors found in other Chinese recipes. Consider using a mix of bell peppers for more color.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish over a bed of fluffy rice for a satisfying meal. It pairs beautifully with steamed broccoli or a fresh side salad for a balanced plate. For a complete feast, consider serving it alongside Quick And Easy Chicken Chow Mein or other chicken recipes to delight your guests.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Pork Or Chicken contains roughly 632 calories, with 10g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (291% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (102% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2028mg per serving (88% 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?
Yes, you can substitute the pork or chicken with shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as shrimp cooks faster and tofu may need a little more time to absorb flavors.
What can I use instead of pineapple chunks?
If you prefer not to use pineapple, try substituting with chopped bell peppers or even mango for a sweet twist. Just keep in mind that it will alter the flavor profile slightly but can still be delicious.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet and sour sauce and cook the meat ahead of time. Just combine them shortly before serving to retain the freshness, or store separately and mix before serving to maintain texture.
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).