Sweet And Sour Pork Over Rice
Sweet and tangy pork stir-fried with pineapple and vegetables, served over rice, offering a delightful blend of flavors perfect for a quick family meal or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup flour ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 1 pound pork shoulder, cubed ⓘ
- 1 cup cooking oil ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, cut in strips ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups drained pineapple chunks ⓘ
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup vinegar ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons molasses ⓘ
- 2 small tomatoes ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine flour, beaten egg, salt, and water to make a thin batter.
- Add pork cubes to the batter and coat well.
- Fry the coated pork in hot cooking oil until browned.
- Drain the fried pork on paper towels.
- In a saucepan, combine green pepper strips, pineapple chunks, light brown sugar, vinegar, 1 cup water, and molasses.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Add tomatoes cut into eighths to the boiling mixture.
- Mix cornstarch with 1/4 cup water to make a slurry.
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the hot sauce and stir until thickened.
- Add the fried pork to the sauce and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve the sweet and sour pork over cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier texture, ensure the oil is hot enough before frying the pork. You can substitute the pork shoulder with chicken thighs for a lighter option. If you want extra flavor, add a tablespoon of soy sauce to the batter. For a twist, consider adding some chopped green onions or bell peppers to the sauce, similar to flavors found in Kung Pao Pork.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sweet and sour pork over a bed of fluffy white rice or fried rice for a complete meal. Pair with steamed broccoli or a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast. This dish also pairs beautifully with Chinese recipes that feature bold flavors, making it a perfect centerpiece for any Asian-inspired feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water to loosen it up. Avoid reheating in a hot oven to keep the pork tender.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Pork Over Rice contains roughly 1844 calories, with 23g protein, 295g carbohydrates, and 65g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (71% of the Daily Value), potassium (48% of the Daily Value), and protein (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2455mg per serving (107% 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
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Absolutely! Substitute the pork with tofu or tempeh, and follow the same batter and frying instructions. Use vegetable broth instead of water in the sauce for added flavor. This way, you can enjoy a vegetarian sweet and sour dish that’s just as delicious.
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).