Sweet And Sour Pork
Sweet and Sour Pork offers a delightful balance of crispy pork, tangy vinegar, and sweet pineapple flavors, making it a popular dish for family dinners and gatherings. The glossy sauce coats tender pork chunks, complemented by colorful peppers and onions for a vibrant, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the pork in oil in a large skillet.
- Combine water, vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, salt, soy sauce, and juice from pineapple. Cook until clear and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
- Add the sauce to the pork in the skillet and cook over low heat for 1 hour or until the pork is done.
- Add pineapple chunks, sliced green peppers, and sliced onions.
- Continue cooking for 2 minutes longer.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more vibrant flavor, marinate the pork in the soy sauce and cornstarch for 30 minutes before cooking. You can substitute the pork with chicken or tofu for a different protein option. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water just before serving. This recipe is reminiscent of Good Sweet And Sour Pork, a classic in many Chinese recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Sweet And Sour Pork over steamed jasmine rice or fried rice for a complete meal. It pairs excellently with a side of stir-fried vegetables or egg rolls for added texture and flavor. For a refreshing contrast, consider a simple cucumber salad on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pork tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Pork contains roughly 456 calories, with 5g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of iron (12% of the Daily Value), protein (10% of the Daily Value), and potassium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the lean pork with chicken, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times accordingly; chicken and beef may take less time to cook, while tofu should be added just before the vegetables.
What can I do if I don't have pineapple juice?
If you don't have pineapple juice, you can use apple juice or orange juice as a substitute, although the flavor will be slightly different. You can also blend canned pineapple with a bit of water to create a juice alternative.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to your Sweet And Sour Pork, consider incorporating sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the sauce mixture. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes over the finished dish for an extra kick.
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).