Sweet And Sours

Prep: 15 min Cook: 70 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Chinese

Sweet and sour pork features tender meat combined with pineapple, peppers, and onions in a tangy, sweet, and savory sauce perfect for a flavorful meal.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lb. pork
  • 1/2 c. water
  • 1 sliced green pepper
  • 1/4 c. sliced onion
  • 2 1/2 c. pineapple chunks
  • 1/4 c. brown sugar
  • 2 Tbsp. cornstarch
  • 1/4 c. vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 2 to 3 Tbsp. soy sauce

Instructions

  1. Brown the pork and add water, then cover and simmer for 1 hour.
  2. Do not boil. Combine green pepper, onions, and pineapple chunks, reserving the syrup. Set aside.
  3. Combine brown sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl.
  4. Add pineapple syrup to the sugar and cornstarch mixture, then mix well.
  5. Add remaining ingredients, including the pineapple, onions, and green pepper.
  6. Cook until the sauce thickens.
  7. Add the pineapple, onion, and green pepper mixture to the pork and cook briefly.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider marinating the pork in soy sauce and brown sugar for a couple of hours before cooking. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a bit more cornstarch mixed with water. You can substitute the pork with chicken or tofu for a different protein option. Fresh pineapple works great, but canned pineapple chunks are convenient and save time.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Sweet And Sours over steamed rice or alongside fried rice for a complete meal. This dish pairs beautifully with Aunt Jan'S Egg Foo Yong And Sauce for a delightful combination of flavors. You can also add a side of stir-fried vegetables for added nutrition and color. Garnish with sesame seeds for an extra touch.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture. Alternatively, you can use the microwave, covering it to prevent drying out. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sweet And Sours contains roughly 459 calories, with 5g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (134% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).

459 kcal 23% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.9g 10% DV
Total Fat 10g 13% DV
Carbs 81.7g 30% DV
Fiber 3.2g 11% DV
Sugar 54.4g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 3000mg 100% DV
Potassium 641.4mg 14% DV
Cholesterol 7.3mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 27.8mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 120.9mg 100% DV
Calcium 94.5mg 7% DV
Iron 2.3mg 13% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Soy

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 pork with chicken, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly; chicken may take slightly less time to cook, while tofu should be added at the end to warm through.

What can I do if I don't have brown sugar?

If you don't have brown sugar, you can substitute it with granulated sugar mixed with a bit of molasses. For a healthier option, try using honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind that these will alter the flavor slightly.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add some heat, incorporate crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when mixing the sauce ingredients. You can also add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of Sriracha to the final 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).

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