Sweet 'N Sour Delight

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Chinese

Sweet 'N Sour Delight offers a vibrant blend of tender meat and colorful vegetables in a tangy, sweet sauce, perfect for a quick, family-friendly meal.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. chicken or pork
  • 1 Tbsp. oil
  • 1 medium onion
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 2 carrots
  • 1 bell pepper
  • 2 (8 oz.) cans chunk pineapple
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • 3 Tbsp. brown sugar
  • 3 Tbsp. catsup
  • 3 Tbsp. soy sauce
  • 1 Tbsp. cornstarch
  • 1 tsp. ground ginger

Instructions

  1. Cut the meat into 1/2-inch pieces and brown in oil. Reduce heat to low.
  2. Add the onion and garlic. Cover and cook for 10 minutes.
  3. Add the carrots and chopped bell pepper.
  4. Stir in pineapple, vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, cornstarch, and ground ginger.
  5. Cook until the sauce thickens and vegetables are tender.

Tips & Substitutions

For a quicker prep, consider using pre-cut chicken or pork. You can substitute the meat with tofu for a vegetarian version. If you need more color and flavor, add a splash of orange juice or some sliced green onions. For added crunch, toss in some cashews, which pair beautifully with the sweet and sour flavors, akin to Chicken With Cashews.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Sweet 'N Sour Delight over steamed rice or quinoa for a hearty meal. It also pairs well with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a simple green salad to balance the flavors. For a fun twist, try serving it in lettuce wraps for a fresh, crunchy alternative.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Alternatively, reheat on a stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking and maintain moisture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sweet 'N Sour Delight contains roughly 1369 calories, with 8g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 119g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (47% of the Daily Value), iron (22% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2922mg per serving (127% of the Daily Value).

1369 kcal 68% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.8g 16% DV
Total Fat 118.7g 100% DV
Carbs 76.8g 28% DV
Fiber 5.9g 21% DV
Sugar 31.8g 64% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2921.7mg 100% DV
Potassium 986.2mg 21% DV
Cholesterol 1.9mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 420.8mcg 47% DV
Vitamin C 16.4mg 18% DV
Calcium 97.6mg 8% DV
Iron 3.9mg 22% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
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 frozen vegetables in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute frozen vegetables for fresh ones. Just be sure to thaw them first to avoid excess moisture. Frozen bell peppers and carrots work well and save time on prep.

Is it possible to make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! To add heat, incorporate some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha into the sauce. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance for a customized kick.

What can I serve this dish with?

This dish pairs well with rice, noodles, or a light salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside steamed vegetables or a fruit salad to complement the sweet and sour flavors.

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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