Sweet 'N Sour Dinner
A vibrant sweet 'n sour dish featuring tender fried meat glazed with tangy vinegar, pineapple, and colorful vegetables, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork, beef, or chicken ⓘ
- 2 medium tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 green pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup onion ⓘ
- 2/3 cup pineapple chunks ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 2/3 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 cup sifted flour ⓘ
- 1/2 cup vinegar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 1/4 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup cornstarch ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix beaten egg, milk, flour, salt, and baking powder to prepare the dipping batter.
- Dip the meat in the batter, ensuring it's fully coated.
- Fry the coated meat in hot oil until golden brown and cooked through.
- In a separate saucepan, combine vinegar, water, brown sugar, pineapple juice, sugar, and cornstarch to make the sweet and sour sauce.
- Add chopped tomatoes, green pepper, onion, and pineapple chunks to the sauce and cook until vegetables are tender.
- Serve the fried meat topped with the sweet and sour sauce and vegetables.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter batter, consider using sparkling water instead of regular milk. You can also substitute the meat with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option. If you prefer a spicier kick, add chili flakes to the sweet and sour sauce. Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of sugar and brown sugar based on your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Sweet 'N Sour Dinner over steamed rice or alongside fried rice for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Pork Strips With Szechwan Sauce for a delightful mix of flavors. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions for added freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the fried meat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to maintain its crispiness, then warm the sauce separately on the stove.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet 'N Sour Dinner contains roughly 1175 calories, with 14g protein, 181g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (88% of the Daily Value), calcium (50% of the Daily Value), and iron (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1279mg per serving (56% 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 frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables if you're short on time. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the sauce to avoid excess water, which could dilute the flavor.
What can I substitute for pineapple chunks?
If you don't have pineapple chunks, you can use diced bell peppers or mango for a different flavor profile. Both options will add sweetness and texture to the dish, providing a nice balance with the sauce.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients, such as vinegar and cornstarch, are typically gluten-free, making it easy to adapt.
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).