Sweet-Sour Pork
Sweet-Sour Pork is a flavorful dish featuring tender pork strips cooked with pineapple, green pepper, and onion in a tangy sweet-sour sauce. Its vibrant flavors and appealing textures make it a perfect choice for family dinners or casual gatherings, served best over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the pork in a skillet and add 1/3 cup water.
- Cover and simmer until the pork is tender, about 1 hour.
- Drain the pineapple, reserving the syrup.
- Combine the brown sugar, sugar, and cornstarch in a bowl.
- Add the pineapple, pineapple syrup, soy sauce, and salt to the mixture.
- Add this to the pork and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Add the drained pineapple, green pepper strips, and sliced onion.
- Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Serve hot over rice or fried noodles with extra soy sauce if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker version, you can use pre-cooked pork, cutting down the cooking time. If you prefer a tangier flavor, consider adding a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice. You can swap out the green pepper for red or yellow bell peppers for a sweeter taste. Consider using fresh pineapple for a more vibrant flavor. This dish is also great with fried rice, so check out our Fried Rice Oriental recipe for a perfect pairing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Sweet-Sour Pork hot over a bed of steamed rice or fried noodles for a satisfying meal. You can garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for added flavor and presentation. This dish pairs well with stir-fried vegetables or a side of egg rolls for a complete Chinese-inspired dinner. Don’t forget to have extra soy sauce on hand for dipping or drizzling.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring between, until heated through. Avoid reheating multiple times to preserve flavor and texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet-Sour Pork contains roughly 422 calories, with 12g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (78% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), and protein (24% 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).
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 cut of pork for this recipe?
Absolutely! While lean pork shoulder works best for this dish, you can also use pork loin or tenderloin for a leaner option. Just be aware that cooking times may vary slightly, so adjust accordingly to ensure the pork is tender and fully cooked.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian by substituting the pork with firm tofu or seitan. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as they will require less time to cook. You can also use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor.
What can I serve with Sweet-Sour Pork?
This dish is versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. Steamed jasmine rice or fried noodles are classic choices. You might also enjoy it with vegetable stir-fry, and for a true feast, consider pairing it with our Chinese Pork Chops for a delightful meal.
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).