The Best Sweet And Sour
A vibrant blend of sweet and tangy flavors, this Sweet and Sour dish features tender-crisp vegetables and juicy pineapple in a thick sauce. Perfect served over fried chicken, pork, or tofu, it's a delightful option for family dinners or gatherings, appealing to those who love a balance of savory and sweet.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook peppers and onions in oil until tender-crisp.
- Blend syrup drained from pineapple with vinegar, brown sugar, water, catsup, and cornstarch.
- Add to vegetables and cook, stirring until sauce boils and thickens.
- Add drained pineapple.
- Serve over fried chicken or leftover chunked pork that has been fried or fried tofu chunks.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of orange juice or zest to the sauce. If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch slightly. You can substitute the green pepper with red or yellow for a sweeter taste. If you're avoiding soy sauce, tamari or coconut aminos work well as alternatives. Pair this dish with rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this sweet and sour sauce over fried chicken, chunked pork, or crispy tofu for a delightful meal. It pairs beautifully with rice, steamed vegetables, or even a fresh Fruit Salad on the side to balance the flavors. This dish also makes a great filling for wraps or sandwiches.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of The Best Sweet And Sour contains roughly 200 calories, with 2g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (19% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1099mg per serving (48% 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
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe can easily be made vegan by ensuring that the soy sauce is plant-based and using tofu or your favorite meat substitute instead of chicken or pork. The sauce is naturally vegan-friendly, making it a great choice for vegan recipes.
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).