Introduction to Sweet and Sour Pork

Sweet and Sour Pork is a beloved Chinese dish that combines crispy fried pork with a vibrant, tangy sauce made from pineapple, bell peppers, and vinegar. This dish is a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors, making it a favorite in Chinese restaurants worldwide. With its colorful presentation and delightful taste, Sweet and Sour Pork is a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Sweet and Sour Pork recipe is simple, flavorful, and uses ingredients you can easily find at your local grocery store. The crispy pork pairs perfectly with the tangy sauce, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress.

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Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to make Sweet and Sour Pork:

For the Pork:

• 1 pound pork tenderloin (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 egg (beaten)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Oil (for frying)

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water)

For the Vegetables:

• 1 bell pepper (cut into chunks)
• 1 onion (cut into chunks)
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)

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Step-by-Step Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pork

1. Cut the Pork: Slice the pork tenderloin into bite-sized pieces.
2. Coat the Pork: In a bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Dip each piece of pork into the beaten egg, then coat it in the flour mixture.
3. Fry the Pork: Heat oil in a wok or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the pork in batches until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, mix rice vinegar, sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, and pineapple juice.
2. Thicken the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

1. Stir-Fry Vegetables: In the same wok, add a little oil and stir-fry the bell pepper and onion until tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add Pineapple: Toss in the pineapple chunks and cook for another minute.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add Pork and Sauce: Return the fried pork to the wok and pour the sweet and sour sauce over it.
2. Toss to Coat: Gently stir everything together until the pork and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Plate the Dish: Transfer the Sweet and Sour Pork to a serving platter.
2. Garnish: Optionally, garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions.
3. Serve: Enjoy hot with steamed rice or noodles.

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Nutrition Facts

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 25g

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Health Benefits of Sweet and Sour Pork

While Sweet and Sour Pork is an indulgent dish, it offers some health benefits when made with fresh ingredients:

1. High-Quality Protein: Pork is a great source of protein, which supports muscle growth and repair.
2. Vitamins and Minerals: Bell peppers and pineapple provide vitamins A and C, which boost immunity and promote healthy skin.
3. Antioxidants: Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme with anti-inflammatory properties.
4. Low in Sodium: By controlling the amount of soy sauce, you can keep the dish relatively low in sodium.

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Ending Notes and Tips

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh bell peppers, onions, and pineapple will enhance the flavor of the dish.
2. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of sugar in the sauce.
3. Make It Healthier: Use lean pork and bake or air-fry the pork instead of deep-frying for a lighter version.
4. Serve Immediately: Sweet and Sour Pork is best enjoyed fresh, as the crispy texture may soften over time.
5. Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to maintain the texture.