Sweet and Sour Pork

This classic American-Chinese favorite features tender pork loin coated in a light, crispy batter and deep-fried to golden perfection. The star of the dish is the glossy, vibrant sauce, balancing sweet sugar and tart vinegar with savory soy notes. Fresh tomatoes, crisp bell peppers, and juicy pineapple chunks add texture and brightness, cutting through the richness of the fried pork. It's a comforting, hearty meal that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen. Perfect for weeknight dinners when you crave something bold and satisfying, or for casual gatherings where guests love interactive, flavorful food. The combination of textures—crunchy pork, soft pineapple, and crisp vegetables—makes every bite interesting. Serve over steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce, and enjoy a dish that is both nostalgic and deeply satisfying.

Cooking Method: Boiling, Frying, Stir Frying

Cuisine: American

Courses: Main Courses

Difficulty: Advanced

Servings: 4

Calories: 635.0

Description

This classic American-Chinese favorite features tender pork loin coated in a light, crispy batter and deep-fried to golden perfection. The star of the dish is the glossy, vibrant sauce, balancing sweet sugar and tart vinegar with savory soy notes. Fresh tomatoes, crisp bell peppers, and juicy pineapple chunks add texture and brightness, cutting through the richness of the fried pork. It's a comforting, hearty meal that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen. Perfect for weeknight dinners when you crave something bold and satisfying, or for casual gatherings where guests love interactive, flavorful food. The combination of textures—crunchy pork, soft pineapple, and crisp vegetables—makes every bite interesting. Serve over steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce, and enjoy a dish that is both nostalgic and deeply satisfying.

Directions

1
Trim fat from pork and cut into 3/4-inch pieces.
2
In a medium bowl, mix together the egg, 2 tablespoons of the cornstarch, 2 tablespoons of the oil, 1 teaspoon of the salt, the light soy sauce, and the white pepper.
3
Stir pork pieces into the egg mixture until coated, then cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
4
While pork marinates, cut tomatoes into 8 wedges and bell pepper into 1-inch pieces.
5
Heat 1 1/2 inches of oil in a wok to 350°F (177°C).
6
In a separate medium bowl, mix together the flour, 3/4 cup water, the remaining cornstarch, the remaining salt, and the baking soda to make the batter.
7
Stir the marinated pork pieces into the batter until well coated.
8
Fry about 15 pieces at a time for 4 minutes or until light brown, turning frequently.
9
Remove pork and drain on paper towels.
10
Increase oil temperature to 375°F (191°C).
11
Fry all pork pieces again for 1 minute or until golden brown and crispy.
12
Drain on paper towels and place on a heated platter.
13
In a 3-quart saucepan, heat the sugar, broth, vinegar, 1 tablespoon of the oil, the dark soy sauce, the remaining salt, and the garlic to a boil.
14
Mix 1/4 cup of the cornstarch with 1/4 cup cold water, then stir into the boiling sauce.
15
Cook and stir for about 20 seconds or until the sauce thickens.
16
Stir in tomatoes, bell pepper, and pineapple chunks.
17
Heat to boiling, then pour the hot sauce over the fried pork.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4 servings

Amount Per Serving
Calories 635.0kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 35.3g55%
Saturated Fat 10.2g51%
Cholesterol 136.2mg46%
Sodium 1480.2mg62%
Total Carbohydrate 29.3g10%
Dietary Fiber 0.7g3%
Sugars 1.1g
Protein 46.5g93%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: sweet and sour, pork, fried pork, chinese american, pineapple, bell pepper, tomato, deep fried, batter, savory, tangy, dinner, family meal, comfort food, crispy, sauce, vinegar, soy sauce, cornstarch, garlic

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/sweet-and-sour-pork/