Best Easy Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe

Crispy battered pork tossed in a tangy sweet and sour sauce with pineapple and bell peppers is a family-favorite Chinese-American classic. Protein-packed and vibrant, it's a fun weeknight dinner.

Cook 52 min Difficulty NORMAL 430 kcal
#high protein #diabetic friendly
Image coming soon
Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • pork shoulder 1 lb
  • cornstarch 0.75 cup
  • all-purpose flour 0.5 cup
  • large eggs 2 pieces
  • red bell pepper 1 piece
  • green bell pepper 1 piece
  • pineapple chunks 1 cup
  • yellow onion 0.5 piece
  • vegetable oil 2 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • soy sauce 2 tbsp
  • rice vinegar 3 tbsp
  • ketchup 3 tbsp
  • white sugar 3 tbsp
  • water 0.5 cup
  • salt 0.5 tsp
  • black pepper 0.25 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 48 g 45%
Protein 23 g 21%
Fat 16 g 34%
Serving size 260g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Cut the pork shoulder into bite-sized 1-inch cubes, and season lightly with salt and pepper.

  2. 2

    In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, then dredge pork first in flour, then eggs, and finally cornstarch, ensuring each piece is fully coated.

  3. 3

    Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat to 350°F. Fry pork in batches for 4-5 minutes each, turning occasionally, until golden and crisp. Drain on a rack or paper towels.

  4. 4

    While pork fries, cut bell peppers and onion into 1-inch squares. Drain pineapple if using canned.

  5. 5

    In a separate large pan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, sugar, and water. Bring to a simmer, stirring until sugar dissolves, then add bell peppers, onion, and pineapple. Cook for 2-3 minutes until vegetables soften slightly but remain crisp.

  6. 6

    Add fried pork pieces to the sauce and toss quickly on medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes until all pieces are evenly glazed and heated through.

  7. 7

    Serve immediately while pork is crispy, spooning extra sauce and vegetables over the top.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The core ingredient that defines this dish is the pork shoulder, which is cut into cubes and coated with flour, egg, and cornstarch to create a crisp exterior. Its tender texture is essential to the sweet and sour pork experience.
Q. How do I keep the pork crispy even after adding sauce?
To maintain the pork's crispiness, fry it in batches at 350°F until golden and drain well. Only toss the pork in the sauce just before serving and do so quickly over medium-high heat so it stays crisp while getting evenly coated.
Q. What flavors stand out in the sweet and sour sauce?
The sauce is a balanced blend of sweet and tangy, using ketchup, sugar, rice vinegar, and soy sauce, combined with pineapple for fruity brightness and bell peppers for fresh crunch.
Q. How many calories are in each serving, and what is the protein-to-carb ratio?
Each serving contains 430 kcal, with 23g protein and 48g carbohydrates. Protein makes up 21% of calories, while carbs account for 45%, offering a substantial protein-to-carb balance in this classic dish.
AI 채팅 아이콘