Best Easy Cantonese Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe

Crunchy Cantonese sweet and sour pork with tangy pineapple sauce is a family dinner classic. A protein-packed dish with vibrant, fresh fruit flavors.

Cook 50 min Difficulty NORMAL 410 kcal
#high protein #family dinner #pork #sweet and sour
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • pork shoulder 1 lb
  • pineapple chunks 1 cup
  • red bell pepper 1 pieces
  • green bell pepper 1 pieces
  • onion 0.5 pieces
  • egg 1 pieces
  • cornstarch 0.75 cup
  • vegetable oil 1.5 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • ketchup 0.25 cup
  • rice vinegar 3 tbsp
  • sugar 3 tbsp
  • soy sauce 1.5 tbsp
  • pineapple juice 0.25 cup
  • salt 0.5 tsp
  • black pepper 0.25 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 38 g 37%
Protein 24 g 24%
Fat 17 g 39%
Serving size 210g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Cut the pork shoulder into 1-inch cubes; season with salt and black pepper. Crack egg into a bowl and whisk lightly.

  2. 2

    Coat pork cubes first in egg, then thoroughly in cornstarch. Shake off excess for an even, crispy coating.

  3. 3

    Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high (350°F). Fry pork in batches for 4–5 minutes until golden and crunchy. Drain on a wire rack.

  4. 4

    In a separate large skillet, sauté onion, red, and green bell peppers over medium heat for 2 minutes to keep them vibrant and slightly crisp.

  5. 5

    Mix ketchup, sugar, rice vinegar, pineapple juice, and soy sauce in a bowl until smooth. Pour this sauce into the vegetables, then add pineapple chunks; simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and bubbles.

  6. 6

    Return crispy pork to the pan and toss quickly to coat each piece. Stir for 1 more minute over medium-high heat, ensuring all sides are evenly glazed.

  7. 7

    Serve immediately on a platter for best crunch and flavor.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The star of this Cantonese sweet and sour pork is pork shoulder. Its marbled texture remains juicy after deep-frying and complements the tangy, fruity sauce—making it essential for authentic flavor and protein content.
Q. Which element defines the sweet and sour sauce's flavor?
The distinctive sweet and sour flavor comes from a balance of ketchup, sugar, rice vinegar, and pineapple juice. Pineapple chunks add sweet acidity, while the sauce caramelizes for a vibrant, tangy result.
Q. What's an important cooking tip for crunchy pork?
For maximum crunch, coat the pork evenly in cornstarch and fry at 350°F in hot oil without crowding the pan. Drain fried pork on a wire rack so it remains crisp when tossed in sauce.
Q. How do I prevent the vegetables from losing their texture?
Sauté the onions and bell peppers briefly over medium heat for about 2 minutes, just until their colors brighten. This keeps the vegetables tender-crisp and avoids a soggy texture during saucing.
Q. How many calories and protein are in each serving?
Each serving of this recipe contains about 410 kcal, with 24g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. The protein-to-carb balance supports satiety while providing classic sweet and tangy flavors.
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