Sweet and Sour Pork
Crispy, golden-brown pieces of pork tossed in a vibrant, tangy sweet and sour sauce with colorful bell peppers, onions, and pineapple. A beloved Chinese-American takeout classic you can easily make at home.
For 4 servings
7 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Pork
- b.In a medium bowl, combine the pork cubes, 1 tbsp soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, salt, and white pepper.
- c.Mix well and set aside to marinate for at least 15-20 minutes at room temperature.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare Sauce and Vegetables
- b.While the pork marinates, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, rice vinegar, granulated sugar, and the remaining 1 tbsp of soy sauce.
- c.In a separate tiny bowl, mix 1 tbsp of cornstarch with 2 tbsp of water to create a slurry. Set both aside.
- d.Ensure all your vegetables are chopped and ready for the stir-fry.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Make Batter and Coat Pork
- b.In a large bowl, whisk together 8 tbsp (1/2 cup) cornstarch, all-purpose flour, the large egg, and 4 tbsp (1/4 cup) water until a smooth, thick batter forms.
- c.Add the marinated pork to the batter and toss until every piece is thoroughly coated.
- 4
Step 4
- a.First Fry
- b.Heat 3 cups of vegetable oil in a wok or deep pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- c.Using tongs, carefully add the battered pork pieces one by one, ensuring not to overcrowd the wok.
- d.Fry in batches for 3-4 minutes until the coating is set and light golden. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack to drain.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Second Fry for Extra Crispiness
- b.Once all the pork has been fried once, increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C).
- c.Return the pork to the hot oil in batches and fry for another 1-2 minutes until deep golden brown and exceptionally crispy.
- d.Remove and drain on the wire rack again.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Stir-fry and Assemble
- b.Carefully drain most of the hot oil from the wok, leaving about 2 tbsp for stir-frying.
- c.Place the wok over high heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger and stir-fry for 20-30 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Add the onion and bell pepper pieces and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Finish the Sauce and Serve
- b.Pour the prepared sweet and sour sauce mixture into the wok and bring to a boil.
- c.Give the cornstarch slurry a quick stir and pour it in, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 30-60 seconds.
- d.Add the pineapple chunks and the double-fried crispy pork.
- e.Toss everything quickly for about 30 seconds to coat evenly. Serve immediately with steamed rice.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1The double-frying technique is the secret to an ultra-crispy coating that holds up against the sauce.
- 2Use a thermometer to monitor your oil temperature for perfect frying results. Inconsistent heat leads to greasy pork.
- 3Pork shoulder (or pork butt) is a great choice as its fat content keeps the meat tender and juicy after frying.
- 4Prepare all your ingredients (mise en place) before you start cooking. The final stir-frying process is very fast.
- 5Do not let the pork sit in the sauce for too long before serving, as it will lose its crispiness. Toss and serve immediately.
- 6For a more authentic flavor, use Chinese black vinegar (Chinkiang vinegar) instead of rice vinegar.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Replace the pork with boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian version. Adjust frying times accordingly.
Vegetable MedleyVegetable Medley
Add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or water chestnuts for extra crunch and nutrition.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or a few dried red chilies to the sauce for a touch of heat.
Healthier VersionHealthier Version
For a lighter dish, you can pan-fry or bake the pork instead of deep-frying, though the texture will be different.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
Pork is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle maintenance, and overall body function.
Vitamin C Boost
Bell peppers and pineapple are packed with Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that supports the immune system and promotes healthy skin.
Metabolism Support
The B vitamins found in pork, particularly thiamine, niacin, and B6, play a vital role in converting food into energy and supporting a healthy metabolism.
Antioxidant Properties
Garlic and ginger contain potent compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help protect the body against cellular damage.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this homemade Sweet and Sour Pork contains approximately 650-750 calories, primarily from the fried pork and the sugar in the sauce. Restaurant versions can often be higher.