Loading...
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
Marinate the Pork
Prepare Sauce and Vegetables
Make Batter and Coat Pork
Lean ground turkey and crisp broccoli florets tossed in a savory, garlic-ginger sauce made without added salt. A heart-healthy and delicious weeknight meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect served over steamed rice.
Tender chicken and crisp broccoli florets tossed in a savory garlic ginger sauce. This classic Chinese-American takeout favorite is so easy to make at home and ready in under 30 minutes.
Tender strips of marinated beef and crisp bell peppers tossed in a rich, savory black pepper sauce. A classic Chinese-American takeout favorite you can make at home in under 30 minutes, perfect over a bed of fluffy white rice.
Tender, velvety beef strips, fluffy scrambled eggs, and crisp vegetables tossed with savory day-old rice and a rich soy-sesame sauce. A classic Chinese-American takeout favorite made easy at home in under 30 minutes, perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
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.
This chinese_american recipe takes 45 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 717.76 calories per serving with 22.78g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for dinner or lunch.
First Fry
Second Fry for Extra Crispiness
Stir-fry and Assemble
Finish the Sauce and Serve
Replace the pork with boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian version. Adjust frying times accordingly.
Add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or water chestnuts for extra crunch and nutrition.
Add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or a few dried red chilies to the sauce for a touch of heat.
For a lighter dish, you can pan-fry or bake the pork instead of deep-frying, though the texture will be different.
Pork is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle maintenance, and overall body function.
Bell peppers and pineapple are packed with Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that supports the immune system and promotes healthy skin.
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.
Garlic and ginger contain potent compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help protect the body against cellular damage.
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.
While delicious, Sweet and Sour Pork is generally considered an indulgent dish rather than a health food. It's high in calories, fat, and sugar due to the deep-frying method and the sweet sauce. However, making it at home allows you to control the ingredients, such as using less oil and sugar.
Pork shoulder (also known as pork butt) is ideal because its higher fat content ensures the meat stays tender and juicy after frying. Pork loin is a leaner option but can become dry if overcooked.
The most common reasons are incorrect oil temperature, overcrowding the pan, or not double-frying. The second fry at a higher temperature is crucial for driving out moisture and creating a super crispy crust.
It's best served immediately to enjoy the crispy texture. You can prepare components ahead: marinate the pork, chop the vegetables, and mix the sauce. Fry the pork and assemble the dish right before you plan to eat.