Classic Sweet and Sour Pork – A Perfect Balance of Flavor
Shruthi
Sweet and Sour Pork features crispy fried pork tossed in a tangy, glossy sauce.The dish combines sweet, sour, and savory flavors in perfect balance.Colorful vegetables and pineapple add freshness and texture.It is a classic takeaway-style dish that’s easy to recreate at home.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Chinese, Chinese-American
For the Pork
- 500 g pork shoulder or pork loin, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for deep frying
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar or white vinegar
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
For the Vegetables
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium onion, cut into chunks
- ½ cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
Season the pork pieces with salt and pepper.
Add the egg and cornstarch, mixing well to coat the pork evenly.
Heat oil in a deep pan and fry the pork until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
In a bowl, mix ketchup, vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and cornstarch slurry.
Heat a pan with a little oil, add bell peppers and onion, and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes.
Pour in the sweet and sour sauce and cook until thick and glossy.
Add pineapple chunks and fried pork. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Serve hot with steamed rice.
- Pork shoulder gives juicier results than lean cuts.
- Cornstarch helps create a light, crispy coating.
- Sauce thickness can be adjusted with water.
- Pineapple adds natural sweetness and acidity.
- Best served immediately for maximum crispiness.
Keyword Asian comfort food, Chinese pork recipe, classic Chinese takeaway, crispy pork dish, Sweet and sour pork