If you are craving a vibrant dish that balances tangy, sweet, and savory flavors all in one bite, then this Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe will quickly become your go-to comfort food. This recipe combines tender, juicy pork with crisp bell peppers and succulent pineapple chunks, all enveloped in a luscious, glossy sauce that’s perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a casual get-together, this Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe brings restaurant-quality delight straight to your kitchen in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe relies on simple, fresh ingredients that each contribute uniquely to the overall flavor, texture, and color of the dish. From the juicy pineapple chunks to the savory soy sauce, every component plays a crucial role in delivering that signature taste.
- 1 egg (beaten): Acts as a tenderizing coat to keep pork juicy and flavorful.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness that balances the savory elements.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances overall flavor without overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Provides that umami depth to the pork marinade.
- 1 pound lean pork (cubed): The star protein, tender and easy to cook quickly.
- 4 tablespoons olive oil: Used for cooking the pork and vegetables, bringing richness.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and slight pungency.
- 1 teaspoon ginger (grated): Adds a fresh, zesty kick that livens the sauce.
- 1 red bell pepper (cut into 1 inch chunks): Provides sweet crunch and vibrant color.
- 1 green bell pepper (cut into 1 inch chunks): Balances the red pepper with earthiness and color contrast.
- 1 medium onion (diced): Offers natural sweetness and texture when sautéed.
- 19 ounces pineapple chunks (drained, reserve juice for the sauce): The key sweet element that brightens the dish.
- 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar: Adds the essential tang that defines sweet and sour flavors.
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar: Provides rich caramel notes and balances acidity.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Brings deeper umami into the sauce mix.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce into a glossy finish.
- ¾ cup pineapple juice: Intensifies tropical sweetness in the sauce.
- ½ cup chicken stock: Adds savory liquid that enhances flavor complexity.
- Green onions for garnish: Fresh herbaceous notes and a pop of color.
- Sesame seeds for garnish: Adds a nutty crunch and visual appeal.
How to Make Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Marinade
Start by whisking together the beaten egg, sugar, salt, and soy sauce in a medium bowl. This mixture will tenderize the pork and infuse it with a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors. Gently toss the cubed pork in this marinade, ensuring every piece is nicely coated before setting it aside to absorb the flavors.
Step 2: Mix the Sweet and Sour Sauce
While the pork marinates, combine the white wine vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, cornstarch, pineapple juice, and chicken stock in another bowl. This sauce mixture is the magical component of your Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe, delivering that perfect harmony of tang and sweetness while thickening beautifully when cooked.
Step 3: Cook the Pork
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork cubes and cook them, stirring frequently, until they turn a lovely golden brown on all sides and are cooked through—usually about seven minutes. This step seals in juiciness and builds a savory crust that contrasts beautifully with the sauce.
Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables
Remove the pork from the skillet and set it aside. In the same pan, toss in the minced garlic, grated ginger, red and green bell peppers, and diced onion. Sauté for roughly three minutes, just enough to soften the vegetables while keeping their vibrant colors and a pleasant crunch, adding texture and freshness to your dish.
Step 5: Combine Pineapple and Sauce
Add the pineapple chunks and the prepared sweet and sour sauce to the skillet. Stir constantly as you cook to ensure the cornstarch activates and the sauce thickens into a gorgeous, glossy coating. This step brings all the flavors together, creating that signature lusciousness you expect from a Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe.
Step 6: Finish Cooking
Return the cooked pork to the skillet and toss everything together gently. Let it cook for an additional two minutes to allow the pork to soak in the sauce and for flavors to marry perfectly, creating a harmonious dish.
Step 7: Serve
Your Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe is now ready to be served over a bed of fluffy white long grain rice. Garnish with freshly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds to add a pop of color and a subtle nutty crunch that makes every bite a celebration.
How to Serve Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe
Garnishes
Adding green onions and sesame seeds as a garnish not only brightens the presentation but also introduces fresh and nutty notes that complement the rich sauce perfectly. You can also toss in some finely chopped cilantro or even a few thinly sliced red chili peppers for extra color and a gentle kick.
Side Dishes
This Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Steamed jasmine or basmati rice is classic, but for added texture, try fried rice or even simple noodles. A side of stir-fried bok choy or steamed broccoli can add a nutritious green balance and fresh bite.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, consider serving your Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe in individual mini woks or colorful bowls. Adding a sprinkling of chopped roasted peanuts or cashews on top can add a surprising crunch. For a fun twist, turn it into lettuce wraps or serve the pork alongside pineapple fried rice for a tropical flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the dish completely before sealing it to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess of the pork and vegetables.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prepare in advance. Place the cooked pork and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers to avoid the vegetables becoming too soft upon thawing. Properly stored, it can last up to 2 months in the freezer without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the leftovers on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the pork from becoming tough. You may add a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen the sauce if it thickened too much. Avoid microwaving at high power as it can dry out the pork and make the vegetables mushy.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?
Absolutely! While lean pork cubes work best for tenderness and quick cooking, you can use pork shoulder or even tenderloin. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to keep the meat juicy and flavorful.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe?
Yes! You can swap the pork for firm tofu or tempeh and follow the same cooking process. Tofu soaks up the sauce beautifully and keeps that satisfying texture.
How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
If your sauce isn’t thickening as much as you’d like, simply mix a little more cornstarch with water and add it gradually while cooking. To thin the sauce, add extra pineapple juice or chicken stock until you reach the desired consistency.
What type of rice goes best with Sweet and Sour Pork?
Long grain white rice like jasmine is a perfect match due to its fragrant, fluffy texture. However, brown rice or even cauliflower rice can be great substitutes if you want a healthier or lower-carb option.
Can I prepare this recipe without the pineapple?
Pineapple is central to the classic sweet and sour flavor, but if you must omit it, consider substituting with a mix of apple chunks and a splash of extra vinegar and sugar to mimic the balance. Keep in mind the overall taste will differ slightly.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about this Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe that makes it a favorite for so many, including myself. It’s vibrant, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to pull off on any weeknight. Trust me, once you taste the tender pork bathed in that irresistible sauce, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your rotation forever. Give it a try, and watch how quickly it becomes a cherished dish at your table!
Print
Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Sweet and Sour Pork recipe offers a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors with tender pork cubes, colorful bell peppers, and pineapple chunks, all cooked in a vibrant sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a delicious and easy-to-make dish perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
For the Pork Marinade
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 pound lean pork (cubed)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
For the Vegetables and Sauce
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon ginger (grated)
- 1 red bell pepper (cut into 1 inch chunks)
- 1 green bell pepper (cut into 1 inch chunks)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 19 ounces pineapple chunks (drained, reserve juice for the sauce)
- 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¾ cup pineapple juice (reserved from chunks)
- ½ cup chicken stock
For Garnish
- Green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the beaten egg, 1 tablespoon sugar, salt, and 1 tablespoon soy sauce. This mixture will tenderize and flavor the pork.
- Coat the Pork: Add the cubed pork to the marinade and gently toss to evenly coat all pieces. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together white wine vinegar, brown sugar, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, cornstarch, reserved pineapple juice, and chicken stock until smooth. Set aside for later use.
- Cook the Pork: Heat 4 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork and cook, stirring frequently, until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 7 minutes.
- Remove Pork: Transfer the cooked pork to a plate and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add minced garlic, grated ginger, red and green bell peppers, and diced onion. Cook for about 3 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Add Pineapple and Sauce: Stir in the pineapple chunks and the prepared sauce mixture. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes clear.
- Combine Pork and Sauce: Return the pork to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes, ensuring everything is well coated and heated through.
- Serve: Serve the sweet and sour pork immediately over a bed of white long grain rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce.
- Adjust sugar and vinegar quantities to suit your taste for sweetness and sourness.
- Use fresh pineapple if canned is not available, but reserve juice for the sauce consistency.
- This recipe pairs well with steamed white rice or fried rice.
- To make it spicier, add a pinch of chili flakes or fresh chili slices when cooking the vegetables.
