If you’re craving a dish that wonderfully balances tangy, sweet, and savory flavors, this Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender pork pieces with a vibrant sauce made from pineapple juice, vinegar, and soy sauce, creating a mouthwatering delight that’s perfect for any meal. Each bite offers a harmony of textures and tastes that instantly brings comfort and joy to the table, making it a beloved favorite to share with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe are refreshingly simple yet essential in delivering a dish bursting with flavor and appealing color. Each item works together to create the perfect balance of sweet and tangy sauce paired with tender pork and crisp vegetables.
- 1 egg (beaten): Helps tenderize and lightly bind the pork pieces for a velvety texture.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Adds sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the sour notes.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Brings depth and umami to the pork marinade.
- 1 pound lean pork (cubed): The star protein that cooks tender and juicy with this recipe.
- 4 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the ingredients to a perfect caramelized finish.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Adds aromatic warmth and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon ginger (grated): Brings a fresh spicy kick that lifts the dish.
- 1 red bell pepper (cut into 1 inch chunks): Provides sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 green bell pepper (cut into 1 inch chunks): Adds a contrasting crisp texture and a mild bitterness.
- 1 medium onion (diced): Balances sweetness and rounds out the flavor.
- 19 ounces pineapple chunks (drained, reserve juice): Offers natural sweetness and acidity essential for the sauce.
- 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar: Vital for the sour punch in the sauce.
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar: Deepens the sweetness with molasses notes.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds savory richness to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to a glossy coating perfection.
- ¾ cup pineapple juice: Intensifies the sweet and sour flavor dimension.
- ½ cup chicken stock: Balances the sauce with a hearty undertone.
- Green onions for garnish: Fresh, colorful, and adds a subtle oniony bite.
- Sesame seeds for garnish: Adds a delightful nutty crunch and visual appeal.
How to Make Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Marinade
Start by mixing the beaten egg, sugar, salt, and soy sauce in a bowl. This simple but effective marinade tenderizes the pork cubes and infuses them with a subtle balance of sweet and savory flavors, getting them ready for that perfect sear.
Step 2: Coat the Pork
Add the cubed pork to the marinade and toss gently so every piece is well coated. Letting the pork soak up these flavors sets a flavorful foundation important for the overall taste of the Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe.
Step 3: Mix the Signature Sauce
Combine white wine vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, cornstarch, pineapple juice, and chicken stock in another bowl to create the luscious sweet and sour sauce. This mixture blurs the line between tangy and sweet, and the cornstarch will ensure it has the perfect glossy thickness.
Step 4: Brown the Pork
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork and cook, stirring frequently, until each piece is browned on all sides and cooked through, which usually takes about seven minutes. This step locks in juices and creates that lovely caramelized texture essential to the dish’s appeal.
Step 5: Set the Pork Aside
Once browned, transfer the pork cubes onto a plate to rest. Setting the pork aside gives you space to cook the flavorful vegetables without overcooking the meat later.
Step 6: Sauté Vegetables
Add garlic, ginger, red and green bell peppers, and diced onion to the skillet. Cook for about three minutes until the vegetables are tender but retain a bit of their crispness. This mix brings a fresh and vibrant crunch, offering contrast to the tender pork.
Step 7: Combine Pineapple and Sauce
Stir in the pineapple chunks followed by the pre-mixed sauce. Keep stirring as the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, transforming into a beautiful glaze that coats every ingredient in the skillet perfectly.
Step 8: Re-introduce Pork
Return the browned pork cubes to the skillet. Let everything cook together for two more minutes, allowing the pork to soak up the flavorful sauce while the ingredients meld into a harmonious dish.
Step 9: Serve
Serve your Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe hot over a bed of fluffy white long grain rice. Top with freshly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds to add color, texture, and a final burst of flavor.
How to Serve Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions and sesame seeds are not just pretty but enhance the dish by adding layers of subtle crunch and fresh, sharp flavor. These garnishes brighten each bite and make your plate look inviting and restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
Serve this dish alongside steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up that incredible sauce. For extra greens, a side of sautéed bok choy or a crunchy Asian-style slaw makes a refreshing, balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe in individual mini bamboo steamers or on a platter with decorative pineapple slices and fresh sprigs of cilantro. This adds an exotic flair and makes the meal feel special and festive, perfect for entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sweet and Sour Pork can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making the second-day meal just as delightful, if not more.
Freezing
If you want to store it longer, freeze the pork and sauce mixture separately from the rice in freezer-safe containers. They will keep well for about two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwaving covered to retain moisture. Stir occasionally to evenly warm the pork and freshen up the sauce without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?
Absolutely! While lean pork cubes work great for their tenderness and quick cooking, pork tenderloin or shoulder can also be used. Just adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is tender.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos to keep the same umami flavor without gluten, ensuring the dish remains delicious and safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Definitely. The sauce mix can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before adding it during cooking to ensure the cornstarch is well mixed.
What if I don’t have pineapple chunks on hand?
Fresh, canned, or frozen pineapple chunks all work well. Just make sure to reserve the juice if you’re using canned. If you only have fresh pineapple, you can blend some pieces to add to the sauce for that signature sweetness and tang.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I add heat?
This Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe is mild by nature, focusing on sweet and tangy flavors. If you love spice, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of chili paste during the vegetable sauté for a gentle, warming kick.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about making and sharing this Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe. Between the vibrant colors, inviting aromas, and that perfect balance of tangy and sweet, it’s a dish that never fails to impress and comfort. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple you’ll return to again and again.
