Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe – Crispy, Tangy & Irresistible

Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe – Crispy, Tangy & Irresistible

Introduction

Sweet and Sour Pork (咕噜肉) is a beloved Chinese dish, known for its crispy fried pork pieces coated in a glossy, tangy-sweet sauce. This dish is a staple of Cantonese cuisine and has become a favorite worldwide, often served in Chinese takeout menus.

The perfect Sweet and Sour Pork has crunchy, golden-brown pork bites, a vibrant, flavorful sauce, and a mix of colorful bell peppers, onions, and pineapples. This homemade recipe will help you recreate the authentic restaurant-quality dish at home!

Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe

Ingredients

🔹 For the Pork:

• 1 lb pork loin or pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon white pepper
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon Shaoxing wine (optional, for extra flavor)
• ½ cup cornstarch (for coating)
• 1 egg white
• 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

🔹 For the Sweet & Sour Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon pineapple juice (optional, for extra sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

🔹 For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
• ½ cup green bell pepper, diced
• ½ cup onion, chopped
• ½ cup pineapple chunks

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate & Coat the Pork

1️⃣ In a bowl, mix pork cubes, salt, white pepper, soy sauce, and Shaoxing wine. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
2️⃣ Add egg white to the pork and mix well.
3️⃣ Coat each pork piece with cornstarch, ensuring an even layer.

Step 2: Deep-Fry the Pork

1️⃣ Heat 1 cup of vegetable oil in a wok or deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
2️⃣ Fry the pork in batches until golden and crispy (about 4-5 minutes).
3️⃣ Remove and drain on a paper towel. Double-fry for extra crispiness.

Step 3: Prepare the Sweet & Sour Sauce

1️⃣ In a bowl, mix ketchup, vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice.
2️⃣ Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a pan over medium heat and pour in the sauce.
3️⃣ Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables & Pork

1️⃣ In the same pan, add bell peppers, onions, and pineapple chunks. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes.
2️⃣ Add the fried pork and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

1️⃣ Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with sesame seeds or green onions.
2️⃣ Serve hot with steamed rice or fried rice.

Tips & Variations

✔ Extra Crispy Pork – Double-fry the pork for a crunchier texture.
✔ Vegetarian Option – Replace pork with tofu or cauliflower.
✔ Make It Spicier – Add chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
✔ Gluten-Free Version – Use tamari instead of soy sauce and cornstarch instead of flour.

Final Thoughts

Sweet and Sour Pork is a perfect balance of crispy, tangy, and sweet flavors that makes it one of the most iconic Chinese dishes. This easy homemade version ensures you get restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen!

Would you like a Pinterest-style image or a variation with different proteins? Let me know! 🍖🥢✨