Delicious Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe for Family Dinners

Sweet and sour pork is a culinary delight that tantalizes your taste buds with its perfect balance of flavors. Imagine tender pieces of pork coated in a glossy, vibrant sauce that bursts with sweetness and a tangy kick, making your mouth water in anticipation.

This dish often finds its way to family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, bringing everyone together around the table for a feast of colors and flavors. Each bite delivers a delightful crunch from fresh vegetables, enveloped in that unmistakable sweet and sour glaze. It’s comfort food at its finest

Cooking sweet and sour pork has always brought smiles to my family’s faces I still remember my niece’s delighted squeals when she first tasted it.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pork Tenderloin: Choose a lean cut for tenderness it’s the star of our savory show.
• Bell Peppers: Use colorful varieties for a visual treat they add crunch and sweetness.
• Onion: A medium onion enhances flavor slice it thinly for even cooking.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring out rich aromas chop finely to release their magic.
• Pineapple Chunks: Opt for canned or fresh they add sweetness and tropical flair.
• Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce keeps the dish balanced without overpowering saltiness.
• Rice Vinegar: This adds the signature tang adjust to taste based on your preference.
• Ketchup: Yes, ketchup adds unexpected sweetness and color trust me on this one
• Brown Sugar: Enhances sweetness feel free to adjust based on your taste buds.
• Vegetable Oil: For frying choose an oil with a high smoke point for best results.

For the Sauce:

• Cornstarch: Mixed with water, it thickens the sauce perfectly without clumps.
• Water: To balance the sauce consistency you can add more if needed.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by slicing the pork into bite-sized pieces. Chop all vegetables: bell peppers into strips, onions into thin slices, and mince garlic.

Create Your Sauce Mixture: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, cornstarch blended with water. Whisk until smooth and set aside.

Sear the Pork Pieces: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork pieces in batches until browned on all sides. Remove from the skillet once cooked through.

Add Vegetables to the Skillet: In the same skillet, toss in sliced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté for about three minutes until they soften and start releasing their sweet aroma.

Add Pineapple Chunks & Return Pork to Skillet : Stir in pineapple chunks along with the seared pork. Cook everything together for two minutes so flavors meld beautifully.

Pour in Your Sauce & Thicken It Up : Pour your prepared sauce mixture into the skillet over the pork and veggies. Cook while stirring until bubbling and thickened about three to five minutes.

And just like that voilà You have yourself an unforgettable sweet and sour pork dish that could make even Gordon Ramsay smile (or at least not yell). Serve it hot over fluffy rice or noodles

Now that you’ve mastered sweet and sour pork, get ready for compliments galore as friends dive into this flavor-packed plate of joy

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the pork to enhance flavor, then sauté until golden brown before adding the sauce and vegetables. This sequence ensures maximum taste and tenderness.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out bell peppers for pineapple or add some ginger for extra zing. Customize it based on your pantry staples or personal preferences.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Sweet and Sour Pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.

Sweet and Sour Pork has a special place in my heart. I remember my friend’s face lighting up when I served it during a game night we devoured every last bite

FAQ

Can I use chicken instead of pork for Sweet and Sour?

Yes, chicken works wonderfully as a substitute, maintaining the sweetness and tanginess of the dish.

What are some good side dishes to serve with Sweet and Sour Pork?

Steamed rice or fried rice pairs perfectly, soaking up the delicious sauce beautifully.

Is there a way to make this dish healthier?

Absolutely Use lean cuts of pork or add more vegetables to reduce calories without sacrificing flavor.

Print

Sweet and Sour Pork

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Sweet and sour pork is a vibrant dish that brings together tender pork, colorful vegetables, and a glossy, tangy sauce. This delightful meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, offering a burst of flavor that appeals to both kids and adults alike. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete feast that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb pork tenderloin, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), sliced
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

1. Slice the pork into bite-sized pieces. Chop bell peppers and onion, and mince garlic.
2. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, and cornstarch mixture. Whisk until smooth.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown pork pieces in batches; remove when cooked through.
4. In the same skillet, sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic for about three minutes until softened.
5. Add pineapple chunks and return pork to the skillet. Cook for two minutes to meld flavors.
6. Pour in the sauce mixture and stir until bubbling and thickened (about three to five minutes).
7. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: For added flair, consider substituting bell peppers with snap peas or adding grated ginger for an extra zing. To make it healthier, increase the quantity of vegetables or opt for leaner cuts of pork.