How to Make Sweet and Sour Pork: A Comprehensive Guide

Sweet and sour pork is a beloved dish that tantalizes taste buds with its crispy exterior, tender interior, and tangy sauce. While it may seem like a daunting dish to prepare at home, this guide will break down the process into simple steps, empowering you to create restaurant-quality sweet and sour pork in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Pork:

• 1.5 pounds boneless pork shoulder or pork loin, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg, beaten

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pork

• In a large bowl, combine the pork cubes, cornstarch, flour, baking soda, salt, pepper, and egg. Mix well until the pork is evenly coated.
• Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight. This step allows the marinade to tenderize the pork.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, pineapple juice, cornstarch, and water. Set aside.

Step 3: Fry the Pork

• Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Remove the pork from the marinade and shake off any excess.
• Fry the pork in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
• Remove the pork from the skillet and drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

• Wipe out the skillet and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
• Add the onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the skillet and stir-fry until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
• Add the pineapple chunks and stir-fry for an additional minute.

Step 5: Combine the Pork and Sauce

• Add the fried pork back to the skillet with the vegetables.
• Pour the sauce over the pork and vegetables and stir to combine.
• Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Serve

• Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve immediately over rice or noodles.

Tips

• For extra crispy pork, double-fry the pork. After the initial fry, remove the pork from the skillet and let it cool slightly. Then, fry the pork again until golden brown and crispy.
• If you don’t have baking soda, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
• To make the dish vegetarian, substitute tofu for the pork.
• Sweet and sour pork can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Variations

• Add other vegetables to the stir-fry, such as carrots, celery, or snow peas.
• Use different fruits in the sauce, such as peaches, apricots, or mangoes.
• Add a touch of heat to the sauce with red pepper flakes or Sriracha.

Making sweet and sour pork at home is a rewarding experience that yields a delicious and satisfying dish. By following these steps and incorporating the tips and variations, you can create a restaurant-quality sweet and sour pork that will impress your family and friends. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.