Classic Sweet & Sour Pork Recipe
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Description:
Prepare to embark on a culinary journey with this delightful rendition of Sweet & Sour Pork, a timeless classic that has been passed down through generations. Inspired by the revered Joy of Cooking cookbook, this recipe has been lovingly tweaked to satisfy even the most discerning palates. Bursting with the vibrant flavors of tropical fruits and savory pork, this dish promises to elevate your dining experience to new heights.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups vinegar
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1/3 cup pineapple chunks
- 2 green peppers
- 2 onions
- 2 lbs pork
- 1 1/2 cups chicken stock
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 553.5
- Fat: 27.1g
- Saturated Fat: 8.8g
- Cholesterol: 124.5mg
- Sodium: 477.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1.2g
- Sugar: 26.6g
- Protein: 42.8g
Instructions:
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Prepare the Pork: Begin by cutting the pork into strips, approximately 1/2 inch wide and 2 inches long, ensuring each piece is uniform in size for even cooking.
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Brown the Pork: Heat oil in a wok or electric fryer over medium-high heat. Add the pork strips and brown them until they develop a golden crust, ensuring they are cooked through. Once browned, transfer the pork to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Set aside for later use.
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Prepare the Sauce: In the same wok or fryer used for browning the pork, combine the pineapple juice, chicken stock, vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
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Thicken the Sauce: Cook the sauce mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it begins to thicken and take on a luscious consistency. This process usually takes a few minutes, so be patient and keep a close eye on the sauce to prevent burning.
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Incorporate the Pork: Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency and has developed a rich color, gently add the browned pork strips back into the wok, ensuring they are evenly coated with the delectable sauce.
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Simmer the Pork: Reduce the heat to low and allow the pork to simmer in the sauce, covered, for approximately 1 hour. This slow simmering process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully while ensuring the pork becomes tender and succulent.
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Add the Vegetables: After the pork has simmered for an hour, it’s time to introduce the vibrant vegetables that will add texture and freshness to the dish. Add the pineapple chunks, sliced green peppers, and onions to the wok, stirring gently to combine all the ingredients.
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Cook Until Tender: Continue to cook the pork and vegetables for an additional 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are just tender. Be careful not to overcook them, as they should retain a slight crunch for added texture and visual appeal.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the pork and vegetables are cooked to perfection, remove the wok from the heat and serve the Sweet & Sour Pork hot over a bed of fluffy cooked rice. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions or cilantro for an extra burst of flavor and color.
Tips:
- For a healthier alternative, you can use lean pork loin or tenderloin instead of traditional pork cuts with higher fat content.
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, such as carrots, snow peas, or bell peppers, to enhance both the flavor and nutritional value of the dish.
- Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce to suit your personal preferences by varying the amount of brown sugar and vinegar used.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the Sweet & Sour Pork in the microwave or on the stovetop for a quick and satisfying meal.
