Sweet and Sour Chicken (or Pork) Recipe
π Cook Time: 30 minutes | π Prep Time: 30 minutes | π Total Time: 1 hour
Description:
Bringing the flavors of Asian cuisine into your kitchen, this Sweet and Sour Chicken (or Pork) recipe is a nostalgic delight passed down from generation to generation. Inspired by my mom’s kitchen, this recipe promises the same satisfaction as your favorite take-out, but with a homemade touch that makes it extra special. With a crispy exterior and a tangy, sweet sauce coating tender pieces of meat, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts or boneless pork chops
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup margarine
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1/2 green pepper, sliced
- 1/2 cup sliced carrots
- Optional: additional peppers or snow peas
- 1 cup ketchup
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tsp pepper
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
Instructions:
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| 1 | Frying the Chicken (or Pork): Begin by cutting the chicken (or pork) into small, bite-sized pieces. |
| 2 | Mix Breading: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, water, and baking powder to create a runny batter. |
| 3 | Coat Meat: Dip each piece of chicken or pork into the breading mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated. |
| 4 | Fry: Heat oil in a frying pan or Fry Daddy. Carefully place the coated meat into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and cooked through. |
| 5 | Drain and Set Aside: Once fried, remove the chicken (or pork) from the oil and drain on paper towels. Set aside or cover to keep warm. |
| 6 | Prepare Sauce: In a separate frying pan, melt margarine over medium heat. Add sliced onion, green pepper, and carrots (and any additional peppers or snow peas if desired). |
| 7 | Cook Vegetables: SautΓ© the vegetables until they are tender and aromatic. |
| 8 | Combine Sauce Ingredients: Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, white vinegar, soy sauce, pepper, and ground ginger. |
| 9 | Thicken Sauce: Cook the mixture until it begins to boil. If the sauce is too runny, add cornstarch to thicken it to your desired consistency. |
| 10 | Add Pineapple: Finally, add the pineapple chunks to the sauce and cook for an additional 5 minutes. |
| 11 | Serve: Serve the sweet and sour sauce over the fried chicken or pork. Optionally, serve over rice for a complete meal. |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 657.3
- Fat: 28.7g
- Saturated Fat: 6.7g
- Cholesterol: 92.8mg
- Sodium: 1540.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 66.8g
- Fiber: 2.5g
- Sugar: 41g
- Protein: 34.2g
Tips:
- For a lighter version, you can bake the breaded chicken or pork instead of frying.
- Customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or even pineapple chunks.
- Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce according to your taste preferences by varying the amount of brown sugar and vinegar used.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
Indulge in the homemade goodness of this Sweet and Sour Chicken (or Pork) recipe that’s bursting with flavor and nostalgia. It’s a dish that brings the warmth of family traditions straight to your table.
