Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe
Category: Main Course
Serves: 4
Sweet and Sour Pork is a delightful and vibrant dish that combines the succulence of tender pork, the freshness of vegetables, and the irresistible tang of sweet and sour sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pork (cut into 1.5 cm cubes) | 250 g |
| Green bell peppers (cubed) | 120 g |
| Tomatoes (cubed) | 120 g |
| Pineapple slices in syrup (cubed) | 4 slices |
| Sunflower oil | 1 tbsp |
| Rice wine | 1 tbsp |
| Egg | ½ |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Water | 100 g |
| All-purpose flour | 100 g |
| Potato starch | 20 g |
| Instant baking powder (savory use) | 8 g |
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tomato paste | 130 g |
| Sugar | 125 g |
| White vinegar | 125 g |
| Water | 500 g |
| Potato starch | 35 g |
| Water | 4 tbsp |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~380 kcal |
| Protein | ~20 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~45 g |
| Fat | ~10 g |
| Fiber | ~3 g |
| Sugars | ~20 g |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pork
- Begin by cutting the pork into uniform 1.5 cm cubes. Rinse them under cold running water.
- Transfer the pork to a bowl and add the rice wine. Mix thoroughly to coat the pork and let it marinate while preparing the other elements of the dish.
Step 2: Make the Batter
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, potato starch, and instant baking powder.
- Gradually pour in the water while stirring continuously with chopsticks or a whisk to ensure a smooth and lump-free batter.
- Allow the batter to rest for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Prep the Vegetables and Pineapple
- Cube the green bell peppers and tomatoes into pieces similar in size to the pork.
- Chop the pineapple slices into cubes and set them aside.
Step 4: Fry the Pork
- After the batter has rested, add the marinated pork cubes to the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the batter.
- Heat a wok over medium-high heat for about a minute before adding the sunflower oil. Heat the oil to 180°C (350°F).
- Fry the battered pork cubes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the wok. Fry for 5-7 minutes, gently stirring to prevent sticking.
- Once golden and crispy, remove the pork and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce
- In a wok or small saucepan, bring the water to a gentle boil. Add the sugar and tomato paste, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- While the sauce is simmering, mix the potato starch with 4 tablespoons of water in a small bowl to create a slurry.
- Gradually pour the starch slurry into the simmering sauce, whisking constantly. Cook for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 6: Assemble the Dish
- Clean and dry the wok used earlier. Heat 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil over medium heat.
- Add the cubed green bell peppers and tomatoes, sautéing them briefly.
- Pour the prepared sweet and sour sauce into the wok, followed by the fried pork cubes and pineapple chunks.
- Toss everything together over high heat for 30 seconds to ensure the pork is well-coated and the vegetables are slightly tender yet crisp.
Step 7: Serve
- Transfer the sweet and sour pork to a serving dish. Garnish with a few additional pineapple chunks if desired.
- Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Tips:
- For extra crunch, you can double-fry the pork cubes. After the initial frying, let them rest for a few minutes, then fry them again for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a dash of chili flakes to the sauce while it simmers.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Sweet and Sour Pork, a perfect blend of savory, tangy, and sweet flavors!
