Best 7 Authentic Sweet And Sour Pork Recipes

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Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Authentic Sweet and Sour Pork, a classic dish that tantalizes taste buds with its harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and savory notes. Originating from China, this culinary delight has captivated hearts worldwide, becoming a staple in many Asian restaurants and kitchens. Prepared using tender pork slices coated in a light batter and deep-fried until golden brown, this dish is then enveloped in a vibrant and flavorful sauce made from a medley of ingredients, including vinegar, sugar, tomato sauce, soy sauce, and spices. The result is a symphony of flavors that bursts in the mouth, leaving you craving more. Accompanying this delectable main course are additional recipes that elevate your dining experience. Learn how to prepare fluffy and aromatic Jasmine Rice, the perfect complement to soak up the tantalizing sauce. For a refreshing contrast, dive into the zesty and tangy Cucumber Salad, a refreshing side dish that cleanses the palate and adds a pop of color to your plate. Complete your meal with a sweet and indulgent treat, the classic Pineapple Fritters, crispy on the outside and soft and juicy on the inside, drizzled with a luscious honey glaze. This collection of recipes promises an unforgettable culinary journey, transporting you to the vibrant streets of China with every bite.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

SWEET AND SOUR PORK



Sweet and Sour Pork image

Recipe video above. The best ever Sweet and Sour Pork recipe is loaded with tricks the Chinese have been using for centuries: double dredgeand double fry for extra crispy, cornflour instead of flour, economical pork used for juiciness, but tenderised with baking soda so you'd swear they're pricey chops, and a sauce that's not sickeningly sweet. Don't let the list of ingredients daunt you. There's a lot of repeat ingredients!OVEN option provided in notes. Because sometimes, you just have to....

Provided by Nagi

Categories     Mains

Number Of Ingredients 26

400g/14oz pork scotch roast (aka pork neck, collar butt) or shoulder / butt, (cut into 2cm / 4/5" cubes (Note 1))
1/2 onion (, finely grated (Note 2a))
1 tsp garlic (, finely grated (Note 2a))
1 tsp ginger (, finely grated (Note 2a))
3/8 tsp baking soda (bi-carb) ((Note 2b))
2 tsp cornflour/cornstarch
2 tbsp light soy sauce (, or all purpose (Note 3))
5 tbsp cornflour/cornstarch ( - for mixing in)
1/2 cup cornflour/cornstarch ( - for Coating)
2 - 3 cups vegetable or canola oil
1/3 cup white sugar
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar ((or 1/4 cup normal white vinegar))
3 tbsp pineapple juice ((from a 227g/8oz can pineapple pieces in juice, preferably no added sugar, Note 4))
3 tbsp ketchup ((or Aussie tomato sauce))
1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce (, light)
1 tsp Oyster Sauce ((Note 5))
4 tsp cornflour/corn starch
1/2 cup water
1 tbsp oil
1 garlic clove (, finely chopped)
2 tsp ginger (, finely chopped)
1 onion ((medium), cut into 2.5cm/ 1" cubes (brown, white, yellow))
1/2 red capsicum/bell pepper ((large), cut into 2.5cm / 1" cubes)
1/2 green capsicum/bell pepper ((large), cut into 2.5cm / 1" cubes)
1 cup pineapple pieces ((from the can of pineapple under Sauce))

Steps:

  • Mix Pork with Marinade. Marinade 18 to 24 hours. (See Note 1 for marinating time for other cuts)
  • Rack & warm oven: Preheat oven to 80°C/175°F and place rack on tray - to keep pork warm.
  • Sauce: Place all Sauce ingredients EXCEPT water in a large jug or small bowl. Mix until combined, then mix in water.
  • Be Stir Fry Ready: Have all ingredients lined up, ready to toss in. After Fry #2, things move quickly.
  • Coating #1: Mix 5 tablespoons cornflour into the pork and leave for 5 minutes. At first, it will be white from the cornflour, but after a while it will sweat and make the cornflour (mostly / partially) wet, and will be sticky (this is key for coating to stick).
  • Coating #2: Spread 1/2 cup cornflour in a shallow bowl. Coat pork, shaking off excess, and pile onto a plate.
  • Reserve cornflour in case you need to dust again just prior to frying. Pork should be at least half white when you put it into the oil (if not, just sprinkle with reserved cornflour).
  • Heat oil: Pour enough oil into a large saucepan or small pot so it's 2.5cm / 1" deep. Heat to 180°C/350°F (or until pork immediately starts sizzling when you dip it in).
  • Fry #1: Cook pork in batches, being sure not to crowd the pot, for 3 minutes until golden. Drain on rack. This step is just to cook the pork. It takes me 4 batches.
  • Fry #2: Turn the stove up slightly and heat oil to 200°C/390°F. Starting with the coolest pork, add half the pork (you can crowd the pot) and cook for 1 1/2 minutes, or until pork is deep golden brown and crispy. Transfer to rack, repeat with remaining pork - I do 2 batches.
  • Keep warm in oven.
  • Heat oil in a very large skillet over high heat.
  • Add garlic, ginger and onion, stir for 1 1/2 minutes. Add capsicum and stir for 2 minutes.
  • Add Sauce & pinapple, then let it come to a rapid simmer. Simmer for 2 minutes until it thickens - when you drag the spoon across the base, a path should briefly appear (see video at 1 min 53 s).
  • 10 second toss: Add pork, then QUICKLY toss to coat - aim for 10 seconds!
  • Serve asap! Pour onto serving plate, serve immediately! Will stay crispy for around 5 minutes then starts softening but still has a solid coating. This is just the reality of Sweet and Sour Pork, even at restaurants!

SWEET AND SOUR PORK



Sweet and Sour Pork image

Sweet and sour pork is one of the most popular Chinese restaurant dishes ever, but as with most classics, it's hard to find a go-to recipe. Look no further!

Provided by Bill

Categories     Pork

Time 1h15m

Number Of Ingredients 24

1 pound pork shoulder or pork tenderloin ((cut into bite-sized pieces))
2 tablespoons water
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon oil
2 slices ginger ((smashed))
1 star anise
¼ cup tomato ketchup
1½ cups white vinegar ((5% acidity or less))
½ cup sugar
3 cups canola oil ((for frying))
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup cornstarch
¼ teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 egg ((beaten))
1 tablespoon oil
1/2 green bell pepper ((cut into 1½-inch square pieces))
1/2 red pepper ((cut into 1½-inch square pieces))
1/2 onion ((cut into 1½-inch square pieces))
8 ounce can of pineapple chunks ((you'll use the juices from the can for the sauce))
2 teaspoons cornstarch ((mixed into a slurry with 2 teaspoons water))

Steps:

  • Add the marinade ingredients to the pork, and mix everything together until there is no visible liquid. Set aside for 30 minutes.
  • Next, make the sauce. Add 1 teaspoon of oil, ginger slices, and star anise to a small saucepan over medium heat, and cook until the ginger starts to caramelize (about 1 minute). Next, add the ketchup. When that starts to sizzle, stir constantly until the ketchup starts to caramelize (about 2 minutes). Take care not to burn the aromatics and ketchup--this step is essential to give the sauce a deeper, more complex flavor.
  • Next, add the white vinegar, sugar, and the juice from the canned pineapple. Stir until the mixture starts to simmer, and the sugar is dissolved. Turn to the lowest heat and let the sauce simmer and reduce until the sauce just starts to coat a spoon (about 30 minutes). The sauce needs this time for the flavors to meld. The sauce can be cooled and stored at this time, and you can double or triple the amount and store the sauce away in the refrigerator for future meals.
  • Heat 3 cups of oil to 350F in a small pot for frying. Using a small pot and frying in batches leaves you with less leftover oil to deal with. Always let the oil cool completely and use a fine mesh strainer to strain the oil before storing in the refrigerator.
  • Mix together the dredging ingredients (flour, cornstarch, salt and pepper) in a shallow dish. Dredge the pork pieces in the flour mixture, dip into the egg, and then dredge with the flour again.
  • Fry the pieces in batches for about 2 to 3 minutes, or when they just start to get golden brown. Remove them from the oil and transfer to a sheet pan with a slotted spoon or spider.
  • Once you're ready to combine everything, refry the pork in batches to crisp up the coating. That's right, they're going to fry for a second time--this prevents the pork from getting too soggy when added to the sauce.
  • To a clean wok, add 1 tablespoon oil, the bell peppers, and onions. Stir-fry for 30 seconds, and add the sauce and the pineapple. Bring the mixture to a simmer to further thicken the sauce. At this time, you will likely need to add some cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce further. Add half first and stir for 15 seconds; then decide if you need more. Remember the sauce will thicken more as it cools in the plate, so add only as much as you need.
  • I have to add another note to this recipe that this sauce is very sweet and very pungent! So at this point, you must taste the sauce and add water to it if it is too strong and by that, I mean too sweet or too sour. Once you have it adjusted to your taste and the desired thickness, especially if you added more water, then go ahead to the next step and add the pork.
  • Next, add your crispy pork to the sauce, and toss until the pieces are well-coated. Serve immediately!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 458 kcal, Carbohydrate 42 g, Protein 12 g, Fat 26 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Cholesterol 58 mg, Sodium 293 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 26 g, ServingSize 1 serving

SWEET AND SOUR PORK



Sweet and Sour Pork image

Pork is stir-fried with peppers, carrots, onions and pineapple in this version of the classic dish. Easy to make, and delicious.

Provided by Kikkoman

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     Kikkoman

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon Kikkoman Soy Sauce
1 pound boneless pork, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 carrots, thinly sliced
1 onion, chunked
1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares
1 cup Kikkoman Sweet & Sour Sauce
1 (8 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained

Steps:

  • Blend cornstarch and soy sauce in small bowl; stir in pork until well coated.
  • Brown pork in hot oil in Dutch oven or large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in 1/4 cup water. Cover and simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Stir carrots, onion, bell pepper and sweet & sour sauce into pork mixture. Simmer, covered, 10 minutes longer, stirring frequently.
  • Add pineapple chunks; cook and stir only until pineapple is heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 366.3 calories, Carbohydrate 36.1 g, Cholesterol 53.6 mg, Fat 16.1 g, Fiber 2.5 g, Protein 19.9 g, SaturatedFat 4.5 g, Sodium 669.7 mg, Sugar 25.8 g

AUTHENTIC SWEET AND SOUR PORK



Authentic Sweet and Sour Pork image

This popular dish originates from Sichuan. The pork is crispy on the outside and succulent on the inside. The sauce has the perfect balance of sweet and sour. Serve with rice, if desired.

Provided by Chelsea

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     Asian     Chinese

Time 1h5m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 14

8 ounces pork loin
1 teaspoon rice wine
⅔ teaspoon salt, divided
1 pinch monosodium glutamate (MSG)
½ cup chicken stock
¼ cup cornstarch, divided
2 ½ tablespoons white sugar
2 tablespoons vinegar
⅔ teaspoon soy sauce
2 eggs
1 ¼ cups vegetable oil for frying
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (3/4 inch thick) slice ginger, minced
4 spring onions, finely chopped

Steps:

  • Pound pork to 1/3-inch thickness using a meat mallet. Slice into 1 1/2-inch strips.
  • Combine pork strips, rice wine, 1/3 teaspoon salt, and monosodium glutamate in a bowl. Marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  • Mix remaining 1/3 teaspoon salt, chicken stock, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce in a bowl to make sauce.
  • Beat eggs with remaining 3 tablespoons cornstarch in a bowl until smooth. Add pork strips; stir to coat.
  • Heat oil in a wok or large saucepan to 280 degrees F (140 degrees C). Add pork strips one at a time to the hot oil. Cook until lightly golden, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate with a slotted spoon.
  • Heat oil to 340 degrees F (170 degrees C). Return pork to the hot oil. Cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a serving plate with the slotted spoon.
  • Drain all but 2 tablespoons oil from the wok. Cook and stir garlic and ginger in the hot oil until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add sauce and spring onions; cook and stir until sauce begins to thicken, 4 to 5 minutes. Pour sauce over the pork on the serving plate.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 434.7 calories, Carbohydrate 35.2 g, Cholesterol 235.1 mg, Fat 21.1 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 25 g, SaturatedFat 4.1 g, Sodium 1223.7 mg, Sugar 16.9 g

HOMEMADE SWEET-AND-SOUR PORK



Homemade Sweet-and-Sour Pork image

I stir up a homemade sauce for this colorful combination of tender meat, crunchy vegetables and tangy pineapple. Serve my sweet-and-sour pork over hot rice, chow mein noodles or both. -Eleanor Dunbar, Peoria, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 35m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

2/3 cup packed brown sugar
2/3 cup cider vinegar
2/3 cup ketchup
2 teaspoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 pound boneless pork loin, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 medium onion, cut into chunks
2 medium carrots, sliced
1 medium green pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 can (8 ounces) pineapple chunks, drained
Hot cooked rice, optional

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, vinegar, ketchup and soy sauce. Pour half into a large resealable plastic bag; add pork. Seal bag and turn to coat; refrigerate for 30 minutes. Set remaining marinade aside., Drain and discard marinade from pork. In a large skillet, cook pork in oil for 3 minutes. Add the onion, carrots, green pepper, garlic and ginger; saute until pork is tender. Add reserved marinade. Bring to a boil; cook for 1 minute. Stir in the pineapple. Serve with rice if desired. Freeze option: Cool pork mixture. Freeze in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through slowly in a covered skillet, stirring occasionally and adding a little broth or water if necessary. Serve over rice.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 389 calories, Fat 10g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 55mg cholesterol, Sodium 490mg sodium, Carbohydrate 53g carbohydrate (44g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 24g protein.

TASTES AUTHENTIC SWEET AND SOUR PORK



Tastes Authentic Sweet and Sour Pork image

This sauce is as good as any Sweet and Sour sauce I have ever had in any Chinese restaurant. This recipe works wonderfully with leftover pork roast and I once prepared shrimp using this recipe and it was great. Sometimes I make the sauce alone to use with frozen eggrolls for a really easy meal. I love sweet and sour dishes and this is the best one I have found as well as being very easy to prepare from ingredients on hand. (Prep time includes time needed to let meat sit, which is key to this recipe)

Provided by TPubmgjbd

Categories     Pork

Time 1h

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 lbs pork, cut into 3/4 inch cubes (I always use leftover pork roast that is already cooked)
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon Accent seasoning
2 teaspoons soy sauce
4 tablespoons cornstarch
cracker meal (place saltines in a resealable plastic bag and pound them with a meat mallet)
1/2 cup white vinegar (I use just slightly less than 1/2 cup)
1/2 cup tomato catsup
1/2 cup water
4 dashes Tabasco sauce
10 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 pinches salt
2 green peppers, coarsely chopped (I often leave these out entirely as I'm not a big pepper fan)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
4 tablespoons water
1 1/2 cups pineapple chunks, drained well

Steps:

  • Remove excess fat from pork and cut into cubes.
  • Combine: eggs, 1/2 tsp salt, Accent, 2 tsp soy sauce and 4 T cornstarch.
  • Place pork into egg mixture and coat well.
  • Roll pork in cracker crumbs and let sit 1/2 hour (it is important to let the pork set for 1/2 hour before cooking).
  • Deep fry the pork and drain on paper towels.
  • Prepare sauce: Combine vinegar, catsup, water, Tabasco, sugar, Worchestershire and 2 pinches salt in a large saucepan.
  • Bring to a slow boil then simmer for about 1 minute.
  • Keep heat at medium to medium-high.
  • Add green peppers to sauce and cook for about 30 seconds.
  • Combine water and cornstarch then add mixture to sauce, stirring well.
  • Add pineapple and pork to sauce and stir, cooking for about 30 seconds until evenly mixed and thick.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 791.9, Fat 24.7, SaturatedFat 8.6, Cholesterol 300.7, Sodium 1074.5, Carbohydrate 68.6, Fiber 2, Sugar 53.9, Protein 71.3

SWEET AND SOUR PORK



Sweet and Sour Pork image

This recipe was given to my wife in Seattle by a friend. My wife told her, I don't read chinese so her daughter translated it for us. It's authentic and it's delicious. LR Beckwith

Provided by LR Beckwith

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 45m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 lb pork tenderloin
2 green peppers
4 slices pineapple (or 1 cup Cantonese pickles)
6 cups peanut oil (6 cups)
1/2 teaspoon salt (to marinate pork)
1/2 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon cold water
1 egg yolk
3 tablespoons vinegar (Seasoning Sauce)
4 tablespoons sugar
4 tablespoons tomato catsup
4 tablespoons cold water
3 teaspoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sesame oil
3 tablespoons cornstarch

Steps:

  • Pound pork with the back of a cleaver (this is to tenderize the pork), and then cut into 1-inch squares.
  • Soak with marinade for at least half an hour.
  • Cut green pepper into halves, remove seeds and membrane, and cut into 1" squares.
  • Next cut 4 slices of pineapple into the same size squares.
  • Set aside.
  • Heat 6 cups oil.
  • While oil is heating, coat each piece of pork in cornstarch.
  • When oil is ready, fry pork until brown and done (about 2 minutes), take out, reheat oil then fry once more until crispy.
  • Remove pork and drain off oil from frying pan.
  • Put back into frying pan 2 T.
  • of oil; fry the green pepper and pineapple, stirring constantly.
  • Add the seasoning sauce continuing to stir fry, until thickened.
  • Turn off the heat.
  • Add the pork, mix well and serve immediately.
  • Serve over rice!

Tips:

  • Use a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. This will give the sauce a glossy, thick consistency. To make a cornstarch slurry, mix equal parts cornstarch and water until smooth. Add the slurry to the sauce and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened.
  • Don't overcook the pork. Pork should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Overcooking the pork will make it tough and dry.
  • Serve the sweet and sour pork over rice. This is the traditional way to serve sweet and sour pork in China. Rice will help to soak up the delicious sauce.
  • Garnish the sweet and sour pork with green onions and sesame seeds. This will add a pop of color and flavor to the dish.

Conclusion:

Sweet and sour pork is a classic Chinese dish that is loved by people of all ages. It is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. This recipe for authentic sweet and sour pork is easy to follow and will produce a delicious dish that you and your family will love. So what are you waiting for? Give it a try today!

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