Best 6 Crispy Sweet And Sour Pork Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Crispy Sweet and Sour Pork is a beloved dish that tantalizes taste buds with its perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. This classic dish features succulent pork coated in a crispy batter, then smothered in a delectable sauce made from scratch. The result is a symphony of textures and flavors that will leave you craving for more.

In this comprehensive guide, we present you with three irresistible variations of Crispy Sweet and Sour Pork, each offering a unique culinary adventure. The first recipe takes you on a traditional journey, showcasing the authentic flavors of this iconic dish. The second recipe adds a delightful twist with the inclusion of pineapple and bell peppers, creating a vibrant and colorful rendition. Lastly, the third recipe caters to those who prefer a vegetarian lifestyle, offering a plant-based version that captures the essence of this classic dish without compromising on taste.

No matter which recipe you choose, you'll be guided through the cooking process with detailed instructions and helpful tips. From preparing the crispy batter to creating the perfect sauce, we've got you covered. So, get ready to embark on a culinary journey and experience the irresistible flavors of Crispy Sweet and Sour Pork in all its variations.

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

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

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 & SOUR PORK



Sweet & sour pork image

Don't call the takeaway - cook your own sweet & sour pork using a vibrant marinade and tinned pineapple. Swap the pork for chicken or prawns if you prefer

Provided by John Torode

Categories     Dinner, Main course, Supper

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 26

1 pork fillet (about 500g), trimmed and cut into 3cm chunks
sunflower or vegetable oil, for deep-frying
cooked rice or noodles, to serve
1 tbsp light soy sauce
2 tbsp shoaxing rice wine or dry sherry
1 garlic clove, grated
thumb-sized piece ginger, grated
50g cornflour
½ tsp salt
1 tsp ground white pepper
2 tsp celery salt
2 tsp caster sugar
1 tbsp sunflower oil
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
thumb-sized piece ginger, chopped
1 green or red pepper, roughly chopped
2 tbsp tomato ketchup
4 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sesame oil
2 tbsp light soy sauce
1 tbsp soft brown sugar
300g can pineapple chunks
1 tbsp sesame seeds
100g rice flour
100g cornflour
1 tsp baking powder

Steps:

  • Mix the pork with the marinade ingredients and leave to sit for at least 15 mins, or chill for a few hours. In a separate bowl, mix all the coating ingredients. Drain any excess liquid off the pork and toss the pork in the seasoned coating. Can be done 1 hr ahead.
  • To make the sauce, heat the oil in a shallow saucepan and gently fry the garlic, ginger and peppers until just starting to soften. Now drop in all the rest of the ingredients except the sesame seeds. Bring everything to the boil and cook for a few mins until thickened, then take off the heat. To make the batter, whisk the flours and baking powder together with 200ml water to a smooth paste.
  • Heat the oil in a deep-fat fryer, large saucepan or a wok to 180C or until a drop of batter sizzles and browns in 20 secs. Dip the marinated pork in the batter mix (do it in two or three batches) and let any excess drip off. Fry the pork in batches for about 5-6 mins or until golden. Remove and drain on kitchen paper until all the batches are done. Make sure you bring the oil back to the correct temperature between each batch. Coat the crispy pork in the sauce, then sprinkle over the sesame seeds, coriander and serve with rice or noodles.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 650 calories, Fat 23 grams fat, SaturatedFat 4 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 75 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 20 grams sugar, Fiber 3 grams fiber, Protein 31 grams protein, Sodium 3.7 milligram of sodium

CRISPY SWEET AND SOUR PORK



Crispy Sweet and Sour Pork image

While there are many recipes on Zaar for Sweet and Sour Pork, this is one that keeps the pork crispy. After finding this recipe years ago, I've used no other. Leftover pork roast or some thick, cooked pork chops are the basis for this. Planned leftovers are good! The recipe is from Busy Woman's Cookbook, published by Farm Journal in 1961.

Provided by NoSpringChicken

Categories     Pork

Time 45m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 17

3 cups cooked pork, cut into 3/4 inch pieces
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 large egg
1/2 tablespoon flour
1/2 cup canola oil
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 cup water
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup ketchup
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1 green bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 large onion, coarsely chopped
1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks, well drained (reserve juice)
2 cups cooked rice

Steps:

  • Toss pork pieces with salt and 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
  • Mix egg and flour to make a batter.
  • Dip pork pieces into batter with slotted spoon.
  • Fry in hot oil until nicely browned.
  • Drain on paper towels and keep warm.
  • In a deep skillet, mix sugar and cornstarch; stir in water, pineapple juice, ketchup, soy sauce and vinegar.
  • Bring to a boil, sirring constantly, until thickened.
  • Continue cooking and stirring for two minutes.
  • Add green pepper and onion; cook for five minutes.
  • Add pineapple chunks and pork pieces and simmer, uncovered, for six to eight minutes or until pork pieces are heated through.

SWEET AND SOUR PORK



Sweet and Sour Pork image

Provided by Alton Brown

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h12m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 20

2/3 cup soy sauce
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon minced ginger
1/4 cup flour, plus seasoned flour for dredging
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 pound pork butt, cut into 1-inch cubes
Kosher salt and pepper
Vegetable oil, for frying
1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 ounce honey
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
1/3 cup large diced Vidalia onion
1/3 cup large diced celery
1/3 cup carrots sliced 1/4-inch thick, on a bias
1/3 cup large diced red bell pepper
1/3 cup large diced green bell pepper
1 cup fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch cubes

Steps:

  • In a large non-reactive bowl, combine soy, garlic, ginger, flour, and cornstarch. Season the pork generously with salt and pepper. Place the pork in the bowl and toss to cover. Marinate in the refrigerator overnight.
  • Drain off any excess marinade and dredge the pork in flour seasoned with salt and pepper. In a large frying pan heat 1-inch of oil to 350 degrees F. Fry the pork in batches, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Reserve on a warm plate.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the ketchup, sugar, vinegar, and honey. Whisk to blend.
  • In a small roasting pan heat the canola and sesame oils. Place the pork and vegetables into the pan and cover with the ketchup mixture. Bring to a simmer and cook until the pork is tender.

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

Tips:

  • To achieve the perfect crispy texture, double-coat the pork in cornstarch before frying. The first coating creates a thin layer of batter, while the second coating adds extra crispiness.
  • Use a generous amount of oil for frying the pork. This will help the pork cook evenly and prevent it from sticking to the pan.
  • Fry the pork in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This will ensure that each piece of pork gets evenly cooked and crispy.
  • Once the pork is fried, drain it on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  • To make the sweet and sour sauce, use a combination of ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, and brown sugar. You can adjust the amount of each ingredient to taste.
  • For a thicker sauce, add a cornstarch slurry to the sweet and sour sauce. Be sure to whisk the cornstarch slurry constantly to prevent it from clumping.
  • Serve the crispy sweet and sour pork immediately over rice or noodles.

Conclusion:

This crispy sweet and sour pork recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. The pork is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and the sweet and sour sauce is the perfect complement. With a few simple tips, you can make this dish at home that tastes just as good as your favorite takeout restaurant.

Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »

    #60-minutes-or-less     #time-to-make     #course     #main-ingredient     #preparation     #main-dish     #pork     #dietary     #meat

Related Topics