Tantalize your taste buds with a culinary journey to the Orient with our Spicy Sweet and Sour Pork recipe. This delectable dish is a symphony of flavors, combining the sweet tang of pineapple and the fiery kick of chili peppers, all harmoniously balanced by the savory richness of pork.
Our recipe collection offers a diverse range of cooking methods, catering to various preferences and skill levels. Master the classic deep-frying technique for a crispy, golden-brown exterior that contrasts perfectly with the tender, juicy pork inside. If you prefer a healthier option, opt for the air fryer method, which delivers a satisfying crunch without compromising on taste. For a low-carb alternative, try our keto-friendly version that uses pork rinds as a crispy coating.
Each recipe is meticulously crafted with step-by-step instructions, ensuring that even novice cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results. Detailed ingredient lists and helpful cooking tips guide you through the process, guaranteeing a successful culinary adventure.
So, gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and embark on an epicurean escapade with our Spicy Sweet and Sour Pork recipes. From the classic deep-fried delight to the healthier air-fried and keto-friendly variations, there's a perfect recipe for every palate and dietary preference. Let the aromas fill your kitchen as you create a dish that will transport you to the bustling streets of Asia, where sweet, sour, and spicy flavors dance together in perfect harmony.
SWEET AND SOUR PORK
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
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 III
My husband's grandmother was Chinese. She taught me this one. This is the way Gramma made Sweet and Sour all her life (she died 6 years ago at age 94). The secret is apple cider vinegar.
Provided by PAM_1
Categories World Cuisine Recipes Asian Chinese
Time 2h
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 23
Steps:
- Place cubed pork in a medium bowl, and season with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon sugar, and 1 teaspoon soy sauce. Mix in the egg white and green onions. Cover, and place in the refrigerator at least 1 hour.
- Heat 1 quart oil to 365 degrees F (185 degrees C) in a large, heavy saucepan or deep fryer.
- Coat the pork with 1/2 cup cornstarch, and fry in the heated oil about 10 minutes, until evenly browned. Drain on paper towels.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a wok over medium heat. Stir in the celery, green bell pepper, and onion, and cook until tender. Season with salt and sugar. Remove from heat, and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, mix 1 cup water, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 3/4 cup sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, and 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce. Bring to a boil, and stir in the cooked pork, celery mixture, and the pineapple chunks with juice. Return to boil, and mix in 2 tablespoons cornstarch and 1/4 cup water to thicken. Cook until well blended.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 663.1 calories, Carbohydrate 74.7 g, Cholesterol 42.6 mg, Fat 35 g, Fiber 2.3 g, Protein 13.9 g, SaturatedFat 6.8 g, Sodium 1085.4 mg, Sugar 52.3 g
SLOW-COOKER SWEET-AND-SOUR PORK
Chinese food is a big temptation for us, so I lightened up a favorite takeout dish. As the pork cooks, the aroma is beyond mouthwatering. -Elyse Ellis, Layton, Utah
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 6h30m
Yield 4 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- In a 3- or 4-qt. slow cooker, mix the first 10 ingredients. Stir in pork, onion, green pepper and pineapple. Cook, covered, on low 6-8 hours or until pork is tender. , In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and broth until smooth; gradually stir into cooking juices. Cook, covered, on low 15-20 minutes longer or until sauce is thickened. Serve with rice. To make ahead: In a large resealable plastic freezer bag, combine the first 10 ingredients. Add pork, onion, green pepper and pineapple; seal bag, turn to coat, then freeze. To use, place filled freezer bag in refrigerator 48 hours or until contents are completely thawed. Cook as directed.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 531 calories, Fat 10g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 83mg cholesterol, Sodium 705mg sodium, Carbohydrate 75g carbohydrate (63g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 35g protein.
SWEET & SOUR PORK
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
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
SWEET AND SOUR PORK
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
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 SPICY SHREDDED PORK
Provided by Kelsey Nixon
Time 5h10m
Yield 8 to 10 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Rinse and dry the pork shoulder.
- Mix together the brown sugar, garlic, cumin, salt, and cayenne. Rub the mixture generously and evenly over the pork shoulder.
- In a large roasting pan or Dutch oven, add the chopped onions, broth, and cola. Place the seasoned pork in the Dutch oven and roast for 4 to 6 hours, checking the pork every hour for tenderness and liquid level.
- When the pork is tender enough that it is falling apart, shred it with a fork. Reserve the juices and pour them over the shredded pork before serving.
SWEET AND SOUR PORK
At Mamahuhu, a Chinese takeout restaurant in San Francisco, a sense of history and appreciation for American Chinese cuisine is applied to a few classics. Mining historical Cantonese sweet-and-sour dish recipes for inspiration, Brandon Jew, a founder of the restaurant, and Noah Kopito, the head chef, created a sauce that incorporates pineapple, honey and dried hawthorn berries, which impart an earthy depth of flavor. The chefs use house-fermented Fresno chiles for a hint of heat, but a dab of commercially available sambal oelek will do. This dish can be made with chicken or cauliflower instead of pork; just skip the marinade if using cauliflower.
Provided by Cathy Erway
Categories dinner, meat, vegetables, main course
Time 2h45m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 29
Steps:
- Prepare the pork: Combine the pork with all the marinade ingredients, mixing well. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
- Make the sweet and sour sauce: Heat the oil, ginger and garlic in a medium saucepan over low heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute, stirring. Add the rice vinegar, pineapple juice, honey, hawthorn berries, sambal oelek and five-spice powder; stir to combine while bringing to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes. Strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve and discard the solids; return to the saucepan.
- Reduce the sauce to about 1 ¾ cups over medium-high heat, uncovered, about 5 minutes. Season with ½ teaspoon salt, adding more as desired.
- In a small bowl, combine cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water. Bring the sauce up to a boil again, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Stir as it thickens and bubbles, about 1 minute, then remove from heat. (Note: This sauce recipe may produce more than needed for your pork stir-fry; use as much as you desire and the rest can be saved for another use, such as a dipping sauce for crab rangoon.)
- Prepare to deep-fry: In a large wok (or deep skillet), heat the quart of oil to 350 degrees.
- In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients for the batter; add ½ cup water and whisk to combine. Drain any excess liquid from the marinated pork and discard. Working quickly in two batches, carefully dip each piece of pork into the batter one at a time, shaking off any excess, and drop into the oil. Fry the first batch of pork until golden brown, about 6 to 7 minutes. Using a spider or slotted spoon, transfer the fried pork to a wire rack-lined baking sheet to drain. Repeat with the remaining pork, mixing the batter thoroughly before coating the meat. After frying, carefully discard the oil, reserving 1 tablespoon.
- Return the reserved 1 tablespoon of oil to the wok or pan and heat over high. Once the oil is popping, about 1 minute, add the bell pepper, onion, pineapple and a pinch of salt. Stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes, until the vegetables are lightly charred in spots.
- Scrape the vegetables into a large bowl and toss with the fried pork and enough sweet and sour sauce to coat (about 1 to 1 ½ cups). Arrange on a serving dish and serve with steamed rice.
AUTHENTIC SWEET AND SOUR PORK
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
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
QUICK HOMEMADE SWEET-AND-SOUR PORK
Stir up a homemade sweet-and-sour sauce for this colorful combination of tender pork, crunchy vegetables and tangy pineapple. Serve it over hot rice, chow mein noodles or both. -Eleanor Dunbar, Peoria, Illinois
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 25m
Yield 4 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 13
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 over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on all sides or until meat is lightly browned; drain. Add the onion, carrots, green pepper, and ginger. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. , Cover and simmer for 6-8 minutes or until pork is tender. Add reserved marinade. Bring to a boil; cook for 1 minute or until heated through. Stir in pineapple. Serve with rice if desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 379 calories, Fat 10g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 55mg cholesterol, Sodium 603mg sodium, Carbohydrate 49g carbohydrate (44g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 23g protein.
CRISPY SWEET AND SOUR PORK
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
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.
Tips:
- To save time, use pre-cut pork strips or tenderloin.
- To make the pork extra crispy, double-coat it in the cornstarch mixture.
- Be careful not to overcrowd the pan when frying the pork. This will prevent it from cooking evenly.
- Use a high-quality rice vinegar for the best flavor.
- If you don't have a wok, you can use a large skillet or Dutch oven.
- Serve the pork with your favorite sides, such as rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Conclusion:
This spicy sweet and sour pork recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. The combination of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors is sure to please everyone at the table. So next time you're looking for a tasty and satisfying meal, give this recipe a try!
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 »
You'll also love