Best 7 Sweet And Sour Pork Or Chicken Recipes

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Tantalize your taste buds with the irresistible flavors of Sweet and Sour Pork or Chicken, a classic dish that blends sweet, tangy, and savory notes in perfect harmony. This beloved dish, originating from Chinese cuisine, has captured the hearts and palates of food enthusiasts worldwide. Embark on a culinary journey as we explore two delectable variations of this timeless recipe: the classic Sweet and Sour Pork and the equally enticing Sweet and Sour Chicken. Immerse yourself in the art of creating a vibrant sauce that coats tender morsels of pork or chicken, tantalizing your senses with each bite. Discover the secrets to achieving the perfect balance of flavors, from the tangy kick of vinegar to the alluring sweetness of pineapple and the subtle warmth of ginger. Whether you prefer the succulent texture of pork or the leaner profile of chicken, this versatile dish promises a satisfying experience. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this crowd-pleasing dish that effortlessly combines sweet, sour, and savory elements.

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 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

SWEET AND SOUR PORK



Sweet and Sour Pork image

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

3/4 pound boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1 1/4-inch chunks
3 tablespoons Shaoxing rice wine
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
2 tablespoons neutral oil, such as rice bran or canola
2 teaspoons minced ginger
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 1/2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 1/4 cups rice vinegar
1 cup pineapple juice
3/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon dried hawthorn berries (can be purchased in Asian groceries or online)
2 teaspoons sambal oelek
1/4 teaspoon five-spice powder
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 quart neutral oil, such as rice bran, for deep-frying
1 bell pepper (any color), cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 medium yellow onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
8 ounces fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 1 cup)
Pinch of salt
Steamed rice, for serving
1/3 cup sweet rice flour (preferably Mochiko brand)
1/3 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
1/8 teaspoon salt

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.

SWEET AND SOUR CHICKEN (OR PORK)



Sweet and Sour Chicken (or Pork) image

I learned this recipe from my mom and I still love it! While it does take some time to make, the outcome is just as good as take-out! You will need a Fry Daddy or a frying pan with oil in order to fry the meat. Put enough oil in the frying pan so that the meat can float to the top.

Provided by NHNichole

Categories     Chicken

Time 1h

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 19

4 chicken breasts or 4 boneless pork chops (I usually guess on the amount I need depending on how many people will be eating)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup margarine
1/2 cup onion
1/2 cup green pepper
1/2 cup carrot, sliced
3/4 cup ketchup
1 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons white vinegar
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup pineapple chunk
1 dash ground ginger

Steps:

  • Frying the chicken (or pork): Cut up chicken (or pork) into small pieces.
  • Mix breading ingredients (it will be runny).
  • Dip each piece of meat into the breading then place into the oil until it turns brown.
  • Make sure the meat has enough time to cook before removing it.
  • Drain the fried chicken (or pork) and set aside, or place a cover over them to keep them warm.
  • Sauce: Melt the margarine in a frying pan, and add the onion, green pepper and sliced carrots.
  • I often add other peppers or snow peas as well.
  • Once the veggies are cooked stir in the rest of the ingredients EXCEPT the pineapple.
  • Cook until it boils and add cornstarch if it is too runny.
  • Finally add the Pineapple for the last 5 min.
  • of cooking time.
  • Finally: Serve over rice if desired.

SWEET-AND-SOUR PORK



Sweet-and-Sour Pork image

After my sister moved away to the university, I used to visit her on weekends. She often made this wonderful and tangy pork dish. Now, every time I make it for my family, it reminds me of those special visits. Everyone who tries it loves it. -Cherry Williams, St. Albert, Alberta

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 can (14 ounces) pineapple tidbits
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/3 cup water
1/3 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons white vinegar
2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 pound pork tenderloin, cut into 1-1/2-inch x 1/4-inch strips
1 medium onion, chopped
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 green pepper, cut into thin strips
Hot cooked rice
Sesame seeds, optional

Steps:

  • Drain pineapple, reserving juice; set aside. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch, brown sugar, salt, ginger and pepper. Stir in the water, ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce and reserved juice until smooth., In a large skillet or wok, stir-fry pork and onion in oil for 4-8 minutes or until tender. Stir pineapple juice mixture; add to skillet. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened., Add green pepper and reserved pineapple. Reduce heat; cover and cook for 5 minutes. Serve with rice and if desired, sesame seeds.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 333 calories, Fat 11g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 63mg cholesterol, Sodium 1190mg sodium, Carbohydrate 35g carbohydrate (24g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 25g protein.

SWEET AND SOUR PORK OR CHICKEN



Sweet and Sour Pork or Chicken image

I have made this recipe many times and it is fail-safe and pretty fast to throw together on a week night. Originally from a Pillsbury cookbook.

Provided by lizeroo

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 55m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 tablespoon shortening
1 lb chicken or 1 lb boneless pork
1 teaspoon paprika
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 (15 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained, with 2/3 cup juice reserved
1/3 cup vinegar
1/3 cup water
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 green pepper, diced
1/2 red pepper, diced
1 small onion, diced
2 -4 cups hot cooked rice

Steps:

  • Melt shortening in large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add chicken or pork; sprinkle with paprika.
  • Brown well.
  • Cover and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally.
  • Combine brown sugar, cornstarch and salt in medium bowl.
  • Gradually add 2/3 cup reserved pineapple juice, vinegar, water, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce to dry ingredients; mix well.
  • Stir into meat and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until thickened.
  • Add green pepper, red pepper, onion, and pineapple chunks.
  • Cover and simmer for 6 to 8 minutes until vegetables are tender crisp.
  • Serve over hot cooked rice.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 537.9, Fat 20.8, SaturatedFat 5.8, Cholesterol 85, Sodium 643.2, Carbohydrate 61.8, Fiber 2.5, Sugar 27.8, Protein 24.9

Tips:

  • Mise en place: Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the ingredients and equipment you need. This will help you stay organized and prevent any scrambling during the cooking process.
  • Choose the right meat: If you're making sweet and sour pork, use a lean cut of pork, such as pork tenderloin or loin. If you're making sweet and sour chicken, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.
  • Marinate the meat: Marinating the meat in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, cornstarch, and sugar will help to tenderize it and give it more flavor.
  • Use a light touch when breading the meat: Don't over-bread the meat, or it will become too thick and heavy. Just a light coating of bread crumbs is all you need.
  • Fry the meat in hot oil: Make sure the oil is hot before you add the meat, or it will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan: When frying the meat, don't overcrowd the pan, or the meat will not cook evenly.
  • Make the sauce while the meat is frying: This will save you time and help you to keep the meat and sauce warm.
  • Use a variety of vegetables: Sweet and sour sauce is a great way to use up leftover vegetables. Try adding bell peppers, onions, carrots, pineapple, or any other vegetables that you like.
  • Serve the sweet and sour pork or chicken over rice: This is a classic way to serve this dish, and it's a great way to soak up the delicious sauce.

Conclusion:

Sweet and sour pork or chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. With a little planning and preparation, you can have a flavorful and satisfying meal on the table in no time. So next time you're looking for a new dish to try, give sweet and sour pork or chicken a try. You won't be disappointed!

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