Best 8 Sweet N Sour Sauced Pork Recipes

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Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with our irresistible Sweet and Sour Sauced Pork, a culinary masterpiece that seamlessly blends sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. This delectable dish features tender pork slices enveloped in a glossy, vibrant sauce, complemented by a medley of colorful bell peppers, pineapple, and onion. Experience the perfect harmony of sweet and sour notes in every bite, enhanced by the aromatic ginger and garlic. Our comprehensive guide includes three mouthwatering variations: the classic Sweet and Sour Pork, a vegan Sweet and Sour Tofu, and a tantalizing Sweet and Sour Chicken. Whether you're a meat lover, a vegetarian, or simply seeking a delightful change, we've got you covered. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you craving for more!

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

QUICK HOMEMADE SWEET-AND-SOUR PORK



Quick Homemade Sweet-and-Sour Pork image

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

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
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
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 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.

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

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.

SWEET AND SOUR PORK III



Sweet and Sour Pork III image

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

1 pound pork butt, cut into 1 inch cubes
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon white sugar
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 egg white
2 green onions, chopped
1 quart vegetable oil for frying
½ cup cornstarch
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3 stalks celery, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 medium green bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 medium onion, cut into wedges
white sugar to taste
salt to taste
1 cup water
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup white sugar
⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
¼ cup ketchup
½ teaspoon soy sauce
1 (8 ounce) can pineapple chunks, undrained
2 tablespoons cornstarch
¼ cup water

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

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

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 42m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 60

1/2 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup water
4 teaspoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon sesame oil
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons minced ginger
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons sherry
2 tablespoons peanut or vegetable oil
1 pound lean pork shoulder, cubed
2 teaspoons Essence, recipe follows
1 green bell pepper, stemmed and seeded, cut into strips
1/2 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 cups cubed pineapple
Steamed white basmati rice, accompaniment
1/4 cup chopped toasted macadamia nuts, garnish
1/4 cup chopped green onions, garnish
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup water
4 teaspoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon sesame oil
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons minced ginger
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons sherry
2 tablespoons peanut or vegetable oil
1 pound lean pork shoulder, cubed
2 teaspoons Essence, recipe follows
1 green bell pepper, stemmed and seeded, cut into strips
1/2 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 cups cubed pineapple
Steamed white basmati rice, accompaniment
1/4 cup chopped toasted macadamia nuts, garnish
1/4 cup chopped green onions, garnish
2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon dried leaf oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme
2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon dried leaf oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme

Steps:

  • In a bowl, combine the pineapple juice, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, water, soy sauce, pepper flakes, and sesame oil. In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium-high heat. Add the ginger and garlic, and cook, stirring, for 15 seconds. Add the pineapple juice mixture and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring, until the sugar dissolves, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • In a bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in the sherry. Add to the simmering sauce and whisking constantly. Reduce the heat and simmer until thickened, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat.
  • Season the pork with the Essence. In a wok or large saute pan, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over high heat, swirling to coat the sides. Add the pork and cook, stirring, until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  • Return the wok to high heat. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil, swirling to coat the sides. Add the bell peppers and onions, and cook, stirring, until wilted, 1 to 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-high. Add the sauce and bring to a boil until thickened. Add the pineapple and pork, and cook, stirring, until warmed through, 1 minute. Remove from the heat and adjust the seasoning to taste. Divide the rice among 4 dinner plates, and top with the pork and sauce. Garnish each with the nuts and green onions, and serve immediately.
  • In a bowl, combine the pineapple juice, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, water, soy sauce, pepper flakes, and sesame oil. In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium-high heat. Add the ginger and garlic, and cook, stirring, for 15 seconds. Add the pineapple juice mixture and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring, until the sugar dissolves, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • In a bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in the sherry. Add to the simmering sauce and whisking constantly. Reduce the heat and simmer until thickened, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat.
  • Season the pork with the Essence. In a wok or large saute pan, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over high heat, swirling to coat the sides. Add the pork and cook, stirring, until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  • Return the wok to high heat. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil, swirling to coat the sides. Add the bell peppers and onions, and cook, stirring, until wilted, 1 to 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-high. Add the sauce and bring to a boil until thickened. Add the pineapple and pork, and cook, stirring, until warmed through, 1 minute. Remove from the heat and adjust the seasoning to taste. Divide the rice among 4 dinner plates, and top with the pork and sauce. Garnish each with the nuts and green onions, and serve immediately.
  • Combine all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight jar or container.
  • Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking", by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch. Published by William and Morrow, 1993.
  • Combine all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight jar or container.
  • Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking", by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch. Published by William and Morrow, 1993.

SWEET 'N' SOUR SAUCED PORK



Sweet 'N' Sour Sauced Pork image

Make and share this Sweet 'N' Sour Sauced Pork recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Julesong

Categories     Pineapple

Yield 2 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1/3 lb lean boneless pork
2 teaspoons cooking oil
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 small carrot, cut in coins
1/2 small green bell pepper, cut in strips
2 green onions, chopped/sliced (in large or small pieces, it's up to your preference)
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 cup pineapple chunk, drained
rice, hot cooked

Steps:

  • Place pork in a freezeable container, then partially freeze the meat (this makes it easier to slice thinly).
  • Thinly slice into bite-size strips.
  • Stovetop method, meat step: heat a skillet over high temperature, then add the cooking oil and sesame oil; saute the sliced pork, stirring often, until no longer pink, about 2 minutes.
  • Microwave method, meat step: preheat a 6 1/2-inch microwave browning dish on 100% power for 4 minutes; add the cooking oil and sesame oil to browning dish and swirl to coat the dish; add the sliced pork and microwave, covered, on 100% power for 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 minutes or till pork is no longer pink, stirring every 30 seconds.
  • Stovetop method, vegetable step: add the carrot, sliced green pepper, and green onions and cook, stirring often, until vegetables are crisp-tender, about 5 minutes.
  • Microwave method, vegetable step: Stir in sliced carrot, green pepper strips and sliced green onion and microwave, covered, on 100% power for 2 to 3 minutes more or till the vegetables are crisp-tender; drain off liquid.
  • Stovetop method, sauce step: in a saucepan, stir together the brown sugar, cornstarch, water, red wine vinegar, soy sauce, and ground ginger; heat over medium-high until thickened and bubbly, then add the pineapple and cook, stirring, for about 1 minute or until pineapple is heated through.
  • Microwave method, sauce step: In a 2-cup measure stir together the brown sugar, and cornstarch; stir in the water, red wine vinegar, soy sauce and ground ginger; microwave, uncovered, on 100% power for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes or until thickened and bubbly, stirring every 30 seconds; stir in drained pineapple chunks and microwave, uncovered, on 100% power about 30 seconds more or till the pineapple is heated through.
  • Toss the pineapple mixture with the pork mixture and serve with cooked rice.
  • Note: I hope these instructions have been made clear for both methods! This was a recipe adoption, and I made changes to the instructions, hoping to make it a bit more understandable.

Tips:

  • For the best flavor, use a combination of light and dark soy sauce.
  • If you don't have Chinese rice wine, you can substitute dry sherry or white wine.
  • To make a vegetarian version of this dish, replace the pork with tofu or tempeh.
  • If you want a thicker sauce, add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) to the sauce before serving.
  • Serve the sweet and sour pork with steamed rice or noodles.

Conclusion:

This sweet and sour pork is a classic Chinese dish that is easy to make at home. It is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. The combination of sweet, sour, and savory flavors is sure to please everyone at the table.

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