If you love Chinese take-out, be sure to try our Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp, Easy, Classic Chinese Beef with Broccoli, and Easy Chicken & Vegetable Stir-Fry!
Sweet and Sour Pork
As much as my family loves going out for Chinese food, we prefer this Sweet and Sour Pork with a homemade sweet and sour sauce and lightly breaded crispy pork. My secret to tasty, crispy pork is to first marinate bite-size chunks of pork tenderloin, allowing it to absorb the flavor of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a few seasonings, before tossing the meat with cornstarch. The light dusting of cornstarch helps keep the meat tender as it pan fries in a thin layer of oil, rather than in a deep fryer, and it provides the perfect amount of crispy coating, without weighing everything down or getting soggy.
What does Sweet and Sour Pork taste like?
Sweet and Sour Pork has a wonderfully unique flavor with a sour tang from vinegar and sweetness from sugar. Some people like to use pineapple juice from a can of pineapple chunks to make the sweet and sour sauce, but I feel like the flavors are much better with chicken stock and fresh pineapple instead. The wonderful sauce coats each piece of crispy pork and al dente peppers, onions, and pineapple. But you can also add additional veggies like snow peas, green beans, asparagus, sliced carrots, and broccoli, which are all delicious in sweet and sour pork. If adding snow peas, green beans, or asaparagus, throw them in at the same time as the peppers and onions so they have a chance to soften slightly. If using carrots or broccoli, add them a couple minutes before the peppers and onions so they have a bit longer to stir-fry and soften since they take longer to cook.
What cut of meat do you use for Sweet and Sour Pork?
Technically you could make Sweet and Sour Pork by cutting up pork chops, pork loin, or pork butt into bite-size chunks. But pork tenderloin is my favorite in terms of ease and also the flavor and tenderness.
How to Make Sweet and Sour Pork
How to you thicken the sweet and sour pork sauce?
I like to thicken the sauce with a simple cornstarch slurry. You can start by using half of the slurry and continue to add until you get the thickness you like. I use the full amount of cornstarch which gives a wonderful juicy sauce that coats everything perfectly.
Can I make this recipe with chicken instead?
Absolutely you could make Sweet and Sour Chicken using this same recipe. It tastes delicious!
Serving Suggestions
We always serve Sweet and Sour Pork over white rice made in the rice cooker. It would also be good with cauliflower rice if you are looking for a low carb option, or brown rice, which I like for its nutty flavor. If you double the sauce, you can thicken half of it in a small saucepan and serve it as a delicious dipping sauce for homemade egg rolls!
More Delicious Pork Recipes
Slow Cooker Asian Pulled Pork Sliders Grilled Thai Pork Tenderloin with Coconut Lime Peanut Sauce Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin Smoked Pulled Pork Kalua Pork (Slow Cooker or Instant Pot) Slow Cooker Cuban Mojo Pork Perfect Grilled Pork Chops with Sweet BBQ Pork Rub Crock Pot Pork Green Chili
This post first appeared on Yellow Bliss Road where I am a contributor.
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