How to Make Sweet and Sour Pork - A Step-by-Step Guide

Sweet and sour pork is a classic Chinese dish that is beloved for its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The dish features tender chunks of pork that are lightly battered and fried until crispy, then coated in a luscious sweet and tangy sauce. With its combination of savory, sweet, and sour elements, sweet and sour pork is a true crowd-pleaser that is sure to satisfy anyone’s craving for Chinese takeout.

While the dish may seem intimidating to make at home, it’s actually quite s...

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Ingredients

  • 1 pound pork butt, cut into 1 inch cubes
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon white sugar
  • 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
  • 1 pinch white sugar, or to taste
  • salt to taste
  • 1 ¼ cups water, divided
  • ¾ cup white sugar
  • ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • ½ teaspoon soy sauce
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 (8 ounce) can pineapple chunks, undrained
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Information

  • Prep Time: 30 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Additional Time: 1 hr
  • Total Time: 2 hrs
  • Servings: 4

  • Place cubed pork in a medium bowl and season with soy sauce, salt, and sugar for marinade. Add egg white and green onions and mix until well-combined. Cover and place in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  • Heat 1 quart oil to 365 degrees F (185 degrees C) in a large, heavy saucepan or deep fryer.
  • Coat pork with cornstarch and fry in hot oil until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
  • Heat oil for vegetables in a wok over medium heat. Stir in celery, bell pepper, and onion; cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Season with pinch of sugar and salt. Remove from heat and set aside.
  • Mix 1 cup water, 3/4 cup sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, and salt in a large saucepan; bring to a boil over high heat.
  • Stir in cooked pork, celery mixture, and pineapple chunks with juice. Return to a boil, then mix in remaining1/4 cup water and cornstarch. Cook until thickened and warmed through, about 2 minutes.
  • Nutrition

    663 cal.

    • Total Fat: 35g
    • Saturated Fat: 7g
    • Cholesterol: 43mg
    • Sodium: 1085mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 75g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Total Sugars: 52g
    • Protein: 14g
    • Vitamin C: 36mg
    • Calcium: 57mg
    • Iron: 2mg
    • Potassium: 517mg