Rating: 3.61
(23)

Sweet and Sour Pork

June 26, 2024

Sweet and Sour Pork is one of those timeless dishes that never goes out of style. It’s bold, colorful, and full of flavor, combining crispy pork with a vibrant sauce that strikes the perfect balance between tangy and sweet. Whether you’re enjoying it at your favorite Chinese restaurant or making it at home, this dish brings comfort and excitement to the table in every bite.

The hallmark of Sweet and Sour Pork is the contrast of textures and flavors. The pork is typically coated in a light batter and fried until golden and crispy. This creates a crunchy exterior that holds up beautifully when tossed with the glossy sauce. Inside, the meat stays tender and juicy, offering a satisfying bite that’s both hearty and flavorful.

The sauce is what makes this dish stand out. Made with a mix of vinegar, sugar, ketchup, and sometimes soy sauce or pineapple juice, it has a bold, tangy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory pork. It’s sticky, shiny, and clings to every piece of meat and vegetable, creating a mouthwatering glaze that keeps you coming back for more.

To complete the dish, bell peppers, onions, and chunks of pineapple are often added to the stir-fry. They provide crunch, color, and a touch of freshness that balance the richness of the pork and the intensity of the sauce. Each bite brings together crispy pork, sweet fruit, and tender vegetables for a dynamic, flavorful experience.

Sweet and Sour Pork is typically served with steamed rice, which helps soak up the extra sauce and rounds out the meal. It’s a popular choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions and can be prepped ahead to save time. Some variations use leaner cuts of pork or swap in chicken or tofu for a lighter version, but the essence of the dish remains the same — bold, balanced, and incredibly satisfying.

Sweet and Sour Pork
Sweet and Sour Pork
3.61 from 23 votes
A classic Chinese dish with tender pork, bell peppers, pineapple, and a tangy sweet and sour sauce.
Servings 4 people
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound pork tenderloin 450g, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks
  • 1 onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and 1/2 cup water to make the sauce.
  • In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove pork from skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the garlic, onion, bell peppers, and pineapple. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
  • Return the pork to the skillet and pour in the sauce. Stir to coat the pork and vegetables. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 30gFat: 8gFiber: 3g
Calories: 320kcal
Meal Type: Dinner
Cuisine: Chinese
Keyword: chinese cuisine, pork, Sweet and Sour Pork
Cooking Method: Fried
Time: 30-45 Min
Level: Easy
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Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar elliot.effertz says:

    3 stars
    I found it too sweet. Maybe use less sugar next time.

    1. User avatar russell.rohan57 says:

      4 stars
      I thought it was perfect! The sweetness really balances the sourness. Maybe you just have a different taste?

    2. User avatar MAGA2024.Trumpster says:

      3 stars
      Too sweet? Nah, just add more vinegar if you want it tangier! That’s how you fix it!

  2. User avatar ferne.gleason1968 says:

    3 stars
    Too much sugar for me. I think if I do make again will cut down on that. Thanks for the recipe!

  3. User avatar meta.langworth22 says:

    2 stars
    Meh. My kids wouldn’t eat it. Not making this again.

  4. User avatar inger.oconner says:

    2 stars
    I burnt the pork! How do you cook it without getting it all tough? I really messed this up. 🙁

  5. User avatar herta.corwin65 says:

    1 star
    Who puts pineapple in pork? That’s just wrong! Never trying this again.

    1. 4 stars
      Pineapple in pork is actually really common in some cultures! Give it a try before you knock it. 🙂

  6. User avatar Pizpot Gargravarr says:

    5 stars
    Soo good! A perfect balance of sweet and sour. I think I just found my new favorite dinner!

  7. User avatar Genghis Khan says:

    4 stars
    Not bad haha, I just used whatever veggies I had. Didn’t have brown sugar, so I used white sugar. Still good!

  8. User avatar phillip.daniel7 says:

    4 stars
    I wasn’t sure about the ketchup in this, but wow it works! Who would’ve thought?! Definitely making this again.

  9. User avatar buena.kuhn22 says:

    5 stars
    Yummy! I added some extra veggies and it turned out great.

    1. User avatar reed.casper75 says:

      5 stars
      That’s awesome! Extra veggies make everything better. 🍍

    2. User avatar Velva Weissnat DVM says:

      2 stars
      Hmm, I don’t know. Sweet and sour is usually too sugary. You really like this?

  10. 5 stars
    This was absolutely delicious! My family loved it!

  11. 2 stars
    I’m not a cook or anything, but I think I did it wrong. It didn’t taste good.

  12. 3 stars
    This was ok, but kinda sweet for my taste. I prefer savory dishes. My kids liked it though!

  13. 5 stars
    Yum! This was super easy to make. I added some extra veggies too. 10/10 would recommend to a friend.

    1. User avatar sharee.abbott says:

      5 stars
      I tried this recipe and it was soooo good! I didn’t think it would work, but it did! Thanks for sharing!

  14. User avatar renaldo.mueller1997 says:

    4 stars
    Simple and quick recipe, but the pork was kinda dry for me.

  15. User avatar isreal.rolfson2000 says:

    4 stars
    My husband loved it! He said it’s the best thing I’ve made all month. I think I might try it with chicken next time.

  16. User avatar meri.dubuque42 says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is a game-changer! Loved the sweetness from the pineapple and the tang from the vinegar. My family devoured it!

  17. 3 stars
    Felt like there was too much ketchup. Might try it without next time. Also, garlic is the best! But this dish needed something more.

3.61 from 23 votes
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