How to Make Sweet and Sour Pork Stir-Fry: A Family Favorite

Sweet and sour pork is a classic dish that has tantalized taste buds for generations. Originating from China, this stir-fry masterpiece perfectly balances sweet, sour, and savory flavors in every bite. It’s no wonder this dish has become a staple in many households worldwide. Today, I’m excited to share my family’s cherished recipe for sweet and sour pork stir-fry, a dish I guarantee will become a new favorite in your home.

The Magic of Sweet and Sour Pork

What makes sweet and sour pork so special? It’s the magical combination of tender, crispy pork coated in a vibrant, tangy sauce bursting with flavor. The contrasting textures and the sweet and sour interplay create a symphony in your mouth.

This dish is also incredibly versatile. Serve it with fluffy white rice for a comforting weeknight meal, or pair it with stir-fried noodles for a more adventurous culinary experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pork:

• 1 pound boneless pork loin, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 cup diced pineapple chunks
• 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper

Essential Tools

• Large bowl for marinating the pork
• Whisk
• Large skillet or wok
• Slotted spoon
• Small saucepan

Let’s Get Cooking!

Prepare the Pork

1. In a large bowl, combine the cubed pork, salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Mix well and set aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and all-purpose flour until a smooth batter forms.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
4. Dip each piece of marinated pork into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated.
5. Carefully place the battered pork pieces into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
6. Fry the pork for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Remove the cooked pork from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Golden brown pork pieces being fried in a wok for sweet and sour pork

Create the Sweet and Sour Sauce

1. While the pork is frying, prepare the sweet and sour sauce.
2. In a small saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, white vinegar, sugar, ketchup, and soy sauce.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 teaspoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of water until smooth.
5. Gradually pour the cornstarch mixture into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly.
6. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

The Final Stir-Fry

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in the same skillet or wok used for frying the pork.
2. Add the diced onion and stir-fry for about 2 minutes, until softened.
3. Add the diced pineapple, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the skillet.
4. Stir-fry the vegetables for another 3-4 minutes, until they are crisp-tender.
5. Pour the prepared sweet and sour sauce over the vegetables and stir to coat evenly.
6. Add the fried pork pieces back into the skillet.
7. Toss everything together gently to ensure all ingredients are well combined and coated in the sauce.
8. Continue to cook for another minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld.

Colorful sweet and sour pork stir fry in a wok

Serving Up a Delight

Transfer the sweet and sour pork stir-fry to a serving platter and garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an extra touch. Serve immediately over steamed white rice or alongside your favorite stir-fried noodles.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Sweet and Sour Pork

“For an extra crispy texture,” says renowned Chef Lee, “try double-frying the pork. After the first fry, increase the heat and fry the pork again for a minute until extra crispy.” He also advises, “If you prefer a more intense sour flavor, you can adjust the amount of vinegar to your liking.”

Don’t hesitate to experiment with other vegetables like carrots, snap peas, or even broccoli. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat.

Sweet and Sour Success

Making sweet and sour pork stir-fry at home is easier than you think! With fresh ingredients and a little love, you can recreate this classic dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

What are you waiting for? Try this recipe and share your delicious results! We’d love to hear about your sweet and sour adventures in the comments below. Don’t forget to check out our other fantastic stir-fry recipes like our How to Make Stir-fried Green Beans with Minced Pork for more culinary inspiration.