Pork Sweet and Sour

Chinese Pork Sweet and Sour Recipe with Pineapple and Green Peppers

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Pork Sweet and Sour is a classic Chinese dish that combines tender pieces of pork with a tangy and sweet sauce. This dish is a favorite among many for its delicious flavors and easy preparation.

History

The origins of Pork Sweet and Sour can be traced back to ancient China, where it was traditionally made with pork, vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce. Over the years, the recipe has evolved to include additional ingredients such as peppers, onions, and pineapple, giving it a more complex and flavorful taste.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) of cooked pork
0.75 cup of soy sauce
3 tbsp of oil
3 green peppers, cut in narrow strips
1 onion, cut in narrow strips
1 lb (454 g) 4 oz can of pineapple tidbits

Sauce

3 tbsp of cornstarch
1 tbsp of soy sauce
3 tbsp of vinegar
0.33 cup of sugar
0.33 cup of water

How to prepare

Trim excess fat from the pork and slice it.
Place the pork in a shallow dish and pour 0.75 cup of soy sauce over it.
Allow the pork to marinate for 1 hour, turning it frequently to ensure thorough marination.
In a sauté pan, heat the oil and add the peppers and onion. Cook over high heat for just a minute, stirring constantly.
Remove the cooked peppers and onion from the pan and set them aside.
Drain the marinade from the pork and add the pork to the skillet. Pour the juice from the pineapple tidbits into the skillet as well. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Add the pineapple, peppers, and onion to the skillet. Stir to mix everything together and let it simmer for another minute.
Thoroughly combine the sauce ingredients and add them to the pork mixture, stirring constantly.
Continue cooking until the sauce thickens.

Variations

Substitute chicken or tofu for the pork for a different flavor.
Add additional vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, or snow peas for extra nutrition.
Use different types of vinegar such as rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a unique taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the pork for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to fully develop.

- Cook the peppers and onions over high heat for just a minute to retain their crispness and vibrant colors.

- Be sure to stir constantly when adding the sauce to the pork mixture to prevent lumps from forming.

- Adjust the amount of sugar and vinegar in the sauce to suit your personal taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Pork Sweet and Sour can be served over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. It pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying the pork and vegetables over high heat helps to retain their crispness and vibrant colors.

- Simmering the sauce with the pork allows the flavors to meld together and thicken.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use tamari or coconut aminos as a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.

- Substitute honey or maple syrup for the sugar in the sauce for a natural sweetener.

Make Ahead Tips

Pork Sweet and Sour can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat it in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Pork Sweet and Sour with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for a pop of color and texture. Serve it in a decorative bowl or plate for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pork Sweet and Sour pairs well with a light and refreshing beverage such as green tea or a crisp white wine. It also goes well with a side of steamed jasmine rice or fried rice.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Pork Sweet and Sour in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Pork Sweet and Sour contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Pork Sweet and Sour contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Pork Sweet and Sour contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Pork Sweet and Sour contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Pork Sweet and Sour is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and cornstarch, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Pork Sweet and Sour is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a meal.

Summary

Pork Sweet and Sour is a delicious and flavorful dish that is easy to make at home. With a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, this dish is sure to become a favorite among your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. It was a rainy day in the autumn of 1965 when I stumbled upon it in an old cookbook at a yard sale. The pages were yellowed and frayed, but the recipe for Pork Sweet and Sour caught my eye. I had never heard of such a dish before, but something about the combination of savory pork with tangy sweetness intrigued me.

I purchased the cookbook for a mere quarter and took it home with me. As I read through the recipe, I realized that I had all the ingredients on hand. I wasted no time in getting to work in the kitchen, eager to see how this new dish would turn out.

The recipe called for thinly sliced pork tenderloin, which I marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, and vinegar. While the pork was marinating, I chopped up bell peppers, onions, and pineapple to add to the dish later on. The combination of flavors seemed unusual, but I trusted that the recipe would not lead me astray.

Once the pork had marinated for a few hours, I heated up a skillet and browned the meat until it was cooked through. The smell of the soy sauce and brown sugar mingling together was mouthwatering, and I knew that this dish would be something special.

Next, I added the bell peppers, onions, and pineapple to the skillet, along with a bit of ketchup and cornstarch to thicken the sauce. As the ingredients simmered together, the colors brightened, and the aroma that filled my kitchen was heavenly.

After letting the dish simmer for a few more minutes, I ladled it over a bed of steamed rice and garnished it with chopped green onions. The finished dish looked beautiful, with its vibrant colors and glossy sauce. I couldn't wait to take my first bite.

As I sat down to eat, I was overwhelmed by the explosion of flavors in my mouth. The tender pork paired perfectly with the tangy sweetness of the sauce, and the crunch of the bell peppers and onions added a lovely texture. I was in awe of how all these seemingly disparate ingredients came together to create a harmonious and delicious dish.

From that moment on, Pork Sweet and Sour became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I shared the recipe with friends and family, who all raved about how delicious it was. Over the years, I made some tweaks and adjustments to the original recipe, adding my own touch here and there to make it truly my own.

As I reflect on the journey that led me to discover this recipe, I am grateful for the serendipitous encounter at that yard sale all those years ago. It's amazing how a simple recipe in an old cookbook can lead to so much joy and satisfaction in the kitchen.

I have since passed down the recipe for Pork Sweet and Sour to my children and grandchildren, who continue to enjoy it to this day. It warms my heart to see them carry on the tradition of cooking and sharing this beloved dish with their own loved ones.

In the end, I am reminded that recipes are more than just a list of ingredients and instructions – they are a connection to the past, a way to create memories, and a source of comfort and joy. And for that, I will always be grateful for the day I stumbled upon the recipe for Pork Sweet and Sour.