Sweet and Sour Pork

Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe from China with Pineapple and Green Pepper

Region / culture: China | Servings: 4

Introduction

Sweet and sour pork is a popular Chinese dish that combines the flavors of tangy sweetness with savory pork. This dish is a favorite among many for its delicious taste and unique combination of ingredients.

History

Sweet and sour pork has a long history that dates back to ancient China. It is believed to have originated in the Guangdong province and has since become a staple in Chinese cuisine. The dish was later introduced to Western countries and has gained popularity worldwide.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) of lean pork loin
2 tbsp of oil
1 can (20 oz (567 g)) of pineapple chunks with juice
0.5 cup of water
0.33 cup of vinegar
0.25 cup of brown sugar
2 tbsp of cornstarch
1 tbsp of soy sauce
0.75 cup of thinly sliced green pepper
0.5 cup of thinly sliced onion

How to prepare

Trim the visible fat from the pork loin.
Cut the meat into thin strips.
Heat oil in a skillet.
Brown the meat strips.
Remove the meat and set it aside.
Drain the pineapple and mix it with water, vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, and soy sauce.
Shake the mixture in a glass jar until well mixed.
Cook the sweet and sour sauce in the skillet until it becomes clear and slightly thickened.
Add the meat to the sauce.
Cook over low heat for about 1 hour.
About 5 minutes before serving, add green pepper, onion slices, and pineapple chunks.
Serve the dish over rice.

Variations

Substitute the pork loin with chicken or tofu for a different twist on the dish.
Add other vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, or snow peas for added color and flavor.
Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce by adding more or less brown sugar and vinegar.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to trim the visible fat from the pork loin to ensure a leaner dish.

- Cutting the meat into thin strips helps it cook faster and absorb the flavors of the sauce.

- Browning the meat strips before adding them to the sauce adds a rich flavor to the dish.

- Cooking the sweet and sour sauce until it becomes clear and slightly thickened ensures a perfect consistency.

- Adding the green pepper, onion slices, and pineapple chunks towards the end of cooking helps them retain their crunchiness and freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the sweet and sour pork over steamed white rice for a complete meal. You can also pair it with a side of stir-fried vegetables for added nutrition.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for this dish include browning the meat, making the sweet and sour sauce, and simmering the meat in the sauce until tender. Stirring the sauce constantly helps prevent lumps and ensures a smooth consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have pork loin, you can use pork tenderloin or pork shoulder as a substitute. You can also use canned pineapple chunks instead of fresh pineapple for convenience.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sweet and sour sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cook the meat and vegetables just before serving for the best taste and texture.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the sweet and sour pork in a colorful dish garnished with fresh cilantro or green onions. You can also add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added crunch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a side of steamed jasmine rice and a refreshing cucumber salad for a complete meal. A glass of chilled white wine or a cup of green tea complements the flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the dish in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 320 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 32g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 12g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 28g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and cornstarch.

Summary

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

Summary

Sweet and sour pork is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make at home. With a perfect balance of flavors and a variety of ingredients, 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 was hooked. It was a rainy afternoon, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I turned the pages, a recipe for Sweet and Sour Pork caught my eye. The vibrant colors and mouth-watering description immediately grabbed my attention.

I had always been fascinated by different cuisines and flavors, and this recipe seemed to be the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and savory. I knew I had to try it.

I gathered all the ingredients I needed - pork, bell peppers, pineapple, vinegar, soy sauce, and brown sugar. As I chopped and marinated the pork, the sweet and sour aroma filled my kitchen, making my stomach growl with anticipation.

I followed the recipe carefully, cooking the pork in a hot pan until it was crispy and golden brown. Then I added the bell peppers, pineapple, and the homemade sweet and sour sauce. The sizzle and pop of the ingredients coming together was music to my ears.

As the dish simmered on the stove, the flavors melded together beautifully, creating a tantalizing aroma that wafted through the house. I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

When I finally sat down to eat, I was blown away by the explosion of flavors in my mouth. The tender pork, the tangy pineapple, the crunchy bell peppers - it was a symphony of tastes and textures. I savored every bite, feeling proud of myself for successfully recreating the recipe.

From that moment on, Sweet and Sour Pork became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I would make it for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions. Each time, it was met with rave reviews and requests for the recipe.

But as much as I loved cooking this dish, I knew there was still room for improvement. Over the years, I experimented with different variations and tweaks to the recipe, adding my own personal touch to make it even more delicious.

One day, while visiting a friend who had just returned from a trip to China, I learned a new technique for making Sweet and Sour Pork. She showed me how to coat the pork in a light batter before frying it, creating a crispy outer layer that would soak up the sauce perfectly.

I was eager to try this new method, and the next time I made Sweet and Sour Pork, I followed her advice. The result was a revelation - the pork was even more tender and flavorful, and the crispy coating added an extra layer of texture that elevated the dish to a whole new level.

As I continued to refine and perfect the recipe, I realized that cooking was not just about following instructions - it was about creativity, intuition, and a love for good food. I had inherited this passion from my own grandmother, who had taught me the joy of cooking and the satisfaction of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones.

And so, every time I make Sweet and Sour Pork, I think of the journey that led me to this recipe, the people who inspired me along the way, and the memories that are now woven into every bite. Cooking is not just a hobby for me - it is a way of connecting with my past, expressing my creativity, and bringing joy to those around me.

I am grateful for all the recipes that have come into my life, but Sweet and Sour Pork will always hold a special place in my heart. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create lasting memories, and to nourish both body and soul. And for that, I will always be grateful.