Sweet and Sour Pork with Rice

Sweet and Sour Pork with Rice Recipe from China - A Tangy and Delicious Meal!

Region / culture: China | Servings: 4

Introduction

Sweet and sour pork is a classic Chinese dish that combines the perfect balance of flavors - sweet, tangy, and savory. This dish is a favorite among many and is often served with rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

History

Sweet and sour pork has been a popular dish in Chinese cuisine for centuries. It is believed to have originated in the Guangdong province of China and has since spread to other parts of the world, becoming a staple in Chinese restaurants worldwide.

Ingredients

1 can (15.5 oz / 439 g) pineapple chunks
1.25 lb (567 g) lean, boneless pork
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 cup sliced green pepper
1 cup beef or chicken broth
1 tsp salt
0.25 tsp ground black pepper
0.5 tsp ground ginger
0.33 cup vinegar
0.25 cup soy sauce
3 tbsp cornstarch
3 cups hot cooked rice

How to prepare

Drain the pineapple, reserving 0.5 cup of the syrup.
Cut the pork into very thin strips.
Heat oil in a wok or skillet and when hot, add the pork. Cook, stirring, for about 1 minute.
Add the onion and green pepper. Cook, stirring, for about 1 minute.
Add the broth, salt, pepper, ginger, vinegar, soy sauce, and pineapple. Bring to a boil.
Make a smooth paste of cornstarch and pineapple syrup. Add it to the meat mixture and cook until thickened and clear, stirring frequently, for 2 to 3 minutes.
Serve over fluffy rice.

Variations

Substitute chicken or shrimp for the pork for a different twist on this classic dish.
Add pineapple chunks, bell peppers, or carrots for extra color and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cut the pork into thin strips to ensure quick and even cooking.

- Be sure to stir frequently when adding the cornstarch mixture to prevent lumps from forming.

- Adjust the amount of vinegar and sugar to suit your taste preferences for the perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Serve sweet and sour pork over hot cooked rice for a complete meal. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying is the key cooking technique for this dish, ensuring that the pork and vegetables are cooked quickly over high heat to retain their crisp texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar in place of white vinegar for a slightly different flavor.

- Substitute tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. This dish can also be made in advance and reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve sweet and sour pork in a colorful serving dish with a garnish of fresh cilantro or chopped peanuts for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair sweet and sour pork with steamed vegetables or a side of egg rolls for a complete Chinese meal. Serve with a glass of chilled white wine or green tea for a refreshing beverage option.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 45g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 10g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and wheat allergens.

Summary

Sweet and sour pork is a well-balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Sweet and sour pork is a delicious and satisfying dish that is easy to make at home. With the perfect balance of flavors and textures, this classic Chinese dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a warm summer day, just like today, when I stumbled upon the little old cookbook that would change my life forever.

I was rummaging through some old boxes in the attic, looking for some old photo albums, when I came across a dusty old cookbook that belonged to my mother. As I flipped through the pages, I was transported back to my childhood, watching my mother cook up a storm in the kitchen.

One particular recipe caught my eye – Sweet and Sour Pork with Rice. I had never made it before, but the combination of sweet and tangy flavors intrigued me. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could almost smell the delicious aroma wafting from the pages.

Excited to try my hand at this new recipe, I gathered all the ingredients I needed and set to work in the kitchen. As I chopped the vegetables and marinated the pork, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia, thinking about all the delicious meals my mother used to make for us.

The recipe called for a special sauce made from a blend of vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and ketchup. As I mixed these ingredients together, the sweet and sour aroma filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

I sautéed the pork until it was crispy and golden brown, then added in the vegetables and the sauce. The sizzle of the pan and the delicious smell that wafted through the air only added to my excitement.

Finally, it was time to plate up the dish. I spooned the steaming hot Sweet and Sour Pork over a bed of fluffy white rice, the vibrant colors of the dish making it look almost too beautiful to eat.

As I took my first bite, I was transported back to that warm summer day in the attic, discovering this recipe for the first time. The flavors were perfect – the sweetness of the sauce paired perfectly with the tanginess of the vinegar, creating a harmonious blend of tastes that danced on my tongue.

From that day on, Sweet and Sour Pork with Rice became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I would make it for family dinners, potlucks, and even just for myself on a quiet evening at home. Each time I cooked it, I would think back to that moment in the attic, when I found this recipe that brought me so much joy.

Over the years, I have added my own twist to the recipe, experimenting with different vegetables and spices to make it my own. But no matter how many variations I try, the original recipe will always hold a special place in my heart.

As I sit here now, enjoying a steaming plate of Sweet and Sour Pork with Rice, I can't help but feel grateful for that moment in the attic all those years ago. It was the beginning of a love affair with cooking that has brought me so much happiness and fulfillment.

And as I take my last bite, I say a silent thank you to my mother, whose old cookbook brought me this delicious recipe that has become a treasured part of my culinary journey.