Golden, crunchy pork pieces coated in a vibrant, sticky red sauce. This homemade sweet and sour pork rivals your favorite restaurant dish, delivering a balance of tangy pineapple juice and savory soy that makes your mouth water instantly. It's a nostalgic family dinner that brings everyone to the table, eager for that first crispy bite.
Why You'll Love This
This recipe guarantees that satisfying "crunch" even after the meat hits the sauce, thanks to a simple cornflour coating technique. It balances the acidity of vinegar with the natural sweetness of pineapple, avoiding the cloying sugary taste of some takeout versions. I love how this Sweet N Sour Pork comes together in one wok, making cleanup manageable while filling the kitchen with an incredible aroma.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This
- What You'll Need
- How to Make Sweet and Sour Pork (Step-by-Step)
- Aliana's Top Tip
- Variations
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Best Pairings for Sweet and Sour Pork
- Common Questions About sweet and sour pork
- More Recipes You'll Love
- Better Than Takeout Sweet and Sour Pork
- Pairing
- More DINNER
What You'll Need
To recreate this classic at home, you need fresh vegetables for crunch and pantry staples to build that iconic glossy sauce. The specific combination of ingredients in this Recipe For Sweet And Sour Pork ensures the meat stays tender inside while the outside remains crisp.
Check the recipe card for exact amounts and full instructions.
Main Ingredients
- Pork Scotch Fillet: Also known as pork butt; this cut has enough fat to stay juicy during frying.
- Cornflour (Cornstarch): Essential for both the crispy coating and thickening the glossy sauce.
- Pineapple Juice: Use the juice from the can to provide the natural, fruity sweetness base.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds the sharp tang that cuts through the rich fried pork.
- Bicarbonate of Soda: A small pinch tenderizes the meat fibers effectively (velveting).
- Capsicums (Bell Peppers): Red and green peppers add color and a fresh, crisp texture.
- Tomato Ketchup: Provides the signature red hue and a savory-sweet depth.
Optional Extras
You can add diced zucchini or carrots if you want to sneak in more vegetables for the kids. For a spicy kick, a pinch of red chili flakes in the sauce balances the Sweet And Sour Pork Easy profile nicely.
How to Make Sweet and Sour Pork (Step-by-Step)
This How to Make Sweet and Sour Pork at Home guide focuses on achieving the perfect texture.
Marinate Pork
Combine the pork pieces with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, baking soda, and egg in a bowl. Mixing thoroughly tenderizes the meat and ensures the flavors penetrate deep into the fibers.
Coat Meat
Toss the marinated pork in cornflour until every piece is dry and white. This step is crucial for creating the craggy, golden crust that holds onto the sauce later.
Fry Pork
Fry the pork in hot oil in batches until golden brown and crisp. Cooking in batches maintains the oil temperature so the meat fries properly instead of steaming.
How do I keep the pork crispy? Avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the meat; a double fry can add extra crunch.
Simmer Sauce
Whisk the sauce ingredients together and simmer in the wok with the vegetables until thick. You will see the sauce turn from cloudy to a shiny, translucent glaze.
Combine & Serve
Toss the fried pork into the thickened sauce just before serving. This ensures the Sweet And Sour Pork Recipe Steps result in a dish where the coating stays crunchy.
Aliana's Top Tip
The secret to restaurant-quality texture is the "velveting" technique using bicarbonate of soda.
Rest meat after frying → retains juices → check for steaming interior
Use cold soda water in batter → creates lighter crust → listen for the fizz
Cut vegetables uniformly → ensures even cooking → look for consistent sizes
Don't over-sauce → keeps pork crispy → look for a light glaze
Prep the Sweet And Sour Pork Sauce first → prevents burning → ready to pour immediately
Follow Aliana on Pinterest →Variations
If you prefer a lighter protein, chicken breast or firm tofu works beautifully with this sauce. You can also swap the pineapple juice for orange juice for a citrusy twist on these Cubed Pork Recipes. For a gluten-free option, ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free (tamari), as the cornflour is naturally safe.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
This dish is best eaten fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The coating will soften, so when reheating, use an air fryer or hot oven to revive some texture in this Simple Sweet And Sour Pork Recipe. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain any crispiness.
Best Pairings for Sweet and Sour Pork
Steamed jasmine rice is the classic partner, soaking up the extra sauce perfectly. I also love serving these Pork Sweet And Sour Recipes with a side of garlicky bok choy or simple stir-fried greens to balance the richness. For a fun family feast, add some vegetable spring rolls or prawn crackers.
Common Questions About sweet and sour pork
Why is my coating soggy?
Soggy coating usually happens if the oil wasn't hot enough or if the pork sat in the sauce too long. Toss the meat in the sauce at the very last second before serving.
Can I use pork loin?
You can, but pork scotch fillet (shoulder/butt) is better because the fat content keeps it moist. Loin dries out easily when fried at high temperatures needed for Chinese Sweet And Sour Sauce dishes.
Is ketchup authentic?
While traditional Cantonese versions use hawthorn flakes or vinegar, ketchup is a staple in the Western-style version we all know and love. It provides the specific color and tang associated with this comfort food.
Can I air fry the pork?
Yes, spray the cornflour-coated pork generously with oil and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes. It won't be quite as battered-style, but it's a cleaner alternative.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you love this Dinner sweet and sour pork, try these other Asian-style Sweet And Sour Pork inspired favorites.
Tried this recipe? Tag me on Pinterest @AlianaRecipes - I'd love to see your twist on it!
Better Than Takeout Sweet and Sour Pork
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine pork, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, baking soda, salt, pepper, and egg in a bowl. Mix well to tenderize the meat and coat evenly.
- Toss the marinated pork in ½ cup cornflour until fully coated. Shake off excess to ensure the coating crisps up properly.
- Heat oil in a wok and fry pork in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden. Transfer to a wire rack to maintain crunchiness.
- Whisk 1 tablespoon cornflour, water, soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, vinegar, and ketchup in a bowl. This ensures the sauce is smooth and ready to cook.
- Stir-fry onions and capsicums in a clean wok for 2 minutes. The vegetables should remain crisp and bright.
- Add the sauce mixture and pineapple chunks to the pan, simmering until thickened. The sauce will become glossy and cling to the spoon.
- Toss the fried pork into the sauce quickly to coat. Serve immediately over rice with sesame seeds for a fresh finish.
Nutrition
Notes
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Sweet and Sour Pork:
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