If you’re on the hunt for a Chinese dish that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and sour, look no further than Sweet and Sour Pork. This mouthwatering creation is a cherished favorite among families and food enthusiasts alike. The dish brings together a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate, leaving you enchanted with each bite.
The Art of a Perfect Blend
What makes this dish truly exceptional is the artful combination of diverse ingredients that harmonize effortlessly. It all starts with tender, juicy TBS pork cut into bite-sized pieces, creating the foundation for a taste extravaganza. The secret to its deliciousness lies in using not one but two different types of vinegar. The intense sourness of white vinegar is beautifully complemented by the milder notes of apple cider vinegar, providing a sophisticated tang that sets this dish apart.
At the heart of Sweet and Sour Pork is its homemade sauce. This extraordinary blend of flavors includes the sweet touch of sugar and ketchup, the classic taste of soy sauce, and the savoriness of garlic salt. To achieve the perfect consistency, cornstarch is added to thicken the sauce, enhancing its clinginess to the succulent pork pieces and vibrant vegetables.
Crafting this delectable dish is an adventure in itself. The journey begins by coating the seasoned pork in cornstarch, creating a delightful crispy crust upon frying. The pork is then cooked until golden brown and set aside while bell peppers, onions, and pineapple chunks are sautéed to perfection. Once the veggies are tender and aromatic, the pork is reunited with them in the skillet, and the divine sauce is poured over this symphony of ingredients. As the sauce simmers, the flavors meld together, transforming the dish into an experience that is nothing short of heavenly.
Cooking Tips
Consider these helpful tips to achieve the pinnacle of Sweet and Sour Pork perfection. Opt for slightly fatty pork cuts, like pork tenderloin or shoulder roast, to ensure tender and juicy results. Equally important is the choice of vegetables; red and green bell peppers add color and a delightful medley of flavors. For a twist, experiment with different vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, broccoli, or sugar snap peas.
Ingredients for Sweet and Sour Pork:
- Peanut Oil for frying (alternatively, you could use corn or vegetable oil.)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- 1 pound TBS pork tenderloin or pork butt cut into one-inch pieces
- salt and pepper
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 bell peppers cut into one-inch pieces
- 1 sweet onion cut into one-inch pieces
- 1 can of pineapple chunks, drained and cut in half
- Rice cooked according to package directions.
Ingredients for the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
If you’re in a hurry, you can always pick up a jar of sweet and sour sauce at most supermarkets. However, it’s simple to make your own from ingredients you likely have in your cupboard:
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons ketchup
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Directions:
- Prepare the sauce. Whisk together all the sauce ingredients except the garnishes in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- Heat about one inch of peanut oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven until it reaches 350 degrees.
- Season the pork on both sides with salt and pepper. Place the cornstarch in a resealable plastic bag. Add the seasoned pork cubes to the bag and shake well to coat all the pieces of meat evenly.
- Once the oil is at 350 degrees, use tongs to add the cubed pork into the oil carefully. Fry for 3-4 minutes until the meat is golden and crispy. Remove from the oil and set aside.
- Saute the green peppers and onions in another skillet using olive oil.
- Add the pork and pineapple to the skillet with the sauteed vegetables. Pour the sauce over the top and mix well. Set to simmer until everything is heated.
- Serve immediately over rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions as desired.