The Perfect Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe for Tangy-Sweet Bliss

Crispy, golden-brown sweet and sour pork dances between tangy and sugary flavor profiles that spark culinary excitement.

Succulent pork chunks nestle under a vibrant sauce, promising an adventure for hungry taste buds.

Classic Chinese-American cuisine comes alive through this delectable dish that balances unexpected ingredients.

Bright bell peppers and pineapple chunks complement the tender meat with colorful nutrition.

Kitchen magic happens when simple components blend into something extraordinary and irresistible.

Fragrant aromas will drift through your home, signaling a meal that connects comfort with gourmet satisfaction.

You can master this restaurant-style favorite with a few clever techniques and fresh ingredients.

One bite promises to transport you straight into a delightful culinary experience that surprises and delights.

Why Hairy Bikers Sweet And Sour Pork Is A Flavorful Favorite

• Craft Flavor-Packed Dish: This sweet and sour pork delivers an explosion of tangy and rich tastes that dance on your taste buds with every single bite.
• Master Quick Cooking Technique: Learn professional-level stir-frying skills that transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal within minutes of cooking.
• Customize with Ease: Swap vegetables or adjust spice levels to match personal preferences, making this recipe incredibly flexible for different dietary needs and family tastes.
• Impressive Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings where you want to serve something delicious that looks professionally prepared without complex cooking methods.

What Goes In Hairy Bikers Sweet And Sour Pork

• Pork: Tender meat that serves as the primary protein in this classic Chinese-American dish.

• Soy Sauce: Adds depth and saltiness to the pork.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the dish.
• Sugar: Provides a subtle sweetness to balance the marinade.
• Egg White: Helps tenderize the meat and create a smooth coating.
• Scallions: Introduces a mild onion flavor and freshness.

• Cornstarch: Creates a crispy exterior for the pork and thickens the sauce.

• Celery, Bell Pepper, Onion: Provide crunch, color, and additional flavor to the dish.

• Pineapple: Adds sweetness and tangy tropical notes to the sweet and sour sauce.

• Oil: Used for deep frying the coated pork pieces.

How To Make Hairy Bikers Sweet And Sour Pork

Step 1: Prepare Pork Marinade

• Soy sauce
• Salt
• Sugar
• Egg white
• Chopped scallions

Let the pork soak up these flavors for one full hour, allowing the marinade to tenderize and enhance the meat’s taste.

Step 2: Create Crispy Coating

Remove pork from marinade and generously dust each piece with cornstarch. This will create a delightful crunchy exterior when fried.

Step 3: Fry Pork To Golden Perfection

Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 365 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully lower marinated pork pieces into hot oil, cooking until they turn a beautiful golden brown and become crispy on the outside.

Step 4: Sauté Colorful Vegetables

• Celery
• Bell peppers
• Onions

Cook briefly to maintain their vibrant color and slight crunch. Set vegetables aside temporarily.

Step 5: Create Tangy Sweet And Sour Sauce

Boil sauce ingredients in a wok or large pan. This creates the signature tangy flavor profile of the dish.

Step 6: Combine All Components

Add the crispy fried pork, sautéed vegetables, and fresh pineapple chunks into the bubbling sauce. Stir gently to coat everything evenly.

Step 7: Thicken And Finish

Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Pour into the sauce and stir until it reaches a glossy, slightly thick consistency. This helps the sauce cling beautifully to the pork and vegetables.

Step 8: Serve And Enjoy

Transfer the sweet and sour pork to a serving platter. Enjoy immediately while hot and crispy, preferably with steamed white rice.

Tips For Hairy Bikers Sweet And Sour Pork Success

• Marinate Masterfully: Let pork soak in marinade for at least 1 hour to ensure deep flavor penetration and tender meat texture.
• Fry Perfectly Crisp: Maintain oil temperature at 365F for golden, crunchy exterior without greasy residue; use a thermometer for accuracy.
• Vegetable Timing: Quickly stir-fry vegetables to retain crisp texture and bright colors; avoid overcooking to preserve nutritional value.
• Sauce Balancing Act: Adjust sweet and sour ratio by adding more vinegar for tanginess or sugar for sweetness according to personal preference.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular cornstarch with potato starch or rice flour for a gluten-free alternative without compromising crispiness.

Delicious Variations Of Hairy Bikers Sweet And Sour Pork

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace pork with tofu or tempeh, marinating and coating similarly for a plant-based alternative.
• Chicken Swap: Use boneless chicken thighs or breasts instead of pork, following the same marinating and cooking technique.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute cornstarch with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly version, reducing overall carbohydrate content.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diners.

Pairing Ideas For Hairy Bikers Sweet And Sour Pork

• Elevate Flavor Harmony: Match sweet and sour pork with crisp Riesling, balancing the dish's tangy profile with its slight sweetness and acidity.
• Complementary Crunch: Serve alongside steamed jasmine rice, absorbing the vibrant sauce and providing a neutral base that enhances the pork's rich flavors.
• Brightness Boost: Add a side of cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing, cutting through the dish's richness and providing refreshing contrast.
• Texture Play: Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions, introducing nutty undertones and fresh herbal notes that elevate the overall dining experience.

How To Store Hairy Bikers Sweet And Sour Pork Correctly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Transfer cooled sweet and sour pork to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place portion on microwave-safe plate, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Avoid overheating to maintain crispy texture.
• Warm a skillet over medium heat with small amount of oil.

FAQs For Hairy Bikers Sweet And Sour Pork

• Why do I need to marinate the pork?

Marinating helps tenderize the meat, infuse flavor, and create a more succulent texture by allowing the seasonings to penetrate deeply into the pork.

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of pork?

While this recipe is specifically for sweet and sour pork, you can substitute chicken or tofu for a similar dish with slightly different results.

• What's the purpose of coating the meat in cornstarch before frying?

Cornstarch creates a crispy, golden exterior that helps seal in the meat’s moisture and provides a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the sauce.

• How important is the oil temperature when deep-frying?

Maintaining the oil at 365F is crucial to ensure the meat cooks evenly, gets crispy on the outside, and doesn’t become greasy or soggy.

Sweet And Sour Pork Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sizzling sweet and sour pork dances with tangy pineapple and crisp bell peppers, delivering a classic Chinese-American flavor explosion. Juicy pork pieces coated in golden batter promise a delightful meal that will transport your taste buds to culinary bliss.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (1 lb) pork butt, cubed
• 1 can (8 ounces) pineapple chunks, with juice
• 1 egg white

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 2 green onions, chopped
• 3 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, cubed
• 1 onion, wedged

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 1/4 cups water, divided
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 quart vegetable oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Combine pork with soy sauce, salt, sugar, egg white, and scallions. Allow to marinate for 60 minutes at room temperature, ensuring even coating.
2. Remove pork from marinade and thoroughly dust with cornstarch, shaking off excess powder.
3. Heat oil to 365F in a deep fryer or heavy pot. Carefully lower coated pork pieces and fry until crispy and golden brown, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Drain fried pork on paper towels to remove excess oil and maintain crispiness.
5. In a separate wok or large skillet, quickly sauté celery, bell peppers, and onions over high heat for 2 minutes until slightly tender but still crunchy.
6. Prepare sauce by combining liquid ingredients in a saucepan, bringing to a rapid simmer over medium-high heat.
7. Add crispy pork pieces, sautéed vegetables, and pineapple chunks to the simmering sauce.
8. Create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with cold water, then slowly pour into the sauce while stirring to achieve desired thickness.
9. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until sauce is glossy and coats ingredients evenly.
10. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with fresh scallions. Serve immediately while hot and crisp.

Notes

• Tenderize pork by using a meat mallet to break down fibers and ensure a more delicate texture.
• Select fatty pork cuts like pork shoulder for juicier, more flavorful results that withstand deep-frying.
• Drain fried pork pieces on paper towels to remove excess oil and maintain crispy exterior.
• Adjust sauce sweetness by balancing pineapple juice with rice vinegar for personalized flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 449 kcal
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 1450 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg