Cantonese Sweet And Sour Pork Recipe

Cook Time: 40 minutes  

   Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cantonese Sweet And Sour Pork Ingredients

Cantonese Sweet And Sour Pork Instructions

  1. Pat the pork tenderloin cubes dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. In a bowl, season the pork cubes with kosher salt and white pepper, tossing to coat evenly. Let them sit for 10 minutes to absorb the seasoning.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup cornstarch and 1/2 cup all-purpose flour. Mix well.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and 1/2 cup cold sparkling water until smooth.
  5. Dip each pork cube into the egg and sparkling water mixture, then dredge thoroughly in the cornstarch-flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating. Place coated pork on a plate.
  6. Heat 2 cups of vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C).
  7. Fry the coated pork cubes in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes per batch, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
  8. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry for thickening the sauce. Set aside.
  9. In a clean wok or large skillet, add a small amount of oil over medium-high heat. Add the red onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.
  10. Add the pineapple chunks to the wok and stir-fry for another 1 minute to heat through.
  11. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup rice vinegar, 1/4 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup light soy sauce, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine until well combined.
  12. Pour the sauce mixture into the wok with the vegetables and pineapple. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
  13. Stir the cornstarch slurry and add it to the simmering sauce. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 1-2 minutes.
  14. Add the fried pork cubes to the wok and toss everything together, ensuring the pork is evenly coated with the sauce and mixed with the vegetables and pineapple.
  15. Drizzle 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil over the dish and give it a final toss to combine.
  16. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Estimated Calories: 316, Servings: 4

Recommended Dishes

About Sweet And Sour Pork Recipe

If you're searching for the best way to enjoy a classic dish, this Cantonese Sweet And Sour Pork recipe is exactly what you need! This homemade recipe brings together the perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors, making it a delicious and authentic choice for any meal. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps, you'll discover just how quick and satisfying it is to recreate this restaurant favorite at home. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned cook, you'll love learning how to make this tasty dish with our helpful tips.
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to follow. The ingredients are straightforward, and the method is designed to help you achieve that perfect crispy pork with a glossy, flavorful sauce every time. If you've ever wondered how to make Cantonese cuisine in your own kitchen, this Sweet And Sour Pork recipe is the answer. The combination of juicy pork, vibrant bell peppers, and pineapple creates a mouthwatering experience that's both quick and satisfying. Plus, our tips ensure your dish turns out just right-crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor.
Don't miss out on the chance to impress your family and friends with this authentic and tasty homemade meal. This simple recipe is not only quick to prepare but also delivers the best results, making it a go-to for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With our guide on how to make Cantonese Sweet And Sour Pork, you'll have all the tips and tricks you need to create a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish. Gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy the perfect blend of flavors in every bite!

Storage Tips

When considering storage, the best approach for Sweet and Sour Pork is to use an airtight container, ensuring the vibrant aromas and tangy notes remain locked in. The sauce, with its glossy sheen and fragrant sweetness, can permeate the pork if left uncovered, so a good seal is essential for maintaining that delicious, just-cooked texture. For a quick and easy solution, separate the sauce from the pork if possible, as this helps preserve the crispness of the coating, making your next meal taste as if it were freshly made from a cherished recipe.
Shelf life is a crucial factor for this dish, as the interplay of sweet, sour, and savory flavors is at its peak within the first couple of days. Stored properly in the refrigerator, Sweet and Sour Pork remains healthy and safe to eat for up to three days, though the best flavor and texture are enjoyed within the first twenty four hours. After that, the pork may lose its initial crunch, but the sauce continues to infuse the meat, creating a new, mellowed depth that is still great for a fast lunch or dinner.
Reheating Sweet and Sour Pork is an art if you want to recapture the original balance of flavors and textures. The best method is to use an oven or air fryer, which revives the pork's exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender, making it easy to enjoy a second serving that is almost as good as the first. A quick toss in a hot pan can also work wonders, reawakening the aroma of caramelized sugar and vinegar, and ensuring the dish remains as inviting and satisfying as when it first left the wok.

Sweet And Sour Pork Story

At first, my encounters with this dish were marked by a certain indifference. The aroma, though inviting, seemed to promise little more than a fleeting sweetness, and I dismissed it as something too simple to be memorable. I would watch others enjoy it, but I was convinced there were better options on the table. The recipe seemed too easy, too quick to prepare, and I doubted that anything so fast could be truly satisfying. My palate was searching for complexity, and I failed to notice the subtle interplay of flavors that lingered in the air.
Over time, curiosity led me to give it another chance, and I began to notice the great care that went into its preparation. The first bite revealed a surprising depth, with a balance that was both bright and comforting. The texture was a revelation, offering a contrast that was both crisp and tender, and the aroma now seemed layered with promise. I realized that what I had dismissed as ordinary was, in fact, a good example of how simplicity can be elevated to something special. The dish was not just delicious, but also healthy in its own way, offering satisfaction without heaviness.
Now, I find myself seeking out the best versions, eager to experience the nuances that each cook brings to the table. The interplay of flavors is no longer lost on me; instead, I savor the way each element enhances the next. The dish has become a benchmark for me, a reminder that the most memorable meals are often those that surprise us with their subtlety. It is a recipe I now recommend to others, not just for its easy and fast preparation, but for the way it delivers a delicious and deeply satisfying experience.

Healthy Sweet And Sour Pork Tips

If you're on a quest for the best, most delicious, and healthy twist on the classic Cantonese Sweet And Sour Pork recipe, you're in for a treat-without the guilt! Imagine the aroma of sizzling pork, but this time, it's lean cuts or even chicken breast, lightly dusted in cornstarch and air-fried to crispy perfection. The health benefits are immediate: less oil, less fat, and all the crunch. The sweet and tangy sauce, that hallmark of any authentic Sweet And Sour Pork, can be made with fresh pineapple juice and a touch of honey instead of heaps of sugar. Your taste buds will still dance, but your arteries will thank you. The perfect balance of flavors, with a lighter, fresher finish, makes this homemade recipe a true winner for health-conscious foodies.
Let's talk about the best ingredients for a healthy, easy, and quick Sweet And Sour Pork. Swap out the usual deep-fried batter for a simple, gluten-free coating, and load up on colorful bell peppers, onions, and juicy pineapple chunks. Not only do these add a burst of flavor and texture, but they also pack a punch of vitamins and antioxidants. The sauce, that glossy, irresistible glaze, can be thickened with a little arrowroot or tapioca starch-no MSG or artificial thickeners needed. The result? A tasty, homemade dish that's as vibrant on the plate as it is on the palate, with every bite delivering a symphony of sweet, sour, and savory notes.
For those seeking the ultimate health upgrade, here are some chef's tips to make your Sweet And Sour Pork recipe the best it can be. Use low-sodium soy sauce and skip the ketchup in favor of tomato paste and a splash of apple cider vinegar for that authentic tang. Want to go even lighter? Try tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version that's still quick, easy, and delicious. The texture is surprisingly satisfying-crisp on the outside, tender within, and soaking up all that perfect, mouthwatering sauce. With these simple tweaks, you'll have a healthy, homemade Sweet And Sour Pork that's so tasty, you might just forget it's good for you. Now, that's what I call a recipe for health and happiness!

Sweet And Sour Pork History

The cultural origins of sweet and sour pork are deeply rooted in Cantonese culinary tradition, where the balance of flavors is considered an art form. In the bustling markets of Guangdong, the aroma of sizzling pork mingles with the tang of vinegar and the subtle sweetness of fruit, creating a sensory experience that is both inviting and complex. This dish is a celebration of contrasts, a good example of how Cantonese chefs strive for harmony in every recipe. The interplay of crisp textures and vibrant colors makes it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate, and it is often served at festive gatherings where the best dishes are shared among family and friends.
Over time, the recipe for sweet and sour pork has evolved, adapting to changing tastes and the availability of ingredients. What began as a simple, home-cooked meal has become a staple in Chinese restaurants worldwide, thanks to its delicious and approachable flavor profile. The modern version is often lighter and more health-conscious, with less oil and a focus on fresh, high-quality produce. This evolution has made it easy for home cooks to prepare a quick and healthy meal without sacrificing the dish's signature taste. The best recipes now offer a great balance between tradition and innovation, making sweet and sour pork a fast favorite for busy weeknights.
Regional adaptations have played a significant role in the global popularity of sweet and sour pork. In North America, for example, the dish is often served with a thicker, sweeter sauce and larger chunks of pineapple, catering to local preferences for bold, comforting flavors. Meanwhile, in Southeast Asia, the recipe might include chili for a spicy kick, adding another layer of complexity to the already rich flavor profile. These adaptations showcase the dish's versatility and its ability to bring people together over a shared love of good food. Whether enjoyed in a traditional Cantonese banquet or as a quick, easy meal at home, sweet and sour pork remains a delicious testament to the enduring appeal of great Chinese cuisine.