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How to Make Sweet and Sour Pork: A Quick 30-Minute Meal

Sweet and sour pork is a beloved dish that beautifully balances the tangy zest of vinegar with the sweetness of sugar. This classic Chinese dish has won hearts worldwide, thanks to its vibrant colours and satisfying flavours. If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal to prepare in just 30 minutes, look no further. Here’s how to make the perfect sweet and sour pork right at home.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you will need:

For the Pork:

• 500g pork tenderloin, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons cornflour (cornstarch)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 4 tablespoons white vinegar
• 4 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon cornflour mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 can (about 200g) pineapple chunks, drained (reserve the juice)

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Pork

1. Coat the Pork: In a bowl, season the pork pieces with salt and pepper and sprinkle with cornflour. Toss well to ensure each piece is evenly coated.

2. Heat the Oil: In a large frying pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork pieces and sauté until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Transfer the cooked pork to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce

1. Combine Ingredients: In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add the sugar, white vinegar, soy sauce, ketchup, and a splash of reserved pineapple juice. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

2. Thicken the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Add the cornflour slurry gradually while stirring continuously. This will thicken the sauce. Cook for another minute until it reaches a glossy consistency.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

1. Add the Vegetables: Toss in the diced bell peppers, onion, and pineapple chunks to the sauce. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables become slightly tender but still crisp.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Mix in the Pork: Return the cooked pork to the pan, stirring everything together so that the pork is coated in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until everything is heated through.

2. Garnish and Serve: Dish out your sweet and sour pork onto a serving platter and, if desired, garnish with fresh coriander. Serve it hot with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

• Pork Alternatives: While tenderloin is ideal, you can also use pork shoulder or even chicken for a variation.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or snap peas for extra colour and nutrition.
• Make It Spicy: Add a hint of spice by incorporating dried chilli flakes or fresh chilli slices.
• Prep Ahead: For even quicker preparation, you can pre-chop your vegetables and marinate the pork in advance.

Conclusion

In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a delicious plate of sweet and sour pork that rivals your favourite Chinese takeaway. This dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also transports you to the streets of China with every bite. So gather your ingredients, follow this simple recipe, and enjoy a delightful meal any night of the week!

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