Image Source from sandracheek

Easy Pork Recipe: Chinese Sweet and Sour Pork

When it comes to satisfying meals that pack a punch of flavour, Chinese Sweet and Sour Pork is hard to beat. This delightful dish, featuring tender pork coated in a luscious sweet and tangy sauce, is a favourite in many households and a great addition to your repertoire. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or entertaining friends, this easy recipe will certainly impress.

Ingredients

For the Pork:

• 500g pork tenderloin or pork fillet, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons cornflour
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 5 tablespoons white vinegar (or rice vinegar)
• 3 tablespoons tomato ketchup
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornflour mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

For the Vegetables:

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, cut into wedges
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 can (about 200g) pineapple chunks in juice (reserve the juice)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Pork

1. Prepare the Pork: Season the sliced pork with a pinch of salt and pepper. Dust the pork lightly with cornflour, ensuring each piece is well coated.
2. Heat the Oil: In a large frying pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over a medium-high heat.
3. Cook the Pork: Add the pork slices in batches, taking care not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the cooked pork and set it aside on a plate.

Step 2: Making the Sweet and Sour Sauce

1. Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the sugar, vinegar, tomato ketchup, soy sauce, and the reserved pineapple juice from the can. Set aside.
2. Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornflour mixed with water and blend until smooth. This will help give the sauce a glossy, thick texture.

Step 3: Cooking the Vegetables

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan (adding a smidgen more oil if necessary), toss in the onion, carrot, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for around 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
2. Add Pineapple: Include the pineapple chunks and stir for another minute to heat through.

Step 4: Combining Everything

1. Add the Pork Back In: Return the cooked pork to the pan with the vegetables.
2. Pour Over the Sauce: Gradually pour the sweet and sour sauce over the mixture, stirring well to ensure everything is evenly coated. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and bubbles.

Step 5: Serving

Serve your Sweet and Sour Pork hot, over steamed rice or cooked noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or freshly chopped spring onions for an added touch.

Tips for Success

• Cut Uniformly: Make sure the pork slices are uniform in thickness to ensure they cook evenly.
• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the sugar and vinegar according to your taste preference. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more sugar; for a tangier kick, increase the vinegar.
• Vegetable Variants: This dish is versatile; you can also add other vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or baby corn for added colour and nutrition.

Conclusion

Chinese Sweet and Sour Pork is a deliciously easy dish that can become a staple in your cooking. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that rivals your favourite takeaway. Perfect for family weeknights or special occasions, this recipe is sure to satisfy and delight. So why not give it a try? Your taste buds will thank you!

No items listed in the response.