The Art of Perfect Sweet and Sour Pork Mastery with Authentic Chinese Technique

Perfect Pork Preparation Mastery

Master the technique of cutting, coating, and frying pork for optimal crispiness and flavor.

Sauce Balance Excellence

Learn the skill of balancing sweet, sour, and savory elements for authentic flavor profile.

Frying Temperature Perfection

Perfect the method of maintaining proper oil temperature for crispy, non-greasy results.

Vegetable Timing Technique

Master the art of stir-frying vegetables to maintain proper texture and vibrant colors.

Final Assembly Strategy

Learn optimal techniques for combining all elements while maintaining textures and flavors.

Perfect Sweet and Sour Pork Mastery Secrets for Authentic Chinese Flavors

Oil Temperature: Maintain 350°F oil temperature for crispy coating that doesn't absorb excess oil.

Batch Frying: Don't overcrowd when frying - work in batches for even browning and crispiness.

Sauce Consistency: Cook sauce until properly thickened and glossy for authentic restaurant appearance.

Vegetable Timing: Add vegetables in order of cooking time needed to maintain proper texture.

Pork Quality: Use pork shoulder for best flavor and texture - it stays tender when fried.

Coating Rest: Let coated pork rest before frying to help coating adhere better during cooking.

Sweet and Sour Pork: A Delicious Recipe for a Classic Dish

Name: Sweet and Sour Pork: A Delicious Recipe for a Classic Dish
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients: For the Perfect Pork:; 1.5 pounds pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 eggs, beaten; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; For the Crispy Coating:; 1/2 cup cornstarch for dusting; 2 cups vegetable oil for frying; 1/4 teaspoon white pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:; 1/2 cup rice vinegar; 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/4 cup ketchup; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; For the Vegetable Medley:; 1 large bell pepper, chunked; 1 medium onion, chunked; 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced; For the Flavor Enhancers:; 2 tablespoons pineapple juice; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 2 green onions, chopped; For the Finishing Touches:; 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

This authentic sweet and sour pork features tender, perfectly battered pork pieces coated in a vibrant, glossy sauce that balances tangy vinegar with sweet pineapple and brown sugar. This beloved Chinese-American comfort food masterpiece combines the succulent richness of crispy pork with the bright, complex flavors of bell peppers, onions, and tropical pineapple, creating an unforgettable dinner experience that elevates the classic takeout favorite to extraordinary heights perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or any time you crave the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors.

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook Time

15 Minutes

Total Time

35 Minutes

Chef

RUY

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Perfect Pork:

1.5 pounds pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes

2 eggs, beaten

1/2 cup cornstarch

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

For the Crispy Coating:

1/2 cup cornstarch for dusting

2 cups vegetable oil for frying

1/4 teaspoon white pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

1/2 cup rice vinegar

1/3 cup brown sugar, packed

1/4 cup ketchup

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Vegetable Medley:

1 large bell pepper, chunked

1 medium onion, chunked

1 cup fresh pineapple chunks

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

For the Flavor Enhancers:

2 tablespoons pineapple juice

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

2 green onions, chopped

For the Finishing Touches:

2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Coarse sea salt

Freshly cracked black pepper

For the Sauce Thickening:

2 tablespoons water

1 tablespoon cornstarch slurry

For Special Equipment:

Large wok or deep skillet

Wire cooling rack

Slotted spoon

Meat thermometer

Instructions

Cut pork shoulder into uniform 1-inch cubes for even cooking.

Pat pork cubes completely dry with paper towels before coating.

Season pork cubes with salt, white pepper, and garlic powder.

Set up breading station with beaten eggs and cornstarch-flour mixture.

Dip each pork cube in beaten egg, then coat thoroughly in cornstarch mixture.

Let coated pork rest on wire rack for 10 minutes to set coating.

Meanwhile, prepare sweet and sour sauce by combining all sauce ingredients.

Whisk sauce mixture until smooth and brown sugar completely dissolves.

Heat vegetable oil in large wok or deep skillet to 350°F.

Carefully fry pork cubes in batches without overcrowding for 4-5 minutes.

Remove golden, crispy pork and drain on wire rack lined with paper towels.

Pour off all but 2 tablespoons oil from wok for stir-frying vegetables.

Heat remaining oil over high heat and add minced garlic and ginger.

Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add chunked onions.

Cook onions for 2 minutes, then add bell pepper chunks and stir-fry.

Add pineapple chunks and cook for additional 1-2 minutes until heated through.

Pour prepared sweet and sour sauce into wok and bring to a boil.

Stir sauce constantly as it thickens and becomes glossy, about 2 minutes.

Add fried pork back to wok and toss gently to coat with sauce.

Cook for 1-2 minutes more until pork is heated through and well-coated.

Drizzle with sesame oil and sprinkle with red pepper flakes for heat.

Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro.

Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Accompany with steamed rice or fried rice for a complete meal.

Store leftovers covered in refrigerator, though coating may soften upon reheating.

Sweet and Sour Pork: A Delicious Recipe for a Classic Dish

RUY

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Perfect Sweet and Sour Pork Mastery with Authentic Chinese Technique

Sweet and Sour Pork: A Delicious Recipe for a Classic Dish

Ingredients

Instructions