Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe
Sweet and Sour Pork is a classic Chinese dish known for its perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors. This recipe will guide you through the step-by-step process of creating a delicious and authentic Sweet and Sour Pork that will impress your family and friends. So, put on your chef's hat and let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) boneless pork, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks, drained
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the marinade:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the sweet and sour sauce:
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Instructions:
1. Marinating the Pork:
- In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced pork with soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch.
- Mix well until the pork is evenly coated.
- Allow the pork to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or if possible, refrigerate it for a couple of hours to enhance the flavors.
2. Preparing the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and water.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar.
- Once the sauce begins to simmer, reduce the heat and gradually add the cornstarch-water mixture.
- Stir continuously until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Frying the Pork:
- In a deep skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Carefully add the marinated pork slices, ensuring they are spread out and not overcrowded.
- Fry the pork until it turns golden brown and crispy, usually taking around 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove the pork from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
4. Stir-Frying the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed.
- Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, then add the sliced onions and bell peppers.
- Stir-fry the vegetables over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes until they become tender-crisp.
- Add the drained pineapple chunks and mix well.
5. Combining the Pork, Vegetables, and Sauce:
- Pour the prepared sweet and sour sauce over the stir-fried vegetables.
- Gently toss in the fried pork slices, ensuring they are coated evenly with the sauce.
- Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Remove from heat.
6. Serving:
- Transfer the Sweet and Sour Pork to a serving dish.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro, if desired.
- Serve hot with steamed rice, and enjoy this delectable Chinese delight!
Congratulations! You have successfully prepared a delicious Sweet and Sour Pork dish that will surely impress your loved ones. The crispy pork, vibrant vegetables, and delightful sweet and sour sauce make this dish a true crowd-pleaser. Enjoy this culinary masterpiece with the satisfaction of knowing you have mastered an authentic Chinese recipe.
