SWEET AND SOUR PORK - ONE PAN - 30 minutes meals (2024)

Sweet and Sour Pork is a restaurant-quality meal that can be easily made at home in one pan. Crispy, sweet, sour and made with budget-friendly ingredients.

ThisChinese stir-fry dish has pretty much the best flavors. The meat is coated in a nice sweet, tangy, and citrusy sauce. For other delicious dinner ideas, check out Korean Chicken Bowls, Chicken Fried Rice, and Sweet and Spicy Chicken.

EasySweet and Sour Pork

Sweet and Sour Pork is a family favorite weeknight meal, because of how easy it is to make and also budget-friendly. This dish is also very flavorful, it can easily compete with your favorite takeout place.

You have probably tried this Asian staple before at a Chinese restaurant. However, making it at home will taste even better, and healthier. Also, it is ready in less than 30 minutes, so it is pretty convenient.

This dish is packed with flavors. The meat is deep-fried until golden and crunchy, thentossed in a vibrant sweet and tart sauce. The sauce is definitely the flavor booster here. I usually make some extra, and pour it all over that rice! Bonus points for tasting great the second day, so you can have delicious leftovers on hand.

What is Sweet and Sour Pork?

This is is an iconic Chinese recipe, that has its roots from Cantonese cuisine. It is characteristic of having aflavorsome sweet and sour sauce. The sweetness and sourness usually come from sugar and pineaple, and sharp rice vinegar.

How To Make Sweet and Sour Pork

This recipe comes together very easily. The general steps are as follows:

1. Prepare the pork, and cut it into smaller even-sized pieces. Then, marinate the meat pieces while prepping the veggies.
2. Sear the pork until crisp.
3. Cook the garlic, ginger, then add pork and sauce.
4. Stir until bubbly and thickened.

Recipe Variation:

As many Chinese recipes, this one is easily modifiable and adjustable. Some great additions are:

• Add veggies. Feel free to add some extra veggies to the dish, such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, carrots, or even broccoli.
• Instead of granulated sugar, you can use honey or brown sugar.
• Similarly, you can swap the white with brown rice.
• In addition, the protein can be substituted with other types. Tofu, beef, chicken, or shrimp, are all great alternatives. So use whatever you like the most.

How to store it?

To store leftovers, simply transfer to an airtight container. Then, refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat prior to serving.

Also, you can freeze it as well. Just use a freezer-safe dish, and freeze it for up to 3 months.

Tips and Tricks to make the perfectSweet and Sour Pork :

• You should use quality meat, preferably organic, in this case, I used organic pork loin, pork tenderloin will also work.
• The recipe will work great also with chicken or shrimp.
• Also, a nonstick skillet works great it this recipe.
• Coating the pork evenly with corn starch is key. Also, this will work a light breading for it, remove excess water and give it that crispy texture.
• Make sure you use vegetable or canola oil to fry the pork. Olive oil works too, it will just add a darker color.
• In addition, using fresh garlic and ginger (not powder) is very important, it will give the dish an amazing flavor.
• You can add some red pepper flakes and hot sauce, to make it spicier.

Tools/Ingredients I use to make thisSweet and Sour Pork :

• Tongs – I like the locking functionality on these, they are the best on the market.
• Large Skillet – I like this one from Cuisinart a lot.