Sweet and sour pork

Sweet and sour pork is a popular dish known for its tangy, sweet, and savory flavors. It features crispy pork pieces coated in a vibrant, flavorful sauce. Here’s a recipe for Sweet and Sour Pork:

Ingredients:

For the pork:

• 1 lb (450g) pork tenderloin or pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized cubes
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg, beaten
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the sweet and sour sauce:

• ½ cup rice vinegar
• ½ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced (optional)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

For the stir-fry:

• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
• 1 cup snap peas or green beans (optional)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the pork

1. Coat the pork: In a bowl, toss the pork cubes with cornstarch and flour until evenly coated. Dip the coated pork pieces into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off.
2. Fry the pork: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the pork cubes in batches, without overcrowding the pan, until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove the pork and drain on paper towels.

Step 2: Make the sweet and sour sauce

1. Combine ingredients: In a saucepan, combine the rice vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic. Add ginger if using.
2. Simmer the sauce: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
3. Thicken the sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Stir-fry the vegetables

1. Cook the vegetables: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced bell pepper, onion, and snap peas (if using). Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

Step 4: Combine and serve

1. Combine with sauce: Add the pineapple chunks and crispy pork to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the mixture and stir to coat everything evenly.
2. Heat through: Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until everything is heated through and well-coated with the sauce.

Serving suggestions:

• Serve the sweet and sour pork over steamed rice or noodles.
• Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired.

Enjoy your flavorful and crispy sweet and sour pork!