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Sweet and Sour Pork

Sweet and Sour Pork: A Crispy, Flavor-Packed Family Favorite

This Sweet and Sour Pork recipe combines savory, sweet, and tangy flavors for a delightful dish perfect for any family gathering.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pork
  • 1 pound Pork Tenderloin can be swapped with chicken or tofu
  • 1 Egg substitute with a flax egg for an egg-free option
  • 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour can be combined with cornstarch for extra crunch
  • 1/4 cup Cornstarch works with flour for a crispy coating
For the Sauce
  • 1/4 cup Soy Sauce consider low-sodium for a healthier choice
  • 1/4 cup Rice Vinegar can be swapped with apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup Ketchup sweet chili sauce is an alternative
  • 1/4 cup Brown Sugar honey or agave syrup works as a substitution
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil other oils can be used but may alter flavor
For the Veggies
  • 1 cup Bell Peppers (Red and Green) any sweet bell pepper variety works
  • 1 medium Onion yellow onions work best
  • 2 cloves Garlic fresh is ideal, garlic powder can suffice
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger ground ginger can be used if needed
For Frying
  • 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil peanut oil provides a flavorful alternative
  • to taste Salt and Pepper basic seasonings to enhance flavor
For Serving
  • 2 cups Cooked Rice consider jasmine rice or quinoa for a twist

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Slotted spoon

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Season the Pork: Cut the pork tenderloin into bite-sized pieces and season generously with salt and pepper. Let it rest for about 10 minutes.
  2. Prepare the Coating: Combine all-purpose flour and cornstarch in equal parts. Whisk and set aside. Beat an egg until frothy in another bowl.
  3. Coat the Pork: Dip each piece of seasoned pork in egg, then coat with the flour-cornstarch mixture. Set aside for 5 minutes.
  4. Heat the Oil: Pour about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil into a skillet and heat over medium-high. Test with a small piece of pork.
  5. Fry the Pork: In batches, fry the pork for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
  6. Make the Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, and sesame oil in a bowl.
  7. Sauté Aromatics: In the skillet, add garlic and ginger; sauté for 30 seconds. Then add chopped onion and bell peppers.
  8. Cook the Vegetables: Stir and cook the veggies for 3-4 minutes until tender but crisp.
  9. Combine Sauce and Pork: Pour the sauce over vegetables, simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken.
  10. Add the Fried Pork: Fold in the fried pork and cook for another 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.
  11. Serve and Garnish: Serve over cooked rice and garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 10mg

Notes

For best results, ensure oil is hot enough before frying. Feel free to vary vegetables for added nutrition.

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