Textual Chef

Sweet and Sour Pork

Tender battered pork pieces deep-fried until crispy, then tossed with colorful bell peppers, pineapple, and a glossy sweet-and-sour sauce. A classic Chinese restaurant dish made fresh at home.

50 minMediumServes 4540 cal/serving

ChineseDinnerStovetopHigh ProteinDairy-FreeNut-Free

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin, 1-inch pieces
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/3 cup cornstarch (for batter)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 cups vegetable oil, for frying
  • 1 red bell pepper, 1-inch pieces
  • 1 green bell pepper, 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks, drained if canned
  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice
  • 2 tsp cornstarch (for sauce)
  • 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced

Instructions

  1. 1

    Whisk together the sauce: 1/3 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup pineapple juice. Stir in 2 tsp cornstarch (for sauce) until dissolved. Set aside.

  2. 2

    In a bowl, combine 1 beaten large egg, 1/3 cup cornstarch (for batter), 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, and 1/2 tsp salt to make a thick batter. Add 1.5 lbs 1-inch pieces pork tenderloin and toss to coat.

  3. 3

    Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a large wok or heavy pot over medium-high heat to 350°F. Fry the battered pork in batches for 3-4 minutes per batch, turning once, until golden and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Drain on paper towels.

  4. 4

    Pour off all but 1 tbsp of oil. Over medium-high heat, stir-fry 2 cloves minced garlic cloves for 30 seconds. Add 1 1-inch pieces red bell pepper and 1 1-inch pieces green bell pepper and cook 2 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.

  5. 5

    Add 1 cup drained if canned pineapple chunks and pour the sauce over the vegetables. Stir and cook until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 1-2 minutes.

  6. 6

    Return the fried pork to the pan and toss everything to coat. Serve immediately over steamed white rice.

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