Sweet and sour pork

sweet_and_sour_pork

Chinese cuisine has a rich and varied history with a deep cultural significance. Among its famous dishes, sweet and sour pork is an all-time classic Chinese cuisine that has become a popular dish all around the world. The dish is a harmonious balance of sweet and sour flavors, and its visuals are just as pleasing to the eye. As the name suggests, sweet and sour pork is made by stir-frying diced pork pieces with a sweet and tangy sauce.

Sweet and sour pork is one of the most beloved dishes of Chinese cuisine, and its popularity continues to grow globally. The dish is a perfect representation of Cantonese-style cooking, which is well-known for its bold and savory dishes. The dish is a marriage of contrasting flavors, textures, and colors that come together to create a harmonious balance that has captured the hearts of people worldwide. It features a distinctive tangy and sweet flavor combined with crispy golden brown pork, juicy vegetables, and fragrant garlic.

The history of sweet and sour pork can be traced back to ancient Chinese cooking techniques that have been passed down through generations. Some say that it originated from the southern region of China, but others believe that it was first created during the Tang Dynasty. Regardless of its origin, sweet and sour pork has become synonymous with Chinese cuisine, and its popularity has expanded into different parts of the world.

Modern sweet and sour pork recipes use pork tenderloin, which is cut into bite-size pieces before stir-frying. The pork is first marinated in soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, and ground pepper. This marinade helps to tenderize the meat and adds flavor to the dish. After marinating for at least an hour or overnight in the refrigerator, the pork is coated in cornstarch and fried in hot oil until crispy and golden brown. The pork is then removed from the wok, and the oil is drained.

The sweet and sour sauce is made by combining rice vinegar, tomato ketchup, sugar, soy sauce, and cornstarch in a bowl. The ingredients are whisked together until smooth and then added to the wok. The sauce is then brought to a boil, and the heat is reduced to a simmer. The fried pork is then added to the wok, along with chunks of green bell pepper, onion, and pineapple. The sauce is stirred in, and the dish is cooked until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened.

Sweet and sour pork is a colorful and flavor-packed dish that is perfect for those who love a balance of sweet and sour flavors. It is a great option for entertaining guests or a cozy family dinner, and it pairs well with steamed rice. The dish is hearty, satisfying and can evoke the nostalgia of Cantonese-style cooking, bringing back memories of traditional Chinese food feasts. Being versatile in its flavors and presentation, a Chinese Sweet and Sour Pork recipe, is a dish that you wouldn’t want to miss.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound pork tenderloin, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 green bell pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 onion, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 2 cups oil for frying
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and salt. Add the beaten egg and stir until well mixed.

  2. Add the pork pieces to the bowl and toss until they are coated with the egg and cornstarch mixture.

  3. Heat 2 cups of oil in a large wok or frying pan over high heat. When the oil is hot, add the pork pieces in batches and fry until they are light golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per batch.

  4. Remove the pork from the wok and set it aside to drain on a paper towel. Discard the remaining oil.

  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the ketchup, rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and sesame oil.

  6. Add the red and green bell peppers, onion, and pineapple chunks to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables are slightly softened.

  7. Add the sweet and sour sauce to the wok and stir until it begins to thicken.

  8. Add the fried pork to the wok and stir gently until the pork is coated with the sauce and everything is heated through.

  9. Serve the sweet and sour pork over rice or noodles. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds, if desired. Enjoy!