Crispy, juicy Sweet and Sour Pork with a tangy sauce! A classic Chinese takeout dish you can make at home in wok style—better than any restaurant!

Hey guys, Dimsimlim here! If you’re a fan of crispy, juicy, Sweet and Sour Pork, then you’re in for a treat today. You know how we all love that sweet and tangy sauce from our favorite takeout spots? Well, I’m about to show you how to make it even better at home—and trust me, it’s easier than you think!

So, if you’re craving that crispy pork, tangy sauce, and those juicy pineapple chunks just like I love, let’s get cooking! This recipe is packed with all the flavors you crave, and it’s perfect for a family meal, or to impress your friends. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and way healthier than takeout!

Ingredients for Sweet and Sour Pork

Let’s break this down, so you know exactly what we’re working with. Every ingredient plays a role, and together they’ll create that delicious balance of flavors we all love.

For the Pork

• 1 lb (450g) Pork Shoulder or Pork Scotch (cut into 1-inch cubes): These cuts are juicy and tender. The fat in pork shoulder makes it more forgiving and perfect for frying. You want that melt-in-your-mouth texture, and this cut delivers it!

• 1 tsp Baking Soda (aka Bi-Carb): This is the Chinese velveting technique. It tenderizes the pork, giving you that soft, juicy texture we love. It’s a total game-changer!
• 1 tbsp Soy Sauce: Soy sauce adds that deep umami flavor to the pork, making it even more delicious.

For the Crispy Coating

• 1/2 cup Cornstarch: Cornstarch is the secret to the crispy coating. It creates that golden, crunchy texture we all crave, unlike flour, which just doesn’t do the trick.
• 1 Egg White: Helps the cornstarch stick to the pork, creating an even coating that gets crispy when fried.

• Vegetable Oil for Frying: We need enough oil to fry the pork to golden perfection. Don’t worry; it’s not as greasy as it sounds, and we’re going to double fry for extra crispiness!

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce

• 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds the tang to balance out the sweetness. Apple cider vinegar has the perfect sharpness for our sauce.
• 3 tbsp Pineapple Juice (from canned pineapple): Don’t throw away that juice from the can! It adds sweetness and a tropical flavor that pairs beautifully with the vinegar.
• 1/4 cup Ketchup: The ketchup gives the sauce that familiar sweet tang and classic red color we love from takeout.

• 1/3 cup Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness that’s more complex than regular sugar. It brings out that balance in the sauce.
• 1 tsp Soy Sauce: A touch of soy sauce adds that savory element to the sauce, giving it depth.
• 1/2 tsp Cornstarch: We use this to thicken the sauce, making it perfect for coating the crispy pork.
• 1/2 cup Water: Helps loosen the sauce and create the perfect consistency.

For the Vegetables

• 1 medium Bell Pepper (Green or Red, cut into chunks): Bell peppers add crunch and color to the dish, while soaking up that delicious sauce. Green peppers are great for their slightly bitter flavor, which balances the sweetness.

• 1 medium Onion (cut into chunks): Onions bring a natural sweetness and savory element to the dish. They pair perfectly with the other veggies and sauce.
• 1/2 cup Canned Pineapple Chunks (drained): Pineapple adds a juicy, sweet burst of flavor that enhances the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions For The Best Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe

Now that we’ve got everything ready, let’s dive into the cooking process. Follow these steps for perfect Sweet and Sour Pork every time.

Marinate the Pork

Start by cutting your pork into bite-sized cubes. You can use pork shoulder or pork scotch—both work great.

1. Marinate the pork with baking soda, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt. This marination step is important because it tenderizes the pork and helps it soak in those rich flavors. Let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour.

Coat the Pork

2. After marinating, we’re going to coat the pork in cornstarch to give it that crispy texture.
3. Add an egg white to the pork and toss it to coat. Then, add cornstarch and mix it all together. The cornstarch will start to absorb the juices from the pork, creating a sticky coating.

(Let it rest for about 5 minutes so the cornstarch can set and stick to the pork.)

Double Fry the Pork

4. The key to crispy pork is double frying. Yes, it’s worth it!
5. Heat your vegetable oil to 180°C/350°F and fry the pork in batches for about 3 minutes until it’s golden. Drain on paper towels.

6. Now, for the second fry: Increase the oil temperature to 200°C/390°F and fry the pork for another 1-2 minutes until it’s deep golden brown and extra crispy.
7. Place the crispy pork on a wire rack to keep it crisp and avoid sogginess.

Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce

While the pork is frying, let’s whip up the sweet and sour sauce.

8. In a small bowl, mix apple cider vinegar, pineapple juice, ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, and cornstarch.
9. Heat this mixture in a wok over medium heat and bring to a simmer until it thickens. You want it to be glossy and just thick enough to coat the pork.

Stir-Fry the Vegetables

10. In a large pan or wok, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat. Add your onions and bell peppers and stir-fry them for about 2 minutes until they’re tender but still have a little crunch.

Bring it All Together

11. Once the vegetables are done, pour the sweet and sour sauce into the pan with the veggies. Bring it to a boil and let it thicken for a minute or two. Then, add in the crispy pork and pineapple chunks. Toss everything together, making sure the pork is fully coated in that gorgeous sauce.

My Final Thoughts

And that’s it, guys! You now have everything you need to make crispy, juicy Sweet and Sour Pork right at home. It’s super easy, super delicious, and you’ll definitely impress your family and friends.

I can’t wait to see how yours turns out—don’t forget to tag me when you make it! I love seeing your recreations and reading your feedback.

Enjoy cooking, and remember, with just a few simple tricks, you can make takeout-style food even better in your own kitchen!

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