Sweet and Sour Pork with Pineapple and Bell Peppers Recipe

Classic Chinese-American dish with crispy pork, tangy-sweet pineapple, and vibrant bell peppers.

Sweet and Sour Pork is a dish that melds the vivid flavors of Chinese cuisine with a touch of western culinary practices. Thought to have originated in the Guangdong province, this recipe has become a beloved staple in Chinese restaurants throughout the world. Combining the crispy texture of pork with the vibrant flavors of pineapple and bell peppers, it offers a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy notes.

Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special dinner with friends and family, this Sweet and Sour Pork with Pineapple and Bell Peppers recipe will guide you through the steps to create an authentic and satisfying dish. Let's dive into this gastronomic adventure, where each bite tells a story of cultural fusion and culinary excellence.

Ingredients

• 500g pork loin or shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup pineapple chunks, fresh or canned
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil, for frying
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the sauce:
• 1/3 cup rice vinegar
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons ketchup
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Nutrition

Calories: ~500 calories

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pork: Season the pork pieces with salt and pepper. In a bowl, mix together the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, and baking powder. Dip the seasoned pork into the beaten egg, then coat each piece in the flour mixture. Set aside.
2. Fry the Pork: Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the coated pork pieces in batches until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
3. Prepare the Vegetables: In the same wok, remove excess oil, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons. Sauté the minced garlic and ginger until fragrant. Add the bell peppers and pineapple chunks. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
4. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, mix together the rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, and soy sauce. Pour this sauce mixture into the wok with the vegetables. Stir and let it come to a simmer.
5. Thicken the Sauce: Once the sauce is simmering, add the cornstarch mixture (2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) to the wok. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
6. Combine and Serve: Finally, add the fried pork pieces back into the wok. Toss everything together to ensure the pork is well coated with the sauce. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Congratulations! You've successfully crafted a delightful Sweet and Sour Pork with Pineapple and Bell Peppers dish. This recipe not only captivates with its bold colors and aromatic flavors but also brings a delightful balance to your taste buds, combining sweet, sour, and savory notes in every bite.

To ensure your dish is a hit, here are some tips and tricks:

• Cut Ingredients Uniformly: Ensure that the pork pieces and veggies are cut uniformly to ensure even cooking.
• Temperature Control: Maintain a consistent oil temperature when frying the pork to achieve perfect crispiness without overcooking.
• Sauce Consistency: Adjust the thickness of the sauce to your liking by adding more or less of the cornstarch mixture. If you find the sauce too thick, add a splash of water or pineapple juice.

A fun fact: The practice of sweet and sour cooking dates back to ancient China, where chefs aimed to balance the five fundamental flavors of Chinese cuisine – sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami. It wasn’t until the 18th century that Chinese immigrants introduced this method to the Western world, leading to the creation of now-popular dishes like the Sweet and Sour Pork.

Pair this vibrant dish with a side of steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried noodles to complete your meal. For an added kick, consider serving with a touch of chili paste or freshly chopped green onions. We hope this recipe becomes a cherished addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy your meal, and happy cooking!