Ingredients
For the Pork:
1 lb pork tenderloin, cut into bite-sized cubes
1/2 cup cornstarch (for coating)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 large egg, beaten
1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Sauce:
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch (dissolved in 2 tablespoons water)
1/4 cup pineapple juice (from the canned pineapple)
For the Vegetables and Add-Ins:
1 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 small onion, cut into wedges
2 cloves garlic, minced
Execution
Prepare the Pork
In a medium bowl, season the pork cubes with salt and pepper. Dredge the pork pieces in cornstarch, shaking off the excess. Dip the pork in the beaten egg to coat.
Fry the Pork
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the pork in batches until golden and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer the cooked pork to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice. Set aside.
Cook the Vegetables
In the same skillet (after wiping it clean), add a little oil if needed and sauté the garlic, onions, and bell peppers for 3-4 minutes, until they start to soften. Add the pineapple chunks and stir for another 2 minutes.
Combine Everything
Pour the sweet and sour sauce into the skillet with the vegetables and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the dissolved cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce is glossy and thick.
Toss in the Pork
Add the fried pork back into the skillet, tossing it in the sauce until everything is well coated. Cook for another minute to heat the pork through.
Serve
Serve your sweet and sour pork over steamed rice or noodles, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds for a bit of extra flair.
Additional tips
- Swap the Meat: You can substitute chicken or shrimp for the pork if you prefer a different protein.
- Vegetarian Option: For a meatless version, try tofu or cauliflower instead of pork, frying them to crispy perfection.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a more tangy sauce, reduce the sugar or add a splash of lemon juice.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chilies for a hint of heat in your sweet and sour sauce.
