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Home » Asian Food » Sweet and Sour Pork

Published: October 27, 2021 Last Modified: October 27, 2021 By Sara 16 Comments

Sweet and Sour Pork

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This sweet and sour pork is chunks of pork tenderloin that are breaded and fried, then tossed with pineapple and fresh vegetables in a homemade sauce.

This sweet and sour pork is chunks of pork tenderloin that are breaded and fried, then tossed with pineapple and fresh vegetables in a homemade sauce. A classic stir fry that’s even better than what you would get at a restaurant!

I love to recreate my family’s favorite Chinese food dishes at home including Szechuan chicken, beef and broccoli, and this amazingly delicious sweet and sour pork.

This sweet and sour pork is chunks of pork tenderloin that are breaded and fried, then tossed with pineapple and fresh vegetables in a homemade sauce. This sweet and sour pork is chunks of pork tenderloin that are breaded and fried, then tossed with pineapple and fresh vegetables in a homemade sauce.

Sweet and sour pork with pineapple and bell peppers in a skillet.

Whenever I eat at my local Chinese restaurant, I have to order the sweet and sour pork. I just love that combination of crispy meat in a sweet and savory sauce! I’ve learned how to make this dish at home, and it’s surprisingly easy to put together.

How do you make sweet and sour pork?

Start by cutting pork tenderloin into bite sized pieces. Coat each piece of meat in egg, then dredge the pork in a blend of cornstarch and flour. Deep fry the pork until it is crispy and golden brown. While the pork is cooking, saute the peppers, onions and pineapple. Mix the sauce ingredients together, then pour it into the pan with the veggies. Add the crispy pork to the pan, and toss to coat everything with sauce. Serve immediately over steamed rice and enjoy!

Cubes of pork tenderloin, a bowl of flour and a bowl of eggs.

Tips for the perfect meal

  • You can place your pork in the freezer for about 20 minutes to firm it up. This will make the meat easier to cut into evenly sized pieces.
  • It’s important to use a frying thermometer to monitor the temperature of your oil. If the oil is too hot, the outside could burn before the meat cooks through. If the oil is too cold, the coating will absorb excess oil and be heavy.
  • I prefer to use freshly cut pineapple in this dish, but canned pineapple will also work just fine.
  • Sweet and sour pork is best when served immediately, as the coating on the pork will start to soften as it soaks up the sauce.
  • Looking to save on calories? You can pan sear the pork in 2 tablespoons of oil instead of deep frying it. The pork may not be as crispy, but will still be delicious.

Breaded and fried pork pieces.

Why is sweet and sour pork red?

Most restaurant style sweet and sour pork is red because they add red food coloring to the sauce. I have not used any food coloring here, but the sauce does have a natural reddish hue from the ingredients. If you prefer a bright red dish, feel free to add 1-2 drops of liquid red food coloring when you prepare the sauce.

Pineapple, bell peppers and onions in a pan.

Flavor Variations

While this dish is fabulous as-is, you can definitely customize the ingredients to make this recipe your own.

  • Protein: Try pork shoulder instead of pork tenderloin. You can also use diced chicken breasts or thighs, or swap out the pork for shrimp.
  • Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the mix such as water chestnuts, mushrooms, baby corn or sliced carrots.
  • Toppings: Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds, a handful of sliced green onions or some crushed red chili flakes.

Sweet and sour pork served over rice.

Skip the take out and make your own sweet and sour pork at home tonight, you won’t regret it!

More Asian food favorites

  • Potstickers
  • Chicken Fried Rice
  • Fried Wontons
  • Honey Chicken
  • Beef Chow Mein

Sweet and Sour Pork Video

Sweet and sour pork with pineapple and bell peppers in a skillet.
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5 from 19 votes

Sweet and Sour Pork

This sweet and sour pork is chunks of pork tenderloin that are breaded and fried, then tossed with pineapple and fresh vegetables in a homemade sauce. A classic stir fry that's even better than what you would get at a restaurant!
Course Main
Cuisine Asian
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 384kcal
Author Sara Welch

Ingredients

For the stir fry

  • 1 1/2 pounds pork tenderloin cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons vegetable oil plus more for frying
  • 1/2 cup onion cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 1 medium green bell pepper cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 1 medium red bell pepper cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 3/4 cup pineapple chunks fresh or canned

For the sauce

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

For the stir fry

  • Place the eggs in a bowl, add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Mix the flour and cornstarch together and place in a shallow bowl or on a plate. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Heat 3 inches of oil in a deep pot to 350 degrees F.
  • Dip each piece of pork into the egg, then roll into the flour mixture. Repeat with all of the meat.
  • Fry 7-8 pieces of pork at a time for 5 minutes, or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Repeat the process with all of the pork pieces.
  • While the meat is cooking, heat the 2 teaspoons of oil in a large pan over medium high heat. Add the bell peppers and onion to the pan and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Cook for 4-5 minutes or until vegetables are just tender. Stir in the pineapple chunks.

For the sauce

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar, cider vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, ketchup and cornstarch.
  • Pour the sauce into the pan with the peppers, onions and pineapple and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until sauce has thickened.
  • Add the fried pork to the pan with the vegetables and pineapple and toss to coat with the sauce. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 384kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 162mg | Sodium: 582mg | Potassium: 557mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 905IU | Vitamin C: 49.5mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 2.3mg
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Filed Under: Asian Food, Dinner

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    Comments

    1. AJ says

      November 3, 2022 at 11:08 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is fantastic!!!! The sauce is perfect. I didn’t bread the pork as I don’t eat gluten, but it was still SO GOOD!!!!! My family and I will DEFINITELY be making this again.

      Reply
    2. Kerri says

      July 27, 2022 at 6:49 pm

      5 stars
      My family love this! I did double the sauce because my family loves extra to put on the rice. Thank you for a great recipe 😀

      Reply
    3. Diane Marie says

      June 27, 2022 at 2:19 pm

      5 stars
      It came out delicious. My family loves Chinese food.I also added a few drops of the pineapple juice in the sauce. Definitely making this dish again

      Reply
    4. Steve says

      April 12, 2022 at 9:53 am

      5 stars
      Was very good and will make it again!

      Reply
    5. jackie says

      March 13, 2022 at 3:39 am

      5 stars
      Had my family try this yesterday. They loved it! Thank you for posting this recipe!

      Reply
    6. Sharnon says

      February 11, 2022 at 10:46 am

      5 stars
      Best sweet and sour recipe I’ve made! My husband inhaled it! Lucky for me it’s also easy to make.

      Reply
    7. Kate says

      November 22, 2021 at 1:59 pm

      5 stars
      I love making takeaway favourites at home and this is just perfect – so many gorgeous flavours in one bowl, yum!

      Reply
    8. Elaine says

      November 22, 2021 at 1:03 pm

      5 stars
      Fantastic way to cook pork if you ask me. I love all the colors, too!

      Reply
    9. Mindee Taylor says

      November 22, 2021 at 1:02 pm

      5 stars
      Best recipe! Not only is it better than take out, it’s cheaper than take out! Win Win!

      Reply
    10. Gustavo says

      November 22, 2021 at 12:38 pm

      5 stars
      So yummy! We had these for Sunday’s night dinner, and it was outstanding! thank your for another delicious meal!

      Reply
    11. Katherine says

      November 22, 2021 at 11:28 am

      5 stars
      This is better than take out! I love the sauce and pork instead of the usual chicken.

      Reply
    12. Keri says

      November 3, 2021 at 2:39 pm

      5 stars
      This is the best sweet and sour pork recipe we’ve tried so far. Way better than a takeaway and so much tastier and healthier. Thank you for the awesome recipe.

      Reply
    13. Dannii says

      November 3, 2021 at 12:52 pm

      5 stars
      I love sweet and sour pork for a homemade takeaway. Yours looks so vibrant and delicious.

      Reply
    14. Kristen says

      November 3, 2021 at 12:02 pm

      5 stars
      I made this last night and it turned out wonderfully. Everyone went back for seconds!

      Reply
    15. Justin says

      November 3, 2021 at 11:54 am

      Best, just like our favorite Chinese restaurant makes it. Kids loved it and husband too which makes it a major win. Thanks for the great dinner idea!

      Reply
    16. Heather Perine says

      November 3, 2021 at 11:22 am

      5 stars
      One of my favorite dishes! So delicious! Easy and loved the flavor of the sweet and sour sauce.

      Reply

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