- Chicken breasts (for a vegetarian option, use tofu or tempeh)
- Apples (optional for a sweeter flavor; can be substituted with pineapple chunks)
- Red bell peppers (for color and nutrition)
- Green bell peppers (completes the vibrant look of the dish)
- Carrots (cuts down on cooking time while adding natural sweetness)
- Cilantro (adds freshness, also known as coriander leaves)
- White vinegar (key ingredient for the sour flavor)
- Brown sugar (essential for balancing the acidity and creating a sweet taste)
- Ketchup (contributes to both color and flavor of the sweet and sour sauce)
- Soy sauce (provides depth of flavor and umami)
- Cornstarch (used as a thickener for the sauce; also known as corn flour)
- Garlic cloves (finely minced, adds strong aroma and taste)
- Ginger (grated, provides a spicy kick to complement the dish)
- Eggs (optional, beaten with cornstarch for coating; skip for a vegan option)
- Vegetable oil (for frying or stir-frying)
- Salt (to taste; adjust according to preference)
**SEO Keywords**: Authentic Sweet and Sour Pork Ingredients, Vegetarian Sweet and Sour Pork, Tofu Sweet and Sour, Tempeh Sweet and Sour, Bell Peppers in Sweet and Sour Dish, Cilantro for Sweet and Sour Flavor, White Vinegar vs. Apple Cider Vinegar, Brown Sugar in Sweet Dishes, Ketchup Quantity in Sweet and Sour Sauce, Soy Sauce Varieties, Cornstarch Thicker, Garlic in Chinese Cooking, Ginger Benefits, Eggless Sweet and Sour Pork, Vegetable Oil Substitutes
Steps
### Authentic Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe
Welcome to our guide on making an authentic sweet and sour pork dish that will transport you straight into the heart of China! This recipe is packed with flavor and makes a delightful treat for any occasion.
#### Ingredients Needed:
- 1 pound boneless pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 3 cups pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup white vinegar
- ½ cup sugar
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 4 green bell peppers, sliced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
#### Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. **Preparation of Pork:**
- Cut the pork shoulder into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes).
- Place the pork in a bowl and sprinkle with cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- Toss to ensure even coating.
2. **Frying the Pork:**
- Heat about ¼ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- Carefully add the pork pieces to the hot oil. Fry until golden brown and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes).
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the pork from the pan, and set aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.
3. **Preparing the Sauce:**
- In a small saucepan, combine white vinegar, sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Add ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and salt. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
4. **Cooking Vegetables:**
- In the same pan used for frying pork, add sliced green bell peppers and red onion to the remaining oil.
- Stir-fry until vegetables are slightly softened (about 3-5 minutes).
- Add pineapple chunks and cook for another minute or two.
5. **Combining Ingredients:**
- Return the fried pork to the pan with the vegetables.
- Pour in the sweet and sour sauce and mix everything well.
- Simmer the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens (about 10-15 minutes).
6. **Serving:**
- Once the sauce has thickened, remove from heat.
- Serve the sweet and sour pork hot with steamed rice or noodles.
#### Tips for Authentic Flavor:
- Using fresh pineapple chunks can significantly enhance the dish’s flavor profile.
- Adjust the sweetness of your sauce by adding more or less sugar according to personal preference.
- For an even richer taste, marinate the pork in a mixture of soy sauce and cornstarch before frying.
#### SEO Keywords:
- authentic sweet and sour pork recipe
- how to make sweet and sour pork at home
- best ingredients for sweet and sour pork
- step-by-step guide to making sweet and sour pork
Enjoy your cooking journey, and don’t forget to share your results in the comments below!