Chinese pork in sweet and sour sauce

4 servings

70 minutes

Chinese sweet and sour pork is a vibrant dish of Eastern cuisine that combines the tenderness of meat with the richness of sauce. The recipe's origins trace back to ancient China, where the harmony of sweet and sour flavors was foundational to gastronomic tradition. The crispy golden crust covering tender pieces of pork pairs perfectly with a spicy sauce made from vinegar, sugar, garlic, and spices. The dish captivates with its aroma and balanced flavors—sweetness from sugar, spiciness from pepper, tartness from lime, and depth from soy sauce create a unique flavor symphony. Sweet and sour pork is traditionally served with rice or noodles to fully enjoy its rich taste. This dish embodies Eastern hospitality and the art of combining contrasting flavors in one culinary masterpiece.

Energy value per serving

• Calories: 539.5
• Proteins: 31.6g
• Fats: 35.4g
• Carbohydrates: 23.9g

Ingredients

• Pork: 500 g
• Chicken egg: 2 pc
• Wheat flour: 3 tbsp
• Onion: 1 head
• Vegetable oil: 0.5 glass
• Finely chopped garlic: 3 clove
• Apple cider vinegar: 1 tbsp
• Chicken broth: 0.5 glass
• Sugar: 2 tbsp
• Sea salt: to taste
• Green chili pepper: 1 pc
• Ground black pepper: to taste
• Dark soy sauce: 2 tbsp
• Ground red pepper: pinch
• Lime juice: 1 tbsp

Cooking steps

1. Cut the pork into pieces 1mm thick and 3–5 cm long. Set aside, and in the meantime, make a batter from flour, water, eggs, salt, and pepper. Knead a not too runny dough. Heat 0.5 cup of vegetable oil in a pan. Dip the meat pieces in the batter and quickly fry (for 3–5 minutes) in hot oil until golden brown. Do not add too much meat to the fryer at once. Place the fried pork pieces on a sieve or paper towel to drain.

   Required ingredients:

   • Pork: 500 g
   • Chicken egg: 2 pieces
   • Wheat flour: 3 tablespoons
   • Vegetable oil: 0.5 glass

2. To prepare sweet and sour sauce, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a pan, add crushed garlic, chopped onion, and sauté lightly (2-3 minutes), then pour in 0.5 cup of broth (or hot water), add 1 tablespoon of vinegar, 2 tablespoons of sugar, ground red pepper, chopped chili pepper, lime juice, and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce.

   Required ingredients:

   • Vegetable oil: 0.5 glass
   • Finely chopped garlic: 3 cloves
   • Onion: 1 head
   • Chicken broth: 0.5 glass
   • Apple cider vinegar: 1 tablespoon
   • Sugar: 2 tablespoons
   • Ground red pepper:  pinch
   • Green chili pepper: 1 piece
   • Lime juice: 1 tablespoon
   • Dark soy sauce: 2 tablespoons

3. Boil the sweet and sour sauce for 1 minute and add the prepared pork. Keep it on high heat for 2 minutes to let the meat absorb the sauce. Place the meat on a plate and serve with rice or noodles.

   Required ingredients:

   • Pork: 500 g