"Mastering the Art of Sweet and Sour Pork: A Guide to Perfecting This Classic Dish"

Sweet and Sour Pork is a popular Chinese dish featuring crispy pork pieces with a tangy and vibrant sauce. Follow this recipe to make classic Sweet and Sour Pork, plus tips and tricks for a delicious and authentic experience.

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• Dish name: Sweet and Sour Pork

• Cuisine: Chinese

• Preparation time: 30 minutes (including marinating)

• Cooking time: 10 minutes

• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pork tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 1 egg, beaten

• 1/2 cup cornstarch (for coating)

• Vegetable oil (for deep-frying)

• 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks

• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks

• 1 onion, chopped

• 1 carrot, sliced

• Fresh pineapple chunks (optional)

Marinade Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon Shaoxing wine (or substitute with dry sherry)

• 1 teaspoon salt

Sweet and Sour Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar or white vinegar

• 1/4 cup ketchup

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1/2 cup water

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (dissolved in 1 tablespoon water for thickening)

Instructions:

1. Combine the pork cubes with the marinade ingredients and let sit for about 20 minutes.

2. Heat the oil in a deep-fryer or deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).

3. Coat the pork pieces in the beaten egg and then dredge them in cornstarch until well covered.

4. Carefully add the pork to the hot oil and deep-fry until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.

5. In a saucepan, combine the sweet and sour sauce ingredients, except the cornstarch solution, and bring to a simmer over medium heat.

6. Stir in the cornstarch solution and continue to simmer until the sauce thickens.

7. In a wok or large frying pan, quickly stir-fry the bell peppers, onion, and carrot until they are just soft.

8. Add the fried pork and pineapple chunks (if using) to the vegetables.

9. Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the pork and vegetables and toss to coat evenly.

10. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Tips and Tricks:

• Proper Pork: Choose tenderloin for the most tender outcome, but pork shoulder can also be used for a more economical choice.

• Velveting Technique: For extra tender pork, consider velveting the meat by marinating it in baking soda for 30 minutes before rinsing and proceeding with the recipe.

• Crispy Coating: Make sure your oil is at the correct temperature before frying to ensure a crispy and not greasy exterior.

• Freshness Counts: Use fresh vegetables for a vibrant contrast in flavor and texture to the sweet and sour sauce.

• Balancing Flavors: Adjust the sweet and sour sauce ingredients to your taste preference — more sugar for sweetness, more vinegar for tanginess.

• Sauce Consistency: For a thicker or thinner sauce, vary the amount of cornstarch solution used.

• Serving Suggestions: Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an additional burst of flavor and a pleasing presentation.

Enjoy the harmony of flavors and textures in your homemade Sweet and Sour Pork that even the best takeouts would be envious of!