Sweet and Sour Pork Stir Fry

Sweet and Sour Pork Stir Fry is a vibrant, mouthwatering dish that combines tender pork with a tangy, sweet sauce, fresh veggies, and quick cooking techniques perfect for busy weeknights. Learn to cook Sweet and Sour Pork Stir Fry quickly with this easy, flavorful recipe perfect for a fast and delicious weeknight meal. It’s bursting with balanced flavors and textures, making every bite a delightful experience. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to bring a beloved Chinese takeaway favorite right into your kitchen without any fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Fast to Prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
• Balanced Flavors: Combines tangy, sweet, and savory for an unforgettable taste.
• Fresh and Colorful: Loaded with vibrant vegetables that add crunch and nutrition.
• Customizable: Easy to adjust ingredients to suit your family’s preferences or dietary needs.
• Minimal Cleanup: One-pan stir fry keeps your kitchen mess-free.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything you need for this Sweet and Sour Pork Stir Fry recipe is simple but essential, each ingredient adding its own magic to the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and eye-catching color. From the tender pork to the bright bell peppers, everything plays a crucial role.

• Pork Tenderloin or Shoulder: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tender bites.
• Bell Peppers: Use a mix of red, green, and yellow for color and sweetness.
• Pineapple Chunks: Add a natural burst of sweetness and juicy texture.
• Garlic and Ginger: Freshly minced for that classic aromatic punch.
• Green Onions: Thinly sliced for a fresh, mild onion flavor.
• Soy Sauce: For the salty, umami base flavor.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds that signature tanginess to the sauce.
• Brown Sugar or Honey: Balances the tartness with natural sweetness.
• Ketchup: Brings a rich tomato depth to the sauce.
• Cornstarch: For thickening the sauce and coating the pork.
• Vegetable Oil: A neutral oil for stir-frying without overpowering flavors.

Variations for Sweet and Sour Pork Stir Fry

Feel free to customize this Sweet and Sour Pork Stir Fry recipe to suit your tastes or dietary preferences; it’s incredibly versatile and easy to adapt with what you have on hand.

• Make It Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
• Swap the Pork: Try chicken breast or tofu cubes for a different twist.
• Add More Veggies: Broccoli, snap peas, or carrots add extra crunch and nutrients.
• Spicy Kick: Toss in some red chili flakes or fresh sliced chili for heat.
• Sweetener Switch: Use maple syrup or agave for a natural sweetness alternative.

How to Make Sweet and Sour Pork Stir Fry

Step 1: Prepare the Pork

Start by slicing the pork tenderloin or shoulder into thin, bite-sized strips. Toss the pork with a bit of cornstarch and a pinch of salt to create a light coating, which helps the pork crisp up nicely when cooked.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar (or honey), ketchup, and a splash of water. This sweet and sour sauce is the heart of the dish and sets the perfect flavor balance.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Pork

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the pork strips and cook until they’re golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the pork and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Vegetables

In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed, then toss in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant. Add the bell peppers and stir-fry until they’re tender-crisp, maintaining that lovely crunch and color.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the pork to the pan along with pineapple chunks and pour the sauce over all. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats every delicious piece.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish with fresh green onions for a pop of freshness and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Pro Tips for Making Sweet and Sour Pork Stir Fry

• Use High Heat: Stir-frying on high heat ensures a quick cook without making the pork tough.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook pork in batches if needed to get a nice sear and crispy texture.
• Prep Ingredients Ahead: Have all veggies sliced and sauce ready before cooking for a smooth process.
• Adjust Sweet and Sour Balance: Taste the sauce and tweak vinegar or sugar to match your preferred tanginess or sweetness.
• Choose Fresh Pineapple: Fresh or canned pineapple works well, but fresh adds a livelier flavor and texture.

How to Serve Sweet and Sour Pork Stir Fry

Garnishes

Finishing with thinly sliced green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds fresh flavor and a subtle crunch that elevates the dish visually and taste-wise.

Side Dishes

This Stir Fry pairs wonderfully with classic steamed jasmine or basmati rice, fluffy fried rice, or even simple noodles that soak up the delicious sauce perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Sweet and Sour Pork Stir Fry in lettuce wraps or taco shells, or add a side of pickled cucumber salad for extra brightness and crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Sweet and Sour Pork Stir Fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep it fresh and flavorful.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked pork stir fry in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to keep the pork tender and the vegetables crisp.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of pork for this Sweet and Sour Pork Stir Fry?

Absolutely! While tenderloin is ideal for quick cooking, pork shoulder can add more richness; just slice it thinly and adjust cooking time as needed.

Is this recipe spicy?

The base Sweet and Sour Pork Stir Fry is mild, but you can easily add chili flakes or fresh chilies during cooking for a spicy variation.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply swap the pork for firm tofu or tempeh and use a vegetarian soy sauce to keep all the delicious flavors intact.

What can I use instead of pineapple if I don’t like it?

If you’re not a fan of pineapple, try substituting with chunks of mango or even apple for a sweet, juicy alternative.

How thick should the pork slices be?

Thin slices, about 1/4 inch thick or less, cook quickly and stay tender, which is key for that perfect Sweet and Sour Pork Stir Fry texture.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet and Sour Pork Stir Fry is your new go-to for a delicious, colorful, and speedy weeknight dinner that feels special every time. The lively combination of flavors, ease of preparation, and adaptable nature make it a recipe you’ll want to keep coming back to. Give it a try and watch your kitchen fill with the tantalizing smells of your favorite takeout — made fresh and fast!

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