Sweet and Sour Pork is a beloved takeout classic—crispy, golden pork bites tossed in a vibrant, tangy-sweet sauce with bell peppers, onions, and pineapple. The contrast of textures is pure magic: the crunchy exterior of the pork gives way to juicy, tender meat, while the fresh vegetables add crunch and the sauce coats everything in glossy perfection.
This homemade version is far better than delivery—the pork stays crispy longer, the sauce is perfectly balanced, and you can adjust the sweetness and tang to your liking. Serve it over steamed rice for a complete meal that the whole family will love.
Instructions
Prepare the Pork
Pat the pork cubes dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper. In a bowl, beat the egg. In another bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, and baking powder.
Coat the Pork
Dip each pork cube into the beaten egg, then dredge in the flour mixture, pressing to coat evenly. Place on a wire rack. Let the coated pork rest for 10 minutes.
First Fry
In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 to 3 inches of oil to 325°F (165°C). Working in batches, fry the pork for 3 to 4 minutes until pale golden and cooked through. Remove and drain on a wire rack.
Second Fry
Increase the oil temperature to 350°F to 375°F (175°C to 190°C). Fry the pork again in batches for 1 to 2 minutes until deep golden brown and crispy. Drain on a wire rack.
Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce
In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, pineapple juice, and soy sauce. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Whisk in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until thickened. Stir in the sesame oil. Remove from heat.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add the vegetable oil. Add the onion and bell peppers, stir-frying for 2 to 3 minutes until crisp-tender. Add the garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds. Add the pineapple chunks and stir-fry for 1 minute.
Combine and Serve
Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the vegetables. Add the crispy fried pork and toss gently to coat. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice.
This Sweet and Sour Pork is a homemade takeout classic that’s crispy, tangy, sweet, and utterly irresistible.
