Sweet and Sour Pork Recipes

Sweet and Sour Pork is a dish mentioned in Shandong cuisine, Zhejiang cuisine, Sichuan cuisine, Cantonese cuisine, and Huaiyang cuisine in China. However, it is Shandong cuisine's Sweet and Sour Pork that is most renowned. The pork loin, with its enticing red color, is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Encased in a thick, velvety sweet and sour sauce, it offers a delightful burst of sweet and tangy flavors, instantly awakening the taste buds.

Many people enjoy Sweet and Sour Pork, but it's important to pay attention to some key cooking tips. Once you master these tips, you'll be able to make it easily! Let's learn together!

1.How to Choose the Meat for Sweet and Sour Pork?

For making Sweet and Sour Pork, you can choose pork tenderloin, or you can use chicken breast or chicken thigh meat. All options result in a very tender texture, especially chicken breast, which is economical and has a great taste.

2.How to Ensure the Texture of Sweet and Sour Pork?

①The quality of Sweet and Sour Pork greatly depends on how well the meat strips are cut. It's not just about slicing them; remember the saying "slice beef and lamb horizontally, slice pork vertically, slice chicken and duck diagonally, and slice fish in the direction of the grain." This way, the meat strips are tender and not chewy, making them enjoyable to eat.

②If you want a crispy texture, fry both sides of the meat. The first fry helps shape the meat strips, while the second fry makes them crispy and removes excess oil, preventing them from being greasy. During the second frying, the oil temperature should be higher. Watch the color closely, and once it turns golden brown, immediately remove them from the oil to prevent them from burning.

3.Can the Meat Strips be Fried Directly in Oil?

The meat strips should not be fried directly in oil. First, marinate them with seasonings, then coat them with starch to achieve a crispy exterior and tender interior after frying. When coating with starch, add one egg, a spoonful of cornstarch, and a spoonful of oil for the best texture.

4.How to Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce?

The method for preparing the sweet and sour sauce is simple. Using only "sugar + vinegar" doesn't yield good color or flavor. Remember the "12345" ratio: 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 2 tablespoons of vinegar, 3 tablespoons of sugar, 4 tablespoons of ketchup, and 5 tablespoons of water. This results in a bright red color and a deliciously balanced sweet and sour taste.

With these tips, I believe everyone can quickly make an authentic Sweet and Sour Pork. You can also adjust the seasoning amounts and add different ingredients according to your taste preferences. Now, let's get started and cook together!