Sweet and Sour Pork Chinese

Ingredients

• •500 g Pork loin
• •1 cup Pineapple chunks
• •1 teaspoon Salt
• •2 medium Bell peppers
• •0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• •2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
• •1 medium Onion
• •60 ml Rice vinegar
• •3 cloves Garlic
• •3 tablespoons Sugar
• •60 ml Soy sauce
• •4 tablespoons Ketchup
• •2 tablespoons Cornstarch

Instructions

1. 1

   Cut pork belly into 1-inch cubes. For crispy coating: mix 100g potato starch with 50g flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Coat pork pieces in mixture, shaking off excess.

   💡 The coating is everything - potato starch creates that signature crunch while flour adds structure. Do not use cornstarch.

2. 2

   Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a wok or deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Test with a piece of pork - it should sizzle immediately and sink slightly before rising. Fry pork in batches for 4-5 minutes until golden and crispy.

   💡 Temperature control is critical. Too hot = burnt outside, raw inside. Too cool = greasy, soggy coating.

3. 3

   Make the sauce: Combine 80ml rice vinegar, 60ml ketchup, 40ml soy sauce, 30g sugar, 15ml hoisin, and 1 tsp sesame oil. Add 15g potato starch slurry to thicken. The sauce should coat a spoon.

   💡 Balance is key - the sweet and sour should dance, not dominate. Taste and adjust as needed.

4. 4

   Sauté garlic, ginger, and dried chili in 30ml oil until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add pineapple chunks and bell pepper strips. Stir-fry 2 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.

   💡 The vegetables should retain crunch - this textural contrast is what elevates the dish from good to great.

5. 5

   Add the sauce to the wok and bring to a simmer. Add crispy pork pieces and toss to coat evenly. The sauce should thicken and cling to the pork within 30 seconds.

   💡 Add pork at the last moment - lingering makes the coating soggy. Work quickly and with confidence.

6. 6

   Serve immediately, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. The crispy pork will soften if held - this dish is best fresh.

   💡 Sweet and sour pork waits for no one. The window between crispy and soft is about 5 minutes.