Even after a long day at work, it can be tough to whip up an enjoyable dish. A lot of people want something that is at least somewhat easy. Enter sweet and sour pork, the one-two punch of pork. Enjoy layers of colours and flavours in this effortless dish. Here, find an easy recipe which works perfectly, whatever your schedule is.

Why Sweet and Sour Pork is So Irresistible

Sweet and Sour Pork is the quintessential dish that brings the perfect harmony of tangy tang and sugary sweetness. The pork has that crispy, crunchy bite (ended up forgetting to take a photo of that layer) and the sauce is so fresh and zippy, love the contrast. This is a dish kids and grown-ups alike will love making it a great option for family dinners.

Essential Ingredients

For this meal, you need:

• 500 grams of pork tenderloin
• One red bell pepper
• One green bell pepper
• One onion
• ½ cup pineapple, cut into cubes
• Two tablespoons of soy sauce
• Two tablespoons of vinegar
• Three tablespoons of ketchup
• Two tablespoons of sugar
• One tablespoon of cornstarch
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking oil

These ingredients guarantee a deliciously genuine dish. They come together to produce the signature flavour of sweet and sour pork.

Preparation Steps

Cutting and Marinating the Pork:

First, cut the pork into bite-sized pieces. Put them all in a bowl with soy sauce, a bit of salt and pepper. Let the pork sit and marinate for 15 minutes. This part adds flavour to the meat, this will keep the meat moist and it will tenderise while cooking.

Preparing the Vegetables:

After this, chop the red and the green bell peppers, as well as the onion, into similar-sized pieces. It ensures that all and everything cooks evenly and the flavours meld. The peppers also add a punch of colour to the dish

Creating the Sauce:

Combine the vinegar, ketchup, sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl. Keep stirring until all the sugar is dissolved. This blend is the foundation for the sweet and sour sauce. Double the sugar or vinegar to taste.

Cooking the Pork

In a pan, heat the oil over mediumhigh heat. Add the marinated pieces of pork and allow to sear until golden. Once done, take pork out of the pan and set aside. You want a crispy outside and a tender inside.

Sauteing the Vegetables:

Add onions and bell-peppers in the same pan. Cook until they are just tender but still firm. It takes their natural sweetness to a new level and pairs well with the pork.

Combining Everything:

Throw in the pineapple chunks, followed by the pork that we just cooked. Drizzle the prepared sauce over the mixture. Mix well to coat all the mixture evenly. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the pork and vegetables.

Serving Suggestions:

Place sweet and sour pork over some steamed rice. The rice will soak in the sauce, giving it an extra kick to the flavour. You can also serve it on noodles to give it a break in texture. Finish with a drizzle of sesame seeds or chopped scallions for added flavour and colour.

Time-Saving Tips:

If you are short on time, you can make some of these things ahead of time. The night before marinate the pork and chop the veges. It allows for quick preparation on busy evenings. You could also save time by using pre-chopped vegetables.

Why sweet and sour pork?

This dish is not only delicious but also versatile. Its combination of sweet and tangy notes appeals to different taste preferences. The recipe is also easy to adjust for more than four people or for a romantic dinner for two. It’s a classic that’ll always hit the spot.

See also: Classic Porcupine Meatballs Recipe for Dinner

Conclusion

If you want a quick and easy meal packed with flavour, try sweet and sour pork. The few ingredients meet mid-week simple eating plans, and the quick bake means it’s easily integrated into busy weeknight life. This allows for the satisfaction of a dish you made and something that adds joy to your dinner table.