Hello, I’m Chef Yu Bi, and today I’m excited to share with you my simplified version of Sweet and Sour Pork, a beloved classic from my homeland’s cuisine. This recipe brings the essence of Chinese cooking into your home kitchen, offering a balance of flavors that’s both comforting and invigorating.

What You Need:

  • Pork: 1 lb, cut into bite-sized pieces. Choose a tender cut for the best results.
  • Seasonings: Just a simple dash of salt and pepper.
  • Cornstarch: 1/2 cup to coat the pork, creating a light, crispy texture.
  • Vegetables: 1/2 onion, 1 bell pepper, and 3 green onions, all chopped. These add freshness and a bit of crunch.
  • Pineapple: 1/2 cup of chunks for a sweet, tangy contrast.
  • Oil: For frying, ensuring your pork pieces are beautifully golden and delicious.

For the Sauce:

  • Combine 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/3 cup sugar, and 1 tbsp soy sauce in a bowl. This mixture will create the perfect sweet and sour base. Thicken it with 1 tsp of cornstarch dissolved in 1 tbsp water.

Creating Your Dish:

  1. Prepare the Pork: Season the pork pieces with salt and pepper, then coat them evenly in cornstarch. Shake off any excess before frying.
  2. Fry to Perfection: Heat oil in a pan and fry the pork until it’s crispy and golden. Remove and let it drain on a paper towel.
  3. Sauce Magic: In a separate pan, sauté your onion and bell pepper until they start to soften. Add the pineapple chunks, then pour in your sauce mixture. Let it simmer until it begins to thicken.
  4. Combine and Serve: Add the fried pork back into the pan, mixing well to ensure each piece is coated in the sauce. Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, sprinkle in the green onions for an extra layer of flavor.
  5. Enjoy: Serve your Sweet and Sour Pork hot, ideally over a bed of fluffy white rice. It’s a dish that brings joy and warmth to any table.

From my kitchen to yours, enjoy crafting this dish that holds a special place in my heart. It’s a testament to the simple beauty of Chinese cooking, where every ingredient plays its part to create a harmonious dish. Happy cooking!

Best,
Chef Yu Bi