Sweet and Sour Pork delivers crispy fried pork coated in a glossy, tangy-sweet sauce that hits every crave-worthy note in one bite. This classic Chinese takeout favorite balances bold flavors, vibrant colors, and irresistible texture—making it one of the most popular Chinese restaurant dishes worldwide.
Course: Main dish
Cuisine / Origin: Chinese recipe, Cantonese dish
Why Sweet and Sour Pork Is So Popular
Sweet and Sour Pork is beloved for its contrast of flavors and textures—crispy pork, sticky sauce, and juicy vegetables. Originating from Cantonese cuisine, this dish became a global Chinese takeout staple thanks to its approachable flavor profile and eye-catching presentation. The signature sweet-tangy sauce appeals to all ages, making it a go-to comfort meal and restaurant favorite.
This homemade sweet and sour pork recipe recreates authentic Chinese takeout flavor while using simple pantry ingredients—no deep fryer or mystery sauces required.
RECIPE FOR 4 SERVINGS
INGREDIENTS FOR SWEET AND SOUR PORK
Pork & Coating
- pork tenderloin
- cornstarch
- all-purpose flour
- egg
- salt
- white pepper
- neutral cooking oil
Vegetables
- bell peppers
- onion
- pineapple chunks
Sweet and Sour Sauce
- ketchup
- rice vinegar
- sugar
- soy sauce
- pineapple juice
- cornstarch
- water
HOW TO MAKE SWEET AND SOUR PORK
- Cut pork into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and white pepper.
- Coat pork in cornstarch, then dip into beaten egg and flour mixture.
- Heat oil and fry pork until golden and crispy. Remove and drain.
- In a wok, sauté bell peppers and onion briefly until just tender.
- Stir together sauce ingredients and add to the wok.
- Simmer sauce until thick and glossy.
- Add pork and pineapple, tossing quickly to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
DIETARY INFORMATION
- Dairy-free
- Can be made gluten-free
- Can be adapted for vegetarian or vegan diets
- Not keto or low-carb (due to sauce and coating)
Dietary substitutions are included below.
Sweet and Sour Pork – Chinese Takeout Style
Ingredients
Pork
- 1 lb pork tenderloin cubed
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp white pepper
- oil for frying
Vegetables
- 1 bell pepper chopped
- 1 small onion chopped
- ¾ cup pineapple chunks
Sweet and Sour Sauce
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Season pork with salt and white pepper.
- Toss pork in cornstarch, then dip in egg and flour.
- Fry pork at 350°F until golden and crispy; drain.
- Stir-fry vegetables for 1–2 minutes.
- Whisk sauce ingredients and add to wok.
- Simmer until thickened.
- Add pork and pineapple; toss quickly.
- Serve hot.
Notes
Calories: 420 (21%)
Carbohydrates: 38g (13%)
Protein: 28g (56%)
Fat: 18g (28%)
Saturated Fat: 4g (20%)
Cholesterol: 95mg (32%)
Sodium: 720mg (31%)
Fiber: 2g (8%)
Sugar: 18g
RECIPE TIPS & SUBSTITUTIONS
- Double-fry pork for extra crispiness
- Use air fryer pork for lighter version
- Substitute tofu or soy curls for vegetarian sweet and sour
- Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce for gluten-free
- Reduce sugar and use air frying for lower calorie version
- Sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days
SERVING IDEAS
Serve sweet and sour pork with:
- steamed jasmine rice
- fried rice
- chow mein noodles
- egg rolls
- hot and sour soup
- stir-fried bok choy
Did you make this recipe?
Please let me know how it turned out for you!
Leave a comment below and tag @wokwithsam on Instagram and hashtag it #wokwithsam.
