If you’re craving real Chinese flavor, this crispy sweet & sour pork recipe delivers it without unnecessary fuss. Here’s everything you need to make it right at home.
Sweet and Sour Pork features crispy, battered pork pieces stir-fried with bell peppers and pineapple in a glossy, tangy-sweet sauce. A restaurant classic made easily at home.
Ready in about 40 minutes from start to finish, this intermediate-friendly recipe makes 4 servings and comes together with 13 everyday ingredients. It’s the kind of Chinese dish worth putting into regular rotation.
Why this recipe works:
- Battering and double-frying the pork is what gets it genuinely crispy instead of soft under the sauce.
- Bell peppers and pineapple stir-fried briefly keep their color and crunch instead of turning limp.
- Frying twice and timing the sauce toss is what makes this intermediate, ready in about 40 minutes.
- Makes 4 servings, a restaurant favorite you can make without the takeout wait.
✅ Quick Tip: Fry the pork twice for extra crispiness if you have time — once to cook through, then a quick second fry right before saucing. Keep the oil temperature steady with a thermometer — oil that’s too cool makes food greasy, while oil that’s too hot burns the outside before the inside finishes cooking.
Serving Suggestions: Serve over steamed white rice with a side of steamed vegetables.
Crispy Sweet & Sour Pork
Ingredients:
Instructions
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Before you start, gather and prep all 13 ingredients listed above - wash, chop, measure, and have everything within reach.
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Toss the pork cubes in cornstarch.
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Dip in beaten egg.
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Heat oil to 350F and fry the pork in batches for 4-5 minutes until golden and cooked through.
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Drain on paper towels.
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In a separate pan, stir-fry the bell pepper and onion for 2-3 minutes until just tender.
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Whisk together ketchup, rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice in a saucepan.
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Bring to a simmer.
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Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens and turns glossy.
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Add the fried pork, vegetables, and pineapple to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
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Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, acid, or spice as needed before serving.
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Serve immediately over rice.
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Garnish as desired and serve promptly for the best texture and flavor from your Crispy Sweet & Sour Pork.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 460kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 18g28%
- Saturated Fat 4g20%
- Cholesterol 150mg50%
- Sodium 650mg28%
- Total Carbohydrate 42g15%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 22g
- Protein 28g57%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Fry the pork twice for extra crispiness if you have time - once to cook through, then a quick second fry right before saucing. Keep the oil temperature steady with a thermometer - oil that's too cool makes food greasy, while oil that's too hot burns the outside before the inside finishes cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken instead of pork?
Yes, chicken breast or thigh works well with the same batter and cooking method.
Can I bake the pork instead of deep-frying?
Yes, bake breaded pork at 425F for about 20 minutes for a lighter version, though it won't be quite as crispy.
Why did my sauce turn out too thin?
Make sure the cornstarch slurry is fully dissolved before adding, and let the sauce simmer a minute or two after adding it to thicken properly.
