Sweet and Sour Pork

Name: Sweet and Sour Pork
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 4 to 6
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 500 g pork loin — cubed; 1 capsicum; 1 onion; 1 pineapple — chunks; 3 tbsp ketchup; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 2 tbsp sugar; to taste fine sea salt

25 minutes prep 45 minutes cook Serves 4 to 6 meat

Sweet and Sour Pork, a hallmark of Cantonese cuisine, bridges the gap between home kitchens and bustling restaurant tables. It is traditionally enjoyed during gatherings where dishes are shared, each plate a reflection of the cook's hand in balancing flavors and textures. This version captures the essence of family cooking, where measurements are felt rather than calculated, and the pork is treated with generous amounts of fat to achieve its iconic flavor.

Expect each bite to deliver a symphony of contrasts—tender pork with a crisp exterior, enveloped in a glossy sauce that dances between tangy and sweet. The capsicum and onion offer a gentle crunch, while pineapple adds a juicy burst of freshness. It's a dish best savored with others, embodying the communal spirit of a Chinese meal.

Ingredients

500 gpork loin — cubed
1capsicum
1onion
1pineapple — chunks
3 tbspketchup
2 tbsprice vinegar
2 tbspsugar
to tastefine sea salt

Method

Cut the 500 g pork loin into bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch each. Season the pork cubes with a generous pinch of fine sea salt, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. This step enhances flavor and helps tenderize the meat.
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add enough oil to coat the bottom generously. Once the oil shimmers, add the seasoned pork cubes in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the pork on all sides until each piece develops a deep golden crust, which should take about 3-4 minutes per side. This caramelization adds depth to the dish.
While the pork is browning, prepare the vegetables and fruit. Slice 1 capsicum and 1 onion into thin strips, and cut the pineapple into small chunks. These ingredients will add sweetness and crunch to the dish.
Once the pork is browned, remove it from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add the sliced onion and capsicum. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion turns translucent, releasing their natural sweetness.
Return the browned pork to the pan along with the pineapple chunks. Add 3 tbsp ketchup, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, and 2 tbsp sugar to the mixture. Stir everything together to coat the pork and vegetables evenly with the sauce. The sauce should be glossy and cling to the ingredients.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pork should become tender, and the sauce should thicken slightly, with a balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more fine sea salt if needed. Serve the Sweet and Sour Pork hot, accompanied by steamed rice, bread, or a fresh salad to complement the rich flavors.