Introduction

Vibrant, tangy, and full of flavor, Sweet and Sour Pork with Pineapple and Peppers is a classic dish that brings the perfect balance of sweetness and savory goodness to your plate. Tender chunks of pork are coated, fried, and tossed in a luscious sweet-and-sour sauce, complemented by crisp bell peppers and juicy pineapple pieces that add freshness and a burst of color. Each bite delivers a delightful combination of textures and flavors that are both satisfying and exciting.

This recipe celebrates the perfect harmony of bold flavors and textures. The tangy sauce, tender pork, and sweet pineapple make it a dish that’s both comforting and fun, ideal for family dinners, weeknight meals, or entertaining guests. Quick to prepare yet impressive on the table, this sweet and sour pork is a crowd-pleasing favorite that brings a taste of classic Asian cuisine into your kitchen.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love Sweet and Sour Pork with Pineapple and Peppers because it perfectly balances bold, tangy, and sweet flavors with tender, juicy pork and crisp, colorful vegetables. The sweet-and-sour sauce coats each piece of pork beautifully, while the pineapple adds a refreshing burst of natural sweetness, and the bell peppers provide crunch and vibrancy. Every bite is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that excites the palate.

What makes this recipe special is how it transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish that’s quick and approachable. It’s fun to prepare, visually appealing, and delivers that classic sweet-and-sour flavor combination that everyone loves.

Why This Dish is a Must-Try

Sweet and Sour Pork with Pineapple and Peppers is a must-try because it combines tender pork, fresh vegetables, and a tangy-sweet sauce into a flavorful, satisfying dish. Here’s why:

1. Tender, Juicy Pork – Perfectly cooked and coated in a rich sweet-and-sour sauce.
2. Crisp Bell Peppers – Add texture, color, and a mild, fresh flavor.
3. Juicy Pineapple Pieces – Provide a natural sweetness that balances the tangy sauce.
4. Bold, Flavor-Packed Sauce – A classic combination of sweet, tangy, and savory.
5. Quick and Impressive – Easy to prepare yet feels like a restaurant-quality meal.

Trying this recipe guarantees a colorful, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s both comforting and exciting for your taste buds.

Recipe Info

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: ~420 calories per serving

Ingredients

For the Pork

• 1 lb boneless pork shoulder or pork loin, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 egg
• ½ cup cornstarch (plus extra if needed)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Vegetables & Pineapple

• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 yellow bell pepper (optional), cut into chunks
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
• 1 small onion, cut into wedges

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce

• ½ cup ketchup
• ⅓ cup rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
• ⅓ cup brown sugar (or white sugar)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• ½ cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple or fresh)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (slurry, for thickening)

Directions (Step-by-Step Preparation)

Step 1: Marinate the Pork

• In a bowl, combine pork cubes with salt, pepper, soy sauce, and egg.
• Add cornstarch and toss until pork is well coated.
• Let rest for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Fry the Pork

• Heat oil in a wok or deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
• Fry pork pieces in batches until golden brown and crispy (about 4–5 minutes per batch).
• Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

• In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice.
• In a separate cup, mix cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water).

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

• In a clean wok, heat 1 tablespoon oil.
• Stir-fry onion and bell peppers for 2–3 minutes (they should stay slightly crisp).
• Add pineapple chunks and cook for another 1 minute.

Step 5: Combine Everything

• Pour sauce mixture into the wok with vegetables and bring to a simmer.
• Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
• Add fried pork and toss until everything is well coated.

Step 6: Serve

• Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with sesame seeds or chopped scallions if desired.

How to Serve

• Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice.
• Pair with stir-fried noodles for a complete meal.
• Add a light side like cucumber salad or spring rolls.

Tips & Variations

• Extra Crispy Pork: Double-fry the pork for extra crunch.
• Lighter Version: Instead of deep-frying, pan-fry pork in less oil or use an air fryer.
• Protein Swap: Try chicken, shrimp, or tofu instead of pork.
• Vegetable Add-ins: Carrots, snap peas, or broccoli work beautifully.
• Sauce Variation: Add chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat.
• Freezer: Best to freeze pork and sauce separately (up to 2 months). Reheat sauce and pork, then combine before serving.
• Reheating Tip: To keep pork crispy, reheat in an oven or air fryer instead of microwaving.

Special Equipment Needed

• Wok or large skillet
• Deep pan or fryer (for pork)
• Tongs or slotted spoon
• Whisk (for sauce)

FAQ

Q1: Can I use canned pineapple?
Yes, canned pineapple works well. Just use the juice for the sauce.

Q2: Why isn’t my pork staying crispy?
Make sure oil is hot enough and avoid overcrowding while frying. If possible, serve immediately after combining with sauce.

Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
You can fry pork and prepare sauce ahead, but combine only before serving to keep the pork crispy.

Q4: What cut of pork works best?
Pork shoulder gives the juiciest results, but pork loin is leaner and works too.

Q5: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch.

Conclusion

Sweet and Sour Pork with Pineapple and Peppers is a vibrant, flavorful, and satisfying dish that combines crispy pork with a glossy, tangy-sweet sauce. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or whenever you’re craving Chinese takeout flavors this dish will win everyone over at the table.