Sweet and Sour Pork Stir-Fry

Name: Sweet and Sour Pork Stir-Fry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb pork tenderloin, thinly sliced; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 1 cup pineapple chunks; 1 onion, sliced; 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 1/2 cup ketchup; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water

Highlighted under: International Flavor Recipes

I absolutely love making Sweet and Sour Pork Stir-Fry because it brings a burst of flavors and colors to my dinner table. The combination of succulent pork, vibrant bell peppers, and tangy sauce never fails to impress my family. It’s quick to prepare, which means I can whip it up even on busy weeknights. The sweet and sour sauce, made from scratch, perfectly complements the savory pork. This dish reminds me of the takeout favorites, but with a homemade twist that just feels more personal and satisfying.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-18T13:14:27.985Z

When I first tried my hand at Sweet and Sour Pork, I was amazed at how simple it was to create a dish bursting with flavor. I decided to experiment with fresh ingredients, like pineapple and bell peppers, which add a lovely crunch and sweetness to the dish. Knowing how crucial balancing the sweet and sour elements is, I played around with the sauce until I achieved the ideal blend that left everyone at the table wanting more.

Another tip I discovered is to stir-fry the pork over high heat until it’s just cooked through. This technique ensures it stays tender and juicy while minimizing overcooking. I love serving it over a bed of steamed rice, allowing the sauce to soak in, making each bite delightful. It's a favorite in my home, and I’m sure it will become one in yours too!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors
Quick and easy to make for busy weeknights
Packed with colorful vegetables for extra crunch
Customizable to suit your taste preferences

      

Essential Techniques for Stir-Frying

Stir-frying is about quick cooking at high temperatures, which retains the texture and nutrients of your ingredients. To achieve this, it’s crucial to preheat your skillet or wok until it’s almost smoking before adding oil. This ensures that the moment your pork hits the pan, it begins to sear, creating that lovely caramelized exterior without stewing in its own juices. If you experience steaming rather than frying, your pan may not be hot enough.

When cooking the vegetables, it's important to maintain that beautiful crunch. Aim for a tender-crisp finish, which typically takes about 3-5 minutes over high heat. Avoid overcrowding the pan; this will lower the temperature and result in soggy vegetables. Instead, cook in batches if necessary. You’ll know they’re ready when they retain bright colors and a slight snap when bitten.

Flavor Enhancements and Customizations

The sweet and sour sauce is the heart of this dish, and you can easily adjust it to suit your palate. If you prefer a tangier flavor, increase the rice vinegar by an additional tablespoon. For those who love a touch of heat, adding a teaspoon of chili paste to the sauce can elevate the dish significantly. Remember, balance is key: adjust each ingredient slightly while tasting along the way to ensure a harmonious flavor profile.

Another way to customize this recipe is by changing up the vegetables. Zucchini, snap peas, or even carrots can add variety and nutritional value. If you’re looking for a lighter version, feel free to use lean pork, like pork loin, or substitute with chicken or tofu for a fantastic vegetarian twist.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 lb pork tenderloin, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 cup pineapple chunks
1 onion, sliced

Sauce Ingredients

1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water

Instructions

Prep the Pork

Start by marinating the sliced pork in a mix of soy sauce, pepper, and a dash of cornstarch for about 10 minutes.

Cook the Pork

In a large skillet or wok, heat a tablespoon of oil over high heat. Add the pork and stir-fry until no longer pink, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Cook the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, then add the onion and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until they're tender-crisp.

Prepare the Sauce

In a bowl, combine rice vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, and the cornstarch mixture until smooth. Pour this into the skillet with the veggies.

Combine and Serve

Return the pork to the skillet, add the pineapple chunks, and stir well to combine everything. Cook until the sauce is thickened, about 2 minutes. Serve hot over rice.

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also substitute chicken or shrimp for the pork for a different variation.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, store the Sweet and Sour Pork Stir-Fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, I recommend using a skillet over medium heat for the best texture. This prevents the dish from becoming soggy, as microwaving can often lead to steaming. Stir occasionally until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes, to keep everything evenly heated.

For longer-term storage, you can freeze the stir-fry. Place it in a freezer-safe container, and it will last for about a month. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as described above. Just note that some vegetables might lose their crunch after freezing, but the flavors will still be delicious.

Serving Suggestions

Serving Sweet and Sour Pork over fluffy white rice is a classic choice. However, you can also elevate your meal by trying quinoa or brown rice for added nutrition. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top adds a lovely visual touch and a hint of extra flavor just before serving.

Don’t forget about pairing this dish with a side of steamed dumplings or a light cucumber salad to balance the richness of the stir-fry. These additional elements can complement the dish beautifully while offering an enticing range of textures and flavors on your dinner plate.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use another type of meat?

Absolutely! Chicken or shrimp work well as substitutes in this recipe.

→ How long can leftovers be stored?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week.

→ What can I serve this dish with?

Sweet and Sour Pork Stir-Fry goes perfectly with steamed rice or noodles!