Sweet and Sour Pork
Tang Cu Li Ji
This sweet and sour pork keeps the takeout joy while giving you control over the sauce. The pork is crisped first, then tossed quickly so it stays lively.
Prep
25 min
Cook
20 min
Serves
4
Heat
Mild
Shop ingredients
Buy the key pantry items
Curated direct product picks for this recipe. No search result pages.
Shop ingredients
Buy the vetted pantry picks for Sweet and Sour Pork
These are direct product recommendations selected for this recipe, not marketplace search pages.
Read label notesRice vinegar or Chinese black vinegar
Marukan Genuine Brewed Rice Vinegar
Marukan · 12 fl oz
Specific Amazon product pick
A clean rice vinegar option for a bright, familiar sweet-sour sauce.
Why we picked it
Rice vinegar keeps the sauce light and bright, while black vinegar remains a deeper optional direction.
Check label: Check the current label before buying, especially if avoiding sulfites or facility cross-contact.
Sold by an external retailer. Wok & Pantry may earn a commission.
View product on AmazonRice vinegar or Chinese black vinegar
Gold Plum Chinkiang Vinegar
Gold Plum · 18.6 fl oz
Specific Amazon product pick
A classic Zhenjiang-style black vinegar pick for Kung Pao Chicken, Hot and Sour Soup, and dumpling dipping sauce.
Why we picked it
This direct bottle recommendation is easier for beginners than a broad vinegar search with rice vinegar, balsamic vinegar, and unrelated products mixed in.
Check label: Many black vinegars contain wheat or caramel color. Confirm the current label before buying.
Sold by an external retailer. Wok & Pantry may earn a commission.
View product on AmazonRice vinegar or Chinese black vinegar
Gold-Plum Chinkiang Vinegar
Gold Plum · 550 ml
Specific Weee product pick
A classic Chinkiang black vinegar pick for Kung Pao Chicken, Hot and Sour Soup, Yu Xiang Eggplant, and sweet-sour sauces.
Why we picked it
Chinkiang vinegar gives Chinese recipes a deeper, rounder acidity than plain white vinegar or balsamic vinegar.
Check label: Many black vinegars contain wheat or caramel color. Confirm the current label before buying.
Sold by an external retailer. Curated for this recipe; not a paid affiliate link unless marked.
View product on WeeeKetchup and sugar
Heinz Tomato Ketchup
Heinz · 38 oz
Specific Amazon product pick
A familiar ketchup option for color and body in a U.S.-friendly sweet-sour sauce. Use it lightly so the sauce stays balanced.
Why we picked it
A named ketchup bottle is enough for this support ingredient and avoids a generic search card.
Check label: Check the current label if avoiding corn syrup, additives, or facility cross-contact.
Sold by an external retailer. Wok & Pantry may earn a commission.
View product on AmazonSoy sauce
Pearl River Bridge Superior Light Soy Sauce
Pearl River Bridge · 16.9 fl oz
Specific Amazon product pick
A clear light soy sauce pick for adding a small savory anchor to the sweet-sour sauce.
Why we picked it
Light soy sauce prevents the sauce from tasting like candy without turning it dark or heavy.
Check label: Soy sauce usually contains soy and wheat. Confirm the current label before buying.
Sold by an external retailer. Wok & Pantry may earn a commission.
View product on AmazonSoy sauce
Superior Light Soy Sauce
500 ml
Specific Weee product pick
A practical light soy sauce for stir-fries, sauces, soups, and braises.
Why we picked it
Light soy sauce is the first soy sauce bottle most Wok & Pantry recipes need because it seasons without making dishes too dark.
Check label: Soy sauce usually contains soy and wheat. Confirm the current label before buying.
Sold by an external retailer. Curated for this recipe; not a paid affiliate link unless marked.
View product on WeeeCornstarch and pineapple
Argo Corn Starch
Argo · 16 oz
Specific Amazon product pick
A pantry cornstarch option for crisp coating and glossy sauce thickening.
Why we picked it
Cornstarch is one of the repeat-use pantry items behind crisp Chinese-style fried pieces and shiny sauces.
Check label: Check the current label for facility cross-contact statements before buying.
Sold by an external retailer. Wok & Pantry may earn a commission.
View product on AmazonCornstarch and pineapple
Dole Pineapple Chunks in 100% Juice
Dole · 20 oz
Specific Amazon product pick
A canned pineapple option for a familiar U.S.-style sweet and sour pork sauce.
Why we picked it
A direct canned pineapple pick is clearer than a combined cornstarch-and-pineapple search result.
Check label: Check the current label and drain well before cooking.
Sold by an external retailer. Wok & Pantry may earn a commission.
View product on AmazonDish story
What makes Sweet and Sour Pork worth cooking
Sweet and Sour Pork is one of the most familiar Chinese restaurant dishes in the US, but a home version can be brighter and less heavy.
The appeal is texture and contrast: crisp pork, juicy pineapple, bell pepper, and a glossy tangy sauce.
This recipe keeps the family-friendly flavor while making the frying manageable in a home skillet.
Flavor profile
Why this recipe works
- Cornstarch gives the pork a crisp coating without a complicated batter.
- Cooking the sauce separately keeps the texture under control.
- Tossing the pork at the end prevents the pieces from getting soggy too soon.
Before you start
Read the technique notes once, then prep every ingredient before turning on the stove. Most Chinese stir-fries and sauces move quickly after the pan is hot.
- Shake off excess cornstarch before frying so the oil stays cleaner.
- Use a wide skillet and fry in batches.
- Combine pork and sauce only when ready to serve.
Instructions
- 1
Season pork lightly with salt and coat with cornstarch.
- 2
Pan-fry or shallow-fry pork until crisp and cooked through.
- 3
Stir together ketchup, vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and 2 tablespoons water.
- 4
Cook bell pepper briefly, then add pineapple and sauce.
- 5
Toss pork in the sauce right before serving.
Cooking tips
- Keep the pork and sauce separate until the last minute for the best texture.
- Pork shoulder is juicier; tenderloin is leaner and faster.
Substitutions
- Use chicken thigh pieces for a sweet and sour chicken version.
Allergen note
Contains soy and wheat if using regular soy sauce. Check ketchup labels for additives if needed.
