Sweet and Sour Pork – A Tangy-Crispy Favorite
Sweet and Sour Pork – A Tangy-Crispy Favorite
Sweet and Sour Pork, known in Mandarin as táng cù lǐ jǐ (糖醋里脊), is one of the most iconic dishes in Cantonese cuisine. Its glossy red sauce, crispy golden pork pieces, and vibrant mix of vegetables and pineapple make it a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. This dish is beloved around the world for its ability to perfectly balance contrasting flavors—sweetness from sugar or pineapple, tang from vinegar, and the savory crunch of deep-fried pork.
Price:
$12–$18 per portion
The roots of this dish lie in Cantonese cooking traditions, particularly from Guangdong province. Historically, the Cantonese were masters at creating dishes that appeal to a wide range of palates, and sweet-and-sour flavors quickly became popular. While the classic Chinese version is more vinegar-forward and less sugary, the Western adaptations—especially in the U.S.—introduced more ketchup and pineapple, giving the dish its modern sweet profile. Today, Sweet and Sour Pork is a staple in Chinese restaurants worldwide, often regarded as the ambassador of Chinese cuisine to international diners.
The magic of Sweet and Sour Pork lies in the balance of its colorful components. Common ingredients include:
- Pork tenderloin – marinated, battered, and deep-fried to achieve a crispy exterior and juicy inside.
- Bell peppers and onions – adding crunch and color.
- Pineapple chunks – offering a burst of sweetness.
- Sweet and sour sauce – typically made from vinegar, sugar, ketchup, and soy sauce.
- Ginger and garlic – providing aromatic depth.
The pork is cut into bite-sized cubes, coated with cornstarch or flour batter, and deep-fried until golden. The sauce is cooked separately and then tossed with the fried pork, coating each piece in a sticky, flavorful glaze.
What makes Sweet and Sour Pork irresistible is the contrast of textures and flavors. The pork is crisp yet tender, the sauce is both sweet and tangy, and the pineapple gives refreshing juiciness. Each bite is a perfect combination of crunchy, savory, fruity, and tangy elements. It’s a dish that appeals to adults and kids alike because of its bold yet comforting taste.
- Pork is marinated with soy sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch for tenderness.
- It is coated in batter and deep-fried until golden and crunchy.
- The sauce is prepared by simmering vinegar, sugar, ketchup, and soy sauce until thickened.
- Vegetables and pineapple are stir-fried briefly to maintain crunch.
- The fried pork is tossed in the sauce until coated evenly.
Sweet and Sour Pork represents the art of balance in Chinese cooking. It is often served at banquets, family gatherings, and festive occasions, symbolizing happiness and harmony. Its bright red color is also considered auspicious in Chinese culture, representing prosperity. In the West, it became one of the earliest Chinese dishes to gain mainstream popularity, especially in America’s “Chinese takeout” culture.
Planning a visit to Spice Platter is easy and hassle-free. We’re proudly located on Silk St., Barbican, London, right in the heart of the city, with convenient parking nearby and excellent public transport connections.
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