Sweet and Sour Pork is a beloved dish found in Thai restaurants and home kitchens alike. Known for its crispy pork, colorful vegetables, juicy pineapple, and glossy sweet-and-sour sauce, this dish delivers the perfect balance of flavors in every bite. The combination of crunchy textures and tangy sweetness makes it a family favorite that pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice.

This Thai-style Sweet and Sour Pork recipe is easy to prepare and brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your dining table.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Crispy and tender pork pieces
  • Sweet, tangy, and savory sauce
  • Colorful vegetables and juicy pineapple
  • Quick and easy to prepare
  • Perfect for family dinners
  • Better than takeout

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Pork

  • 500g pork loin or pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 1 egg
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon white pepper
  • Vegetable oil for frying

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons ketchup
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

For the Vegetables

  • 1 onion, cut into chunks
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tomato, cut into wedges
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil

Kitchen Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Deep frying pan or wok
  • Slotted spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Paper towels

Step 1: Prepare the Pork

In a large bowl, combine pork pieces with egg, salt, and white pepper.

Add cornstarch and flour, then mix until every piece is evenly coated.

Let the pork rest for 10 minutes before frying.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine:

  • Ketchup
  • Rice vinegar
  • Sugar
  • Soy sauce
  • Oyster sauce
  • Water

Mix thoroughly until the sugar dissolves.

Set aside.

Step 3: Fry the Pork

Heat oil in a wok or deep frying pan to 175°C (350°F).

Carefully fry the coated pork pieces in batches for 4–5 minutes until golden brown.

Remove and drain on paper towels.

For extra crunch, fry the pork a second time for 1 minute before serving.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

Heat 2 tablespoons cooking oil in a clean wok.

Add minced garlic and stir-fry until fragrant.

Add onion and bell peppers.

Cook for 2–3 minutes while maintaining their crisp texture.

Add pineapple chunks and tomato wedges.

Stir-fry for another minute.

Step 5: Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce

Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the wok.

Bring to a gentle simmer.

Add the cornstarch slurry and stir continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Return the crispy pork to the wok.

Gently toss until every piece is coated with the sweet and sour sauce.

Cook for 1–2 minutes and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

Sweet and Sour Pork pairs perfectly with:

  • Steamed jasmine rice
  • Thai fried rice
  • Garlic rice
  • Stir-fried noodles
  • Fresh cucumber slices

Chef's Tips

  • Pork loin provides a leaner texture, while pork shoulder offers more tenderness.
  • Double-frying creates extra crispy pork.
  • Fresh pineapple delivers the best flavor.
  • Adjust vinegar and sugar levels to suit your taste.
  • Add carrots, cucumber, or snow peas for additional color and crunch.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 460
  • Protein: 30g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fat: 24g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 16g

Popular Variations

Thai Sweet and Sour Pork with Pineapple

Use extra fresh pineapple for a sweeter tropical flavor.

Spicy Sweet and Sour Pork

Add sliced Thai bird's eye chilies for a spicy kick.

Sweet and Sour Pork with Vegetables

Include carrots, baby corn, and snow peas for added nutrition.

Air-Fried Sweet and Sour Pork

Air-fry the pork instead of deep-frying for a lighter version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes. The sauce can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 3 days.

What cut of pork works best?

Pork loin and pork shoulder are the most popular choices because they remain tender after frying.

Can I use canned pineapple?

Yes. Drain the pineapple well before adding it to the dish.

How should leftovers be stored?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Final Thoughts

Sweet and Sour Pork is a timeless Thai-inspired dish that combines crispy pork, vibrant vegetables, juicy pineapple, and a rich sweet-and-tangy sauce. Its beautiful balance of flavors and textures makes it a crowd-pleasing meal for both casual dinners and special occasions. Serve it hot with fragrant jasmine rice and enjoy a restaurant-quality Thai favorite right at home.