About Sweet and Sour Pork
Sweet and Sour Pork, known as "Gu Lou Yuk" in Cantonese, is one of the most famous Chinese dishes worldwide. This iconic Cantonese dish features crispy pieces of pork coated in a vibrant sweet and sour sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors that has made it a favorite in Chinese restaurants globally.
Key Ingredients
- Pork tenderloin or pork belly
- Cornstarch for coating
- Bell peppers (various colors)
- Onions
- Pineapple chunks
- Tomato ketchup
- White vinegar
- Sugar
- Soy sauce
Preparation Method
- Cut pork into bite-sized pieces and marinate with soy sauce and white pepper
- Coat the marinated pork pieces in cornstarch
- Deep fry the pork until golden brown and crispy
- Prepare the sweet and sour sauce by combining ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and other seasonings
- Stir-fry vegetables until slightly tender
- Combine the crispy pork with the sauce and vegetables
- Garnish with pineapple chunks and serve hot
Cultural Significance
Sweet and Sour Pork represents the adaptability of Cantonese cuisine and its influence on global Chinese food culture. The dish perfectly embodies the Cantonese cooking philosophy of balancing contrasting flavors and textures. It has become a symbol of Chinese cuisine internationally, often serving as many people's first introduction to Chinese food.
Serving Suggestions
Sweet and Sour Pork is traditionally served with steamed rice. The crispy texture of the pork and the tangy sauce create a delightful contrast that pairs perfectly with plain rice. Some restaurants also serve it on a sizzling plate to maintain the crispiness of the pork for longer.