Sweet and Sour Pork, often known as “Gulo Rou” in Chinese cuisine, is a beloved dish across the globe, especially in Chowking restaurants. It combines the tantalizing flavors of sweet and sour, with tender pork pieces coated in a crispy batter. If you want to recreate this iconic dish at home, follow our detailed step-by-step guide below.
Ingredients
To make Chowking-style Sweet and Sour Pork, you’ll need:
Pork Tenderloin: 1/2 lb. (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Green Bell Pepper: 1/2 (about 2 oz., cut into pieces)
Red Bell Pepper: 1/2 (about 2 oz., cut into pieces)
Scallions: 2 stalks (only the white part, cut into 2-inch lengths)
Pineapple Ring: 1 piece (fresh or canned, cut into small pieces)
Garlic: 1 clove (finely chopped)
Cooking Oil: for frying
Marinade
Soy Sauce: 1 teaspoon
Corn Flour: 1/2 teaspoon
Rice Wine: 1/2 teaspoon
Frying Batter
Water: 1/2 cup
All-Purpose Flour: 2 oz.
Corn Starch: 1 oz.
Baking Soda: 1/2 teaspoon
Egg: 1/2 (beaten)
Cooking Oil: 1 teaspoon
Salt: a small pinch
Sweet and Sour Sauce
Tomato Ketchup: 1 1/2 tablespoons
Plum Sauce: 1 teaspoon
Chinese Rice Vinegar: 1/8 teaspoon (transparent in color)
Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce: 1/2 teaspoon
Oyster Sauce: 1 teaspoon
Corn Starch: 1 teaspoon
Sugar: 1 teaspoon
Water: 2 tablespoons
Preparation
Before you start cooking, make sure all your ingredients are prepared and ready. This will make the cooking process smoother and faster.
Cut the Pork:
Cut the pork tenderloin into bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and makes it easier to eat.
Prepare the Marinade:
- In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, corn flour, and rice wine.
- Add the pork pieces to the marinade and let them sit for 15-20 minutes. This helps to tenderize the meat and add flavor.
Prepare the Frying Batter:
- In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients of the frying batter: all-purpose flour, corn starch, baking soda, and a pinch of salt.
- Add the beaten egg, water, and cooking oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a thick batter forms. This batter will give the pork pieces their crispy coating.
Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
In another bowl, mix all the ingredients for the sweet and sour sauce: tomato ketchup, plum sauce, Chinese rice vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, oyster sauce, corn starch, sugar, and water. Set this aside for later use.
Cooking Instructions
Now that all your ingredients are prepared, it’s time to start cooking.
Coat the Pork:
- After the pork has marinated, transfer the pieces into the frying batter.
- Make sure each piece is well coated with the batter. This will help achieve a crispy exterior when fried.
Deep Fry the Pork:
- Heat enough cooking oil in a deep skillet or fryer to cover the pork pieces.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the pork pieces and deep-fry them until they turn golden brown.
- Remove the pork pieces from the oil and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Prepare the Vegetables and Sauce:
- In a wok or large skillet, heat some cooking oil over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped garlic and stir-fry until it turns light brown.
- Add the bell peppers and pineapple pieces to the wok. Stir-fry until you can smell the peppery aroma from the peppers.
- Pour in the prepared sweet and sour sauce and let it simmer until it thickens slightly.
Combine the Pork and Sauce:
- Once the sauce has thickened, add the fried pork pieces back into the wok.
- Stir well to coat the pork with the sweet and sour sauce.
- Add the chopped scallions and stir-fry for a few more seconds.
Serve:
- Dish out the sweet and sour pork onto a serving plate.
- Serve hot with steamed white rice to complete the meal.
Tips for Perfect Chowking-Style Sweet and Sour Pork
Marinating: Marinating the pork is crucial for flavor and tenderness. Don’t skip this step.
Batter Consistency: The batter should be thick enough to coat the pork pieces evenly. If it’s too thin, the coating won’t be crispy. If it’s too thick, it will be difficult to coat the pork evenly.
Frying Temperature: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the pork pieces. This ensures that the batter cooks quickly and forms a crispy exterior.
Sauce Thickness: The sweet and sour sauce should be thick enough to coat the pork without being too runny. Adjust the cornstarch amount if necessary to achieve the desired consistency.
Serving: Serving the sweet and sour pork with steamed rice not only balances the flavors but also makes the meal more filling and satisfying.
Nutritional Benefits
While Sweet and Sour Pork is primarily enjoyed for its delicious taste, it also offers some nutritional benefits:
Protein: Pork is a good source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
Vitamins and Minerals: Pork contains vitamins like B6 and B12, as well as minerals like iron and zinc, which are important for overall health.
Antioxidants: The bell peppers and pineapple in the dish provide antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage.
Dietary Fiber: The pineapple also contains dietary fiber, which is beneficial for digestion.
Cultural Significance
Sweet and Sour Pork holds a special place in Chinese cuisine, representing a blend of sweet and sour flavors that are loved by many. This dish is often associated with Cantonese cuisine, where it originated, and has since become a popular choice in Chinese restaurants worldwide.
In the context of Chowking, a popular fast-food chain specializing in Filipino-Chinese cuisine, Sweet and Sour Pork is a signature dish that combines traditional Chinese cooking techniques with Filipino flavors. It’s a testament to the cultural fusion that has resulted in delicious and unique dishes like this one.
Conclusion
Making Chowking-style Sweet and Sour Pork at home is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy this iconic dish anytime you want. By following our detailed step-by-step guide, you can recreate the delicious flavors and crispy texture of this popular dish.
Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a gathering with friends, or just treating yourself, Chowking-style Sweet and Sour Pork is sure to impress. With its perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors, tender pork pieces, and crispy batter, this dish is a culinary delight that’s worth trying.
So, why wait? Gather your ingredients, follow our recipe, and enjoy a delicious meal that’s as good as, or even better than, what you’d find at Chowking. Happy cooking!
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