Published Apr 05, 2019 Updated Sep 05, 2024 Called ‘咕嚕肉’ or ‘goo lou yok’ in the Cantonese dialect, this dish is very pleasing to the palate, thanks to the flavorful sweet and sour sauce—the sweetness from sugar combined with the tangy ketchup and sharp rice vinegar—paired with crispy fried pork pieces. The secret to an authentic sweet and sour dish lies in achieving the perfect balance between the sweet and sour flavors in the sauce, which is the soul of this dish. My easy sweet and sour pork recipe packs all the authentic flavor you crave, with crispy pork and a tangy-sweet sauce that’s way better than takeout. Plus, it’s ready in just 20 minutes with simple steps. I’m going to teach you how to make the perfect homemade sweet and sour sauce and share my secret ingredients! Looking for more easy sweet and sour recipes with a variety of proteins? Check out my Sweet and Sour Chicken, Sweet and Sour Shrimp, and Sweet and Sour Fish recipes!
Tomato ketchup – Gives the sauce its classic sweet and tangy flavor. Plum sauce – Adds that extra zing. Chinese rice vinegar – Balances out the sweetness with a bit of tanginess. Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce – Adds a rich, savory layer that boosts the sauce’s overall flavor. Oyster sauce – Gives the sauce a savory kick and a hint of sweetness. Corn starch – Thickens the sauce, making it glossy and perfect for coating the pork. Sugar – Sweetens the sauce to balance out the tanginess from the other ingredients. Water – Adjusts the thickness of the sauce so it’s just right for coating the pork.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients. I hope you enjoy this post as much as I do. If you try my recipe, please leave a comment and consider giving it a 5-star rating. For more easy and delicious recipes, explore my Recipe Index, and stay updated by subscribing to my newsletter and following me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for new updates.
