Quick Alton Brown Sweet And Sour Pork Recipe: Family Favorite!

Sweet and sour pork dazzles food lovers with its electrifying flavor fusion.

Bold culinary traditions collide in this mouthwatering dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Crispy pork chunks glisten under a glossy, tangy sauce that awakens every taste brag.

Vibrant bell peppers and onions add a delightful crunch to each succulent bite.

Tantalizing aromas waft through the kitchen, promising a dining experience that transcends the mundane.

Professional and amateur chefs alike cherish this recipe for its simplicity and stunning taste profile.

You’ll fall head over heels for this irresistible crowd-pleaser that turns dinner into a celebration of flavor.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 485 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Alton Brown Sweet and Sour Pork

• Soy Sauce: Choose low-sodium for better control of saltiness, look for authentic Asian brands for deeper flavor.
• Fresh Ginger: Select firm, smooth roots with smooth skin and no wrinkles for maximum zestiness.
• Minced Garlic: Opt for fresh cloves over pre-minced for robust, vibrant taste.
• Flour: Use all-purpose flour for smooth coating consistency.
• Cornstarch: Pick unbleached variety for better texture and binding properties.
• Salt and Pepper: Select sea salt and freshly ground black pepper for enhanced seasoning.

• Flour: Select finely ground all-purpose flour for even coating.
• Salt and Pepper: Use coarse sea salt and freshly cracked pepper for extra crunch.

• White Vinegar, Granulated Sugar, Ketchup, Honey: Choose high-quality brands for balanced sweetness and tanginess.
• Canola Oil, Sesame Oil: Select cold-pressed oils for authentic, rich flavor profile.
• Vegetables: Pick fresh, crisp seasonal vegetables for added texture and nutrition.

Equipment Needed for Alton Brown Sweet and Sour Pork

• Large Non-Reactive Bowl: Perfect for mixing marinade ingredients without chemical reactions.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for precise ingredient quantities.
• Whisk: Helps blend marinade and sauce smoothly.
• Large Frying Pan: Ideal for deep-frying pork pieces evenly.
• Tongs: Great for safely turning and removing pork from hot oil.
• Thermometer: Ensures oil reaches exact 350°F for crispy results.
• Paper Towels: Helps drain excess oil from fried pork.
• Small Roasting Pan: Used for final cooking and combining ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for mincing garlic and ginger.
• Cutting Board: Provides clean surface for ingredient preparation.

Cooking Instructions for Alton Brown Sweet and Sour Pork

Dive Into Tangy Pork Perfection

• Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

Start by blending fresh aromatics and seasonings in a large bowl. Thoroughly massage the marinade into pork pieces, ensuring every inch gets coated with delicious goodness. Let the meat rest overnight in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to mingle and intensify.

• Craft Crispy Coating

Pull out the marinated pork and create a light, seasoned flour mixture. Gently dredge each piece, shaking off excess coating to guarantee a super-crisp exterior when fried.

• Fry To Golden Deliciousness

Heat oil in a deep pan until shimmering hot. Carefully lower pork pieces into the oil, working in small batches to maintain optimal temperature. Fry until pieces turn a stunning golden brown, creating a crunchy exterior that’ll make taste buds dance.

• Whip Up Tangy Sauce

Quickly whisk together vibrant ingredients to create a sauce that’s both sweet and zingy. The combination will transform your crispy pork into a mouthwatering masterpiece that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

• Bring It All Together

Combine fried pork with the luscious sauce in a sizzling pan. Let everything simmer gently, allowing flavors to meld and the sauce to cling lovingly to each crispy piece. Serve immediately and watch as everyone digs in with pure excitement.

Flavor Tips for Alton Brown Sweet and Sour Pork

• Boost Your Cooking Success: Pro Tips for Perfect Pork
• Marinate Masterfully: Allow pork to soak in marinade overnight for maximum flavor absorption. Longer marinating time means more tender, juicier meat that melts in your mouth.
• Temperature Precision: Use a digital thermometer to check oil temperature while frying. Consistent 350°F ensures crispy exterior without burning or undercooking the meat.
• Oil Selection Matters: Choose high smoke-point oils like canola or peanut oil for even, golden-brown frying. Avoid olive oil, which burns quickly and affects taste.
• Sauce Consistency Hack: Whisk cornstarch with cold water before adding to sauce for smoother thickening. This prevents lumps and creates a silky, glossy finish that clings perfectly to each pork piece.

Serving Alton Brown Sweet and Sour Pork

• Serve with Steamed Rice: Lay golden crispy pork pieces over fluffy white rice, allowing the sweet and sour sauce to drizzle and soak into each grain.
• Create a Colorful Plate: Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and thin cucumber slices to add freshness and vibrant visual appeal.
• Pair with Side Vegetables: Add stir-fried broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to balance the rich, tangy pork and provide additional nutritional value.
• Enhance with Condiments: Offer sriracha sauce or chili oil on the side for guests who enjoy extra heat and customizable spice levels.

Storage and Leftover Advice for Alton Brown Sweet and Sour Pork

• Maximize Meal Prep: Marinate pork the night before for deeper flavor infusion and time-saving convenience.
• Batch and Freeze: Cook extra portions and store in airtight containers for quick future meals, staying fresh up to 3 days in the refrigerator or 2 months in the freezer.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Revive crispy pork by warming in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10 minutes, preventing sogginess and maintaining original texture.
• Sauce Storage Strategy: Keep leftover sweet and sour sauce separately in a sealed glass container, refrigerated for up to one week, perfect for quick meal refreshments.

Crispy Alton Brown Sweet And Sour Pork Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Alton Brown’s sweet and sour pork recipe blends tangy sauce with crispy pork for a classic Chinese-American dish. Diners can savor complex flavors and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal crafted with precise culinary techniques.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) pork butt, cut into 1-inch cubes
• ¼ cup (30 g) flour for seasoned dredging
• ¼ cup (30 g) cornstarch
• ⅔ cup (160 ml) soy sauce
• 1 cup (240 ml) ketchup
• 1 cup (240 ml) fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch cubes
• ¼ cup (60 ml) sugar
• ¼ cup (60 ml) red wine vinegar
• ⅓ cup large diced Vidalia onion
• ⅓ cup large diced celery
• ⅓ cup carrots sliced ¼-inch thick, on a bias
• ⅓ cup large diced red bell pepper
• ⅓ cup large diced green bell pepper
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp minced ginger
• 1 oz (28 g) honey
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil
• ½ tbsp (7.5 ml) sesame oil
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Kosher salt and pepper

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Instructions

1. Marinate: Blend soy sauce, ginger, garlic, flour, and cornstarch in a non-reactive bowl. Season pork with salt and pepper, then coat thoroughly in marinade. Refrigerate for 12 hours to enhance meat’s tenderness and flavor profile.
2. Prepare Coating: Drain excess marinade and pat pork pieces dry. Create seasoned flour mixture with all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper. Dredge each pork piece, ensuring light and even coverage.
3. Fry Pork: Heat vegetable oil to 350°F in a heavy-bottomed pan. Fry pork in small batches, rotating to achieve uniform golden-brown coloration. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
4. Create Sauce: Whisk rice vinegar, sugar, tomato ketchup, and honey in a separate bowl to develop a vibrant sweet-tangy sauce.
5. Combine and Finish: Heat canola and sesame oils in a roasting pan. Add crispy pork and selected vegetables. Pour prepared sauce over ingredients. Simmer on low heat, allowing pork to become tender and absorb rich sauce flavors.

Notes

• Marinate Masterfully: Refrigerate pork for 12-24 hours to ensure maximum flavor penetration and meat tenderness.
• Oil Temperature Control: Maintain consistent 350°F oil temperature for perfectly crispy, golden-brown pork without greasy texture.
• Batch Frying Technique: Cook pork in small batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure even, crisp coating on each piece.
• Sauce Balancing Act: Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to create a harmonious sweet-tangy flavor that complements the crispy pork.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 485
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg