Sweet and sour pork

Sweet and Sour Pork: A Delicious Recipe for an Unforgettable Meal

Are you looking for a recipe that will delight your taste buds and bring a touch of inspiration to your kitchen? Sweet and sour pork is the perfect choice! This recipe perfectly combines the intense flavors of soy sauce with the sweetness of brown sugar, resulting in a meal that promises to be loved by the whole family. Whether you want to serve it at a special dinner or simply indulge on an ordinary evening, this dish is easy to make and full of flavor.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 500 g pork shoulder (found at great prices as goulash meat)
- 200 g wild basmati rice
- 500 g mixed vegetables (carrot, bell pepper, green onion, bamboo shoots, shiitake mushrooms, bean sprouts)
- 50 g starch
- 100 g tomato sauce
- 100 ml soy sauce
- 50 ml Worcestershire sauce
- 3-4 tablespoons peanut oil (or sunflower oil)
- Chinese five-spice powder
- Chinese five-spice paste (or 1 teaspoon vinegar, if unavailable)
- Sichuan pepper (for added intensity)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2-3 cloves of garlic
- 3 cm ginger

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Marinating the meat: Cut the pork shoulder into small cubes. Place the meat in a bowl and add 50 ml soy sauce and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate for 5-10 minutes. This step is essential for adding flavor to the meat.

2. Preparing the rice: Wash the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, to remove excess starch. Then, prepare it in a steamer for about 15 minutes. The wild basmati rice will be a perfect side for the sweet and sour pork, bringing a contrast of textures.

3. Coating the meat with starch: After marinating, roll the meat cubes in starch, ensuring to shake off the excess. This step will help keep the meat's juices during cooking.

4. Cooking the meat: Heat a wok over high heat and add the peanut oil. When the oil is hot, add the pork and lightly brown it for about 2 minutes on each side. It's important not to overcrowd the wok, to allow the meat to brown evenly.

5. Adding flavors: Add the crushed garlic and grated ginger, quickly stirring for 30 seconds to release the flavors. Then, add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry them quickly in the wok. It's essential that the vegetables remain crunchy, so do not leave them on the heat longer than necessary.

6. Preparing the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the tomato sauce, brown sugar, Sichuan pepper, Chinese five-spice powder, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and Chinese five-spice paste. Pour the mixture over the meat and vegetables and let it cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently. This will create a delicious glaze, and the flavors will blend perfectly.

7. Serving: Once everything is well combined and the flavors have melded, turn off the heat. Serve the sweet and sour pork on a bed of wild basmati rice. If desired, you can accompany it with noodles or rice vermicelli for an even richer culinary experience.

Practical tips:
- You can also add other vegetables, such as broccoli or zucchini, depending on personal preferences.
- If you want to adjust the sweetness or acidity of the sauce, add more sugar or vinegar to taste.
- Make sure to prepare all your ingredients before starting to cook, as the process is quick and requires constant attention.

Nutritional benefits:
This sweet and sour pork recipe is not only delicious but also nutritionally balanced. Pork is an excellent source of protein, while vegetables provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Wild basmati rice completes the meal with complex carbohydrates, offering long-lasting energy.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use chicken instead of pork? Absolutely! This recipe can be easily adapted, and chicken will take on a delicious flavor in the sweet and sour sauce.
2. How can I make the recipe spicier? Add more Sichuan pepper or a spicy sauce, like Sriracha, for an extra kick.
3. What is the best side dish? Basmati rice is ideal, but you can also experiment with quinoa or rice noodles to vary the texture.

I conclude this recipe with a personal suggestion: add some toasted sesame seeds on top before serving for an extra crunch and an attractive appearance. Enjoy every bite and don't forget to share with your loved ones! This sweet and sour pork recipe will surely become a family favorite. Bon appétit!