Sweet and Sour Pork, As It Should Be

Brian Holley's Note:

This ever popular dish from Asia is often spoiled by the thick batter that hides the small piece of meat. This recipe uses little batter, it is cooked with green peppers and bamboo shoots to give a little crunch. Serve with fried rice or noodles, for a real treat.

• Total Time: 20 mins
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 1/2 lb pork, cubed into 20 pieces
• 1/2 cup bamboo shoot, sliced (canned will do)
• 1 green pepper, sliced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 tablespoons vodka, spirit
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
• 1 spring onion, cut into short lengths
• oil (for frying)

Ingredients for Sweet and sour Sauce

• 6 tablespoons vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (puree)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil

Directions:

1. Mix the meat with the salt and vodka set aside for 15 minutes.
2. Mix together all of the ingredients for the sauce.
3. Drain off the Vodka, to the meat add the beaten egg and the cornstarch, stir well to coat the meat. Now coat the meat with the flour.
4. Heat the oil in a wok and fry the meat in batches for 3 minutes. Replace all of the meat, to the oil turn off the heat and allow the meat to sit for 2 minutes.
5. Reheat the oil, add the bamboo shoots and the meat cook for 2 minutes; remove from wok and drain.
6. Pour off excess oil from wok, leave about 1 tbsp of oil and fry the garlic, green pepper and onion for 2 minutes Add the sauce and stir to make a smooth sauce. Add the meat and bamboo shoots, heat for 1 minute.
7. Serve.

Reviews

[ArmyWife86]

Really yummy!!! My picky husband even ate it.

[MrsMM]

Just finished this dinner. It's about time I tried one of your new recipes, Brian H. THIS is good eating. Followed the recipe exact, except used chicken breast rather than pork as it's what I had. This is simple and delicious and missing the pineapple that most restaurants go overboard with, thus, we loved it. For those of you reading this who have not tried a Brian H recipe- please do so. There's a difference between 'making dinner' and cooking. If you really want to cook- try one of his recipes. Always a winner and such fun to make.