1

Oven-Baked Sweet and Sour Pork Bites

Oven-Baked Sweet and Sour Pork Bites

Prep: 25 min • Cook: 20 min. Crispy baked pork pieces coated in a lighter, tangy sauce with pineapple and bell peppers. A healthier take on the classic. This recipe offers a delightful twist on the traditional sweet and sour pork, opting for an oven-baked method to achieve a satisfying crispness without deep frying. Tender pork bites are tossed in a vibrant, tangy sauce featuring the sweetness of pineapple and the fresh crunch of bell peppers, making it a lighter yet equally flavorful choice for a weeknight meal.

Preparation time
25 min
Cooking time
20 min
Total time
45 min
Servings
4

Instructions

Prepare the Pork

  1. 1Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
  2. 2In a medium bowl, toss the pork cubes with the lightly beaten egg white until coated.
  3. 3Add the cornstarch to the bowl and toss again until the pork is evenly coated. Shake off any excess cornstarch.

Bake the Pork

  1. 1Arrange the coated pork cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
  2. 2Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pork is golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway through.

Make the Sauce

  1. 1While the pork is baking, combine ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and soy sauce in a small saucepan.
  2. 2Bring the sauce mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  3. 3In a small bowl, whisk together the 1 tbsp cornstarch and 2 tbsp water to create a slurry. Pour this slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
  4. 4Stir in the pineapple chunks and bell pepper pieces. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender-crisp.

Combine and Serve

  1. 1Add the baked pork bites to the sauce with the vegetables and pineapple. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  2. 2Serve immediately, optionally garnished with sesame seeds or sliced green onions.

Nutrition Information

Calories
450 kcal
Protein
25 g
Fat
18 g
Carbs
45 g
NutrientPer serving
Calories450 kcal
Protein25 g
Fat18 g
Carbs45 g

Tips

  • Ensure pork cubes are dry before coating to help the cornstarch adhere better for a crispier finish.
  • Do not overcrowd the baking sheet; bake in batches if necessary for even crisping of the pork.
  • Serve the sweet and sour pork bites hot with steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

By Chef Michael Ilin