Sweet and Sour Pork

A Tangy Classic with a Juicy Plum Twist

Why Families LOVE This Dish

Sweet and Sour Pork is a crowd-pleaser that brings bold flavor and a beautiful balance of tangy and savory to the table. Our version adds a special twist—using plum jam and fresh plums instead of sugar—bringing natural fruitiness and richness to the sauce. With crispy pork bites, colorful veggies, and a glossy plum glaze, this dish is fun, vibrant, and totally irresistible. Perfect for family dinners and just as delicious the next day!

Ingredients

For the Pork:

• 500g pork shoulder or pork loin, cut into bite-sized cubes

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp white pepper

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 egg

• 1/2 cup cornflour or potato starch (for coating)

• Vegetable oil for frying ( be generous!)

  
  

For the Sauce:

• 1 tbsp oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small red capsicum, chopped

• 1 small green capsicum, chopped

• 1/2 onion, sliced

• 1 cup of fresh pineapple

• 2 ripe red plums, chopped

• 3 tbsp plum jam

• 2 tbsp ketchup

• 2 tbsp white vinegar

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1/4 cup water

• 1 tsp cornflour mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix pork with salt, pepper, soy sauce, and egg. Let it marinate for 15–20 minutes. Coat each pork piece with cornflour and set aside.

   
   

2. Heat oil in a deep pan or wok. Fry pork in batches until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

   
   

3. In a clean wok or pan, heat 1 tbsp oil. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add onions and capsicums, and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes. Add chopped plums and cook until softened.

   
   

4. Stir in plum jam, pineapple, ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, and water. Simmer until slightly thickened. If needed, add the cornflour slurry and cook for another minute until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.

   
   

5. Add fried pork pieces to the sauce and toss until well coated. Serve immediately with steamed rice and garnish with extra plum slices or spring onions if desired.

   
   

PlatePal Tips for Fun & Flavor

• Kid Tip: Let little ones help stir the sauce or arrange the pork on the plate. They’ll love the color and sweetness!

  
  

• No Fry Zone: You can bake or air-fry the pork for a lighter version.

  
  

• Add Crunch: Toss in water chestnuts or other veggies for extra texture.

  
  

• Make It a Meal: Serve with jasmine rice or fried rice and a side of steamed greens.

  
  

• Next-Day Yum: This dish reheats beautifully for lunchboxes or dinner the next day.

  
  

• Sweeten It Naturally: Using plum jam keeps the sauce sweet without refined sugar

Final Thoughts

Our Sweet and Sour Pork with plum jam is a fun and fruity twist on a beloved dish. The natural sweetness of the plums balances the vinegar tang perfectly, giving you a sauce that’s rich, glossy, and full of depth. It’s become a new favourite in my kitchen, and I hope it will in yours too.

I’d love to see your creations, so don’t forget to tag #PlatePalCreations when you try it! Let’s share the love this season — especially during the holidays when warm, homemade meals mean even more. 🍽️💜