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Air-Fried Sweet and Sour Pork: A Delightful Recipe from Viet World Kitchen

Sweet and sour pork is a beloved dish that marries the tangy sweetness of a luscious sauce with the satisfying crunch of tender, crispy meat. Traditionally deep-fried and often laden with excess oil, this Vietnamese-inspired version from Viet World Kitchen offers a healthier alternative thanks to air frying. Enjoy a flavour-packed meal that’s easy to prepare and even easier to relish.

Ingredients

For the Pork:

• 500g pork tenderloin or pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (optional, for brushing)

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons ketchup
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon cornflour mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)
• 1 small red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small green bell pepper, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• Pineapple chunks (optional)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Pork:
   In a bowl, combine the pork pieces with soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well until all pieces are coated. Allow the pork to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, in the refrigerator for a couple of hours.

2. Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
   In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5 minutes, then add the cornflour mixture to thicken the sauce. Stir until well combined and remove from heat. This will give you a glossy, rich sauce that brings everything together.

3. Air-Fry the Pork:
   Preheat your air fryer to approximately 200°C (390°F). If you like, lightly brush the marinated pork with vegetable oil. This will enhance the crispiness of the final product. Arrange the pork pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them.

   Air fry the pork for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. You want the pork to be golden and crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside.

4. Sauté the Vegetables:
   While the pork is cooking, use a non-stick pan over medium-high heat to sauté the diced onions and bell peppers until they are soft and just starting to char, about 5 minutes. If you are using pineapple chunks, add them in during the last couple of minutes.

5. Combine and Serve:
   Once the pork is cooked, add it to the pan with the sautéed vegetables, pour over the sweet and sour sauce, and stir until everything is evenly coated. Allow it to simmer for a couple of minutes to marry the flavours.

6. Plate and Enjoy:
   Serve the air-fried sweet and sour pork immediately, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy rice or noodles, making it a delightful addition to any meal.

Tips for Success

• Choose the Right Cut of Meat: Pork tenderloin is lean and cooks quickly, while pork shoulder has more fat, adding richness to the dish. Choose based on your preference for flavour and texture.
• Cut Uniform Pieces: To ensure even cooking, try to cut your pork and vegetables into similar-sized pieces.
• Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or courgettes for extra colour and nutrition.

Air-fried sweet and sour pork is not just a healthier twist on a classic; it’s a delightful dish that’s packed with flavour and texture. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, it brings the essence of Vietnamese cooking into your kitchen with ease. Enjoy this vibrant and tasty meal, and savour the joy of cooking your favourite dishes in a more wholesome way!

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