Simple Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe: Tasty, Tangy and Gluten Free

Did you ever think you could make gluten free Chinese food come alive in your own kitchen? This simple sweet and sour pork recipe is going be a huge confidence booster. You'll be re-thinking your own culinary talents and your view of this whole gluten free thing.

I’m extra excited to bring you this Asian takeout classic because gluten free Chinese food can be hard to come by. Also, this is a family favorite. I was thumbing through my mom’s old recipe binder and found this gem in my own 12-year-old handwriting. So let's have some fun and make a delicious recipe even a child can make.

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Is Sweet and Sour Pork Really Chinese?

Sort of. We’re making a westernized version of a traditional dish from the south of China. It was originally served to the emperor of Shanghai and eventually spread across the country to become a staple of Cantonese cuisine. The original version was spareribs braised in sugar and vinegar. Our version uses ingredients that are available in a western supermarket: tender boneless loin chops, canned pineapple, gluten free barbecue sauce, sweet peppers and corn starch.

About the Ingredients

The ingredient list is short, simple and easy to source. That’s why you’re going to love this recipe so much.

Tender Pork Loin Chops

Although the original Chinese dish was spareribs braised long and slow in sugar, this dish is quick and simple. That’s why were using tender boneless loin chops cubed into 1 inch pieces. They just need to be browned in a large skilled for about 5 minutes then simmered in the sauce for 45 minutes more. The best part about using loin chops for this recipe, besides the simplicity, is that they often go on sale, making this a pretty cost effective dinner.

Pineapple Chunks

Sure, you could be hoity toity and use fresh pineapple, but getting the ½ cup of juice you need would be a challenge. Make your life easy and pick up a 19 oz can of pineapple chunks. Drain them and reserve the juice.

Sweet Bell Pepper

In the ‘70s when I handwrote this recipe green peppers were all we had available in the grocery store. They work great, but if you prefer the vibrant red ones, feel free. Or how about a combination of the two? Make it your own. Have some fun. The peppers get added right at the end with the pineapple so they stay slightly crisp and maintain their color.

Pin for Later

Pin Image - sweet and sour pork in pan and on plate with rice.

Making the Sauce

This homemade sauce couldn’t be easier. I make it right in my 4 cup measuring cup. Mix ½ cup of gluten free barbecue sauce, ½ cup of juice from the pineapple, ¼ cup of white vinegar and a tablespoon of corn starch. The cornstarch is the thickener and that’s what makes this simple sweet and sour pork recipe naturally gluten free!

Be Sure to Use Gluten Free Barbecue Sauce

I know, barbecue sauce is not a traditional Asian ingredient, but the flavor profile is right. A little sweet, a little spicy and perfectly tangy. Use your favorite gluten free barbecue sauce that you likely already have in the fridge. Bull’s Eye is my go to, but you do you. If you need some guidance on choosing gluten free sauces, then check out my page at the link.

Chef’s Tips to Make Your Simple Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe Turn Out Just Right

sweet and sour pork in pan with side of rice

Browning the Pork

Browning is a standard dry heat method for cooking meat. It’s done on the stovetop at medium-high heat. This produces the “maillard reaction” which is the key to building deep flavor, aroma and texture in your meat dishes. The big trick here is that your meat must be dry in order for it to brown. So dry it off with paper towel before putting it in the pan, especially if it came out of the freezer.

The other trick is to not overload the pan. This will cool down the surface and draw moisture out of the meat, making it dry and interfering with browning. It's best to brown your pork cubes in small baches. Heat a little oil in the bottom of the pan and add the cubed meat a small handful at and time. Do about 1/3 of the pork, remove it to a plate and do the next batch. You can then put it all back in the pan along with the juices that have come out onto the plate.

What Pan to Use

A wok or stir-fry pan will work beautifully for your simple sweet and sour pork recipe, so long as it has a lid. You’ll brown the meat with the lid off, but when you add the sauce, your meat and sauce will need to simmer for 45 minutes with the lid on.

Another option is a nice big skillet with a lid like the one in the photo.

How to Serve Sweet and Sour Pork

A side of rice is the obvious choice. You can do fried rice if you like, and this will bring in the veggies for your meal. But I prefer plain, long grain white rice. The flavor won’t compete with your sweet and sour pork, and it’s simple. Jasmine rice works well or if it’s an “I really want to keep it simple” night, instant rice is fine. If you use soya sauce, make sure its gluten free.

You can add a side of stir fried or steamed broccoli for color and added nutrition, or steam up a frozen vegetable medley.