Sweet and Sour Pork (Gulu Rou)

Cooking StepsHow to cook Sweet and Sour Pork (Gulu Rou) step by step

Cooking Process

1. 
   Step 1 Detail

   Wash the pork shoulder and cut into small bite-sized pieces.

2. 
   Step 2 Detail

   Cut the bell peppers into chunks.

3. 
   Step 3 Detail

   Add egg, white pepper powder, and salt to the pork. Mix well to coat evenly.

4. 
   Step 4 Detail

   Add potato starch — use generously (too much is better than too little, or the batter won’t adhere to the meat).

5. 
   Step 5 Detail

   Mix until every piece is evenly coated with the starch batter.

6. 
   Step 6 Detail

   Deep fry the pork pieces in oil until they float to the surface, then remove. Fry them a second time for extra crispiness.

7. 
   Step 7 Detail

   Prepare the sauce: add 2 tablespoons of light soy sauce.

8. 
   Step 8 Detail

   Add 4 packets of tomato ketchup.

9. 
   Step 9 Detail

   Add sugar to taste (adjust sweetness to your preference).

10. 
    Step 10 Detail

    Add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar.

11. 
    Step 11 Detail

    Add water as needed (adjust quantity based on the amount of meat).

12. 
    Step 12 Detail

    Add a pinch of salt. Mix everything together — taste a little to check if the flavor balance is right.

13. 
    Step 13 Detail

    In a wok with a little oil over medium-low heat, stir-fry the bell peppers until fragrant.

14. 
    Step 14 Detail

    Pour in the prepared sauce mixture.

15. 
    Step 15 Detail

    Add the fried pork pieces and toss to coat.

16. 
    Step 16 Detail

    Stir-fry until every piece is evenly coated with the sauce.

17. 
    Step 17 Detail

    Mix cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry.

18. 
    Step 18 Detail

    Pour the cornstarch slurry into the wok and stir-fry until the sauce thickens and clings to the meat.

19. 
    Step 19 Detail

    The finished dish — the sauce should be glossy and fully coating every piece of pork.

20. 
    Step 20 Detail

    Plate and serve hot.