Sweet and Sour Pork

Ingredients

• 1½ lb pork tenderloin
• 1 egg
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• ¼ cup tomato paste
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• ½ cup water
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro (optional)
• 2 cup vegetable oil

Steps

1. Slice the pork tenderloin into 1-inch strips. Separate the egg white from the yolk.
2. In a bowl, combine pork strips with a pinch of salt, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, and the egg white. Marinate for 20 minutes.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons cornstarch and 0.5 cup water to create a slurry. Set aside.
4. Heat 2 cups of cooking oil in a wok or large pot to 375°F (190°C). Fry marinated pork strips in batches until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
5. Pour out most of the oil from the wok, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add tomato paste and 1 teaspoon sugar to the wok, heating until combined.
6. Add rice vinegar and 0.5 cup water to the wok, bringing the sauce to a simmer. Return the fried pork to the wok.
7. Stir in the cornstarch slurry, cooking until the sauce thickens and coats the pork.
8. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.