Sweet And Sour Pork Recipe (咕噜肉)

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1. 1Step 1: Cut the 1/2 white onion and bell pepper into 1-inch chunks and set aside.
2. 2Step 2: If using fresh pineapple, core and peel it and cut into 1-inch chunks. If using canned pineapple, drain and cut into 1-inch chunks if using rings. Place in a bowl and set aside.
3. 3Step 3: Cut the 1 lb pork shoulder into 1-inch chunks and place in a bowl.
4. 4Step 4: In a food processor, combine 4-5 slices ginger, 3 cloves garlic (peeled), and 1 small onion (cut into smaller pieces) with 2 tablespoons soy sauce and blend into a smooth paste. If you don't have a food processor, grate the ginger, garlic, and onion instead.
5. 5Step 5: Add the blended aromatics to the bowl with the pork and mix well. If you grated the aromatics, add the soy sauce as well.
6. 6Step 6: Let the pork marinate for 1 hour.
7. 7Step 7: Once marinated, separate the meat pieces slightly so they are not clumped together.
8. 8Step 8: First coating: Add half of the 1 cup potato starch over the meat and gently toss until each piece is coated. Let rest for 5 minutes until the starch absorbs the marinade and becomes gummy and moist.
9. 9Step 9: Second coating: Place the rest of the potato starch in a bowl or plate and dip each piece of pork one by one until well coated.
10. 10Step 10: If using a deep fryer, set temperature to 350°F (180°C) and wait for oil to heat. If using a frying pan or shallow pot, set heat to medium and ensure at least 1 inch of oil. To test if oil is hot enough, use a wooden chopstick or the back of a wooden spoon; if it bubbles, the oil is ready.
11. 11Step 11: Add the meat to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (cook in batches if needed). Cook for approximately 5 minutes until crispy and browned.
12. 12Step 12: Double fry: Remove the meat from the oil for about 1 minute, then re-fry for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
13. 13Step 13: Remove the crispy pork and let it drain on a rack or a plate with absorbent material like newspaper or paper bag. Set aside.
14. 14Step 14: In a clean frying pan, add 2-3 tablespoons of oil and heat on medium.
15. 15Step 15: When the oil is hot, add the tomato paste and toast for 1-2 minutes until the oil turns a dark reddish-orange color.
16. 16Step 16: Add the white vinegar, 1/4 cup water, sugar, and 2 tablespoons soy sauce. Mix well and let cook for 5 minutes.
17. 17Step 17: In a small bowl, dissolve the corn starch in 1 tablespoon cold water. Slowly pour it into the sauce while constantly stirring until the sauce thickens.
18. 18Step 18: Once thickened, add the peppers, pineapples, and onions. Cook for 1-2 minutes, using your spatula to separate the onion chunks into smaller pieces.
19. 19Step 19: Add the crispy pork and coat each piece with the sweet and sour sauce. Turn off the heat once coated. Avoid cooking the pork in the sauce for too long; quickly coat for no more than 30 seconds to 1 minute, then plate.
20. 20Step 20: Plate and serve with rice.