What To Serve With Sweet & Sour Pork (22 EASY Sides!)

Sweet and sour pork, a classic dish in Chinese cuisine, is beloved for its perfect balance of tangy sweetness combined with tender pork pieces and colourful chunks of veggies and pineapple.

If you’re looking for ideas for sides, you’re in the right place! 

Looking for the short answer? 

The best choices for what to serve with sweet and sour pork include steamed rice, fried rice, stir-fried veggies, broccoli in garlic sauce, chow mein, Singapore noodles, cucumber salad, Asian slaw, spring rolls, prawns crackers, and bao buns. 

Let’s take a look at some more ideas and serving suggestions… 

Types of Rice to Accompany Sweet and Sour Pork

Choosing the right rice to serve with sweet and sour pork can enhance your meal.

Here are some perfect rice accompaniments that you should consider.

Steamed Rice

Steamed white rice is a classic and effortless choice for sweet and sour pork. Its mild flavour allows the bold taste of the pork to shine.

Basmati and long-grain white rice both work well, giving a fluffy texture that soaks up the sauce nicely.

Fried Rice

For a more indulgent option, fried rice adds a delightful twist.

This variation introduces a crispy contrast, often with added vegetables like peas, carrots, and spring onions, plus sometimes an egg.

A simple egg fried rice creates a satisfying combination with sweet and sour pork.

Jasmine Rice

Jasmine rice offers a slightly floral aroma that can complement the tangy profile of sweet and sour pork.

It has a subtly sweet taste and a sticky, moist texture that pairs well with the dish’s rich sauce.

Remember to rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch before cooking for the best results.

Vegetable Sides

Choosing the right vegetable sides can balance the flavours of sweet and sour pork with freshness and texture.

Here are some great choices for what to serve with sweet and sour pork… 

Stir-Fried Vegetables

For a colourful and nutritious side, stir-fried vegetables are a perfect choice.

You can mix bell peppers, carrots, and sugar snap peas, all sliced thinly for quick cooking.

Sauté these in a hot wok with a drizzle of oil and a splash of soy sauce for an easy yet delicious accompaniment.

(You might also enjoy what to serve with sweet and sour chicken!) 

Broccoli in Garlic Sauce

Broccoli in garlic sauce offers a healthy and flavourful side dish that complements the tanginess of the pork.

Simply steam the broccoli until tender-crisp and toss it in a savoury garlic sauce made with minced garlic, oyster sauce, and a touch of sesame oil.

Sautéed Spinach

For a side that’s both simple and rich in iron, sautéed spinach is your best bet.

Wilt fresh spinach leaves in a pan with a bit of garlic and olive oil until just softened.

Season with salt and pepper to taste for a subtly flavoured dish that doesn’t overpower the main course.

(Do you love experimenting with different cuisines? Take a look at what to eat with Korean corn dogs for a little more inspiration!) 

Noodle Dishes

Pairing your sweet and sour pork with noodle dishes can add a delightful variety of textures and flavours.

Choose from these popular options to complement your meal.

Chow Mein Noodles

Enjoy chow mein noodles as a classic choice with your sweet and sour pork.

These stir-fried noodles offer a satisfying crunch and can be served with a mixture of vegetables such as bell peppers and spring onions to enhance the flavours.

Singapore Noodles

Singapore noodles are a spicy and flavourful addition that won’t overshadow your sweet and sour pork.

They’re stir-fried with curry powder, giving them their signature yellow hue, and typically feature prawns or shredded chicken, though they can be enjoyed as vegetarian too.

Rice Vermicelli

Light and delicate, rice vermicelli noodles are a fantastic choice for what to serve with sweet and sour pork. 

They’re often served in a noodle salad garnished with fresh herbs and nuts, but you can stir-fry them with a splash of soy sauce and a hint of garlic for a simple yet tasty side.

Salads and Cold Dishes

When your sweet and sour pork is hot and ready, balancing its rich flavours with a refreshing salad or cold dish can create a delightful contrast.

These lighter options not only provide a fresh palate but also add a nutritious complement to your meal.

Cucumber Salad

A cucumber salad is a crisp and hydrating choice that works wonderfully with the tangy notes of sweet and sour pork.

You’ll want to slice your cucumbers thinly and toss them with a dressing made from rice vinegar, a touch of sugar, and sesame seeds.

Add some finely sliced red onion for extra zing.

Asian Slaw

Asian slaw is vibrant with colour and full of diverse textures, making it an engaging side dish.

Combine shredded cabbage, carrots, and red bell pepper, then dress with a light vinaigrette of soy sauce, sesame oil, and lime juice.

For a bit of crunch, sprinkle over some roasted peanuts or sesame seeds.

Cold Noodle Salad

Your cold noodle salad should offer a refreshing bite to contrast the deep flavours of the pork.

Opt for soba or rice noodles, chilled and then tossed with a soy sauce-based dressing, crisp vegetables like snap peas and bell peppers, and a handful of fresh herbs like coriander or mint to elevate the freshness.

Breads and Wrappers

When enjoying sweet and sour pork, pairing it with the right type of bread or wrapper can enhance your dining experience.

These options provide a delightful contrast in textures and flavours, complementing the dish.

Spring Rolls

You might want to start your meal with spring rolls—crispy on the outside with a tender filling.

Sweet and sour pork pairs wonderfully with the light and crunchy texture of spring rolls, acting as a perfect appetiser.

Prawn Crackers

Prawn crackers, also known as prawn crisps, are a staple in British Chinese cuisine.

Their light crunch and subtle seafood flavour work well as an accompaniment to sweet and sour pork, offering a contrast in textures that is sure to delight your palate.

Bao Buns

Bao buns or ‘baozi‘ have a soft, fluffy texture, making them an excellent choice for a more substantial side.

You can stuff these steamed buns with sweet and sour pork, allowing the rich sauce to soak into the bun, creating a delicious and satisfying bite.

Beverage Pairings

Selecting the right drink can complement the flavours of sweet and sour pork, enhancing your dining experience.

Here are a few beverages that pair well with this dish.

Green Tea

Enjoying your sweet and sour pork with green tea can be a delightful experience.

The tea’s subtle bitterness and slight astringency can cut through the dish’s sweetness and cleanse your palate.

Light Beers

For a refreshing pairing, light beers are an excellent choice.

They offer a crisp and clean taste that doesn’t overpower the complex flavours of the sweet and sour pork.

• Examples of light beers include:
  • Lager
  • Pilsner
  • Blonde Ale

Fruity Cocktails

A well-crafted fruity cocktail complements the tangy profile of sweet and sour pork.

• Fruity cocktails to consider:
  • Sangria with chopped fruits
  • Peach Bellini
  • Strawberry Daiquiri

Desserts to Follow Sweet and Sour Pork

After enjoying a flavourful dish of sweet and sour pork, you’ll want a dessert that’s light and complements the meal rather than overpowering it.

Fruit Platter

A fruit platter is a refreshing choice to cleanse your palate.

Consider fruits like pineapple, kiwi, or mango – they echo some of the flavours found in sweet and sour pork.

Lychee Sorbet

For a more indulgent option, a lychee sorbet offers a sweet yet subtle taste that will cool your palate.

The icy texture contrasts nicely with the crunchy fried texture of the pork.

Fortune Cookies

Finally, fortune cookies provide a fun and light way to end your meal.

They have a gentle sweetness and the added amusement of revealing your fortune.

Leave a comment below sharing your favourite ideas for what to serve with sweet and sour pork!