Chinese Guo You Rou

🍖 Chinese Guo You Rou 

Guo You Rou is a classic dish from Northeast China (Dongbei cuisine). It features tender slices of pork coated in a light batter, deep-fried until golden, then quickly stir-fried in a sweet and sour sauce. The result is crispy on the outside, juicy inside, with a glossy sauce coating every piece.

---

🛒 Ingredients

For the Pork:

• Pork tenderloin (or pork loin): 300 g

• Egg: 1

• Cornstarch: 3–4 tbsp

• Salt: ½ tsp

• Cooking oil: for deep frying

For the Sauce:

• Light soy sauce: 1 tbsp

• Vinegar (rice vinegar or white vinegar): 2 tbsp

• Sugar: 2 tbsp

• Ketchup or tomato paste: 1½ tbsp

• Water: 3 tbsp

• Cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water)

Aromatics (optional):

• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced

• Ginger: a few slices

---

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Pork

1. Slice the pork tenderloin into thin strips or slices (about 0.5 cm thick).

2. Marinate with salt, beaten egg, and 1–2 tbsp of cornstarch. Coat evenly so the pork slices form a light batter.

---

Step 2. Deep Fry the Pork

1. Heat enough oil in a wok or deep pan until about 170–180°C (340–355°F).

2. Drop in the pork slices one by one, frying in batches to avoid sticking.

3. Fry until light golden and just cooked through, then remove and drain.

4. For extra crispiness, refry them once more for 30 seconds, then set aside.

---

Step 3. Prepare the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, ketchup, and water. Stir well.

2. Heat a little oil in the wok, add garlic and ginger, and stir-fry until fragrant.

3. Pour in the sauce mixture and bring to a simmer.

4. Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken, making the sauce glossy.

---

Step 4. Combine and Serve

1. Add the fried pork slices into the wok with the sauce.

2. Stir quickly to coat every piece evenly with the sauce.

3. Serve hot on a plate, preferably with steamed rice.

---

🍴 Tips

• The pork batter should be light—egg plus cornstarch is enough for a crisp coating.

• Double frying makes the pork crunchier, which is the authentic Dongbei style.

• Adjust the sweet and sour balance by changing the ratio of sugar and vinegar according to your taste.

---

✨ Guo You Rou is one of the most beloved Dongbei comfort foods—crispy, tangy, and absolutely satisfying. Perfect for family dinners or when you crave a bold Northern Chinese flavor.