Tangsuyuk is a Korean take on Chinese sweet and sour pork, known for its perfectly crispy pork pieces and a sauce that’s tangy, sweet, and so addictive! Traditionally served as an appetizer at Korean-Chinese restaurants, Tangsuyuk has become a popular family favorite in Korea, and now it’s easy to make at home! While this recipe uses an air fryer for simplicity, the classic deep-fried version can be found in my cookbook, Korean Paleo.
In this recipe, you’ll get all the crunch and flavor of traditional Tangsuyuk without the deep fryer—perfect for a delicious, family-friendly dish with fewer calories and no mess!
What is Tangsuyuk?
Tangsuyuk is a popular Korean-Chinese dish that combines crispy pork strips with a tangy, thick sweet, and sour sauce. Korean-Chinese food is a unique cuisine that adapts traditional Chinese recipes to the Korean palate, resulting in dishes that are truly one of a kind.
Traditionally, Tangsuyuk is deep-fried in a potato starch batter, but this air fryer method brings all that texture and flavor with less oil and hassle.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Tangsuyuk Recipe
This air fryer Tangsuyuk recipe brings the crispy goodness of the classic dish to your kitchen with less oil and fewer steps. It’s a healthier take on the beloved Korean favorite, perfect for family meals or special occasions, and it’s easy enough to make on a weeknight.
You will love the perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors of the sauce (it’s so addicting!), and the crispy air-fried pork. Even better, this recipe is fantastic for a quick meal, and it’s versatile, too. Swap in different vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers, or serve it with rice for a full meal. Give it a try, and you’ll see why Tangsuyuk is one of Korea’s favorite comfort foods!
Ingredient Notes
This recipe uses simple ingredients to make this sweet and sour pork dish just as crispy and flavorful as you’d expect from a restaurant. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Pork Loin: I used pork cut into thin strips. Chicken or beef can be used instead for a variation on the dish.
- Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: Aids in creating a light, crispy coating when combined with cornstarch. Regular flour works as well if gluten isn’t an issue.
- Cornstarch: Essential for an extra-crispy texture, especially in air-fried recipes. Potato starch is a great alternative.
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper
- Eggs: Act as a binder for the coating, helping the flour mixture stick to the pork for a perfectly crisp finish.
- Cooking Spray: Adds a touch of oil for extra crunch in the air fryer without deep frying.
- Avocado Oil: A neutral-flavored oil that’s great for high-heat cooking. Any neutral cooking oil, like olive oil, or vegetable oil will work as well.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the stir-fry base. White or yellow onions both work here.
- Garlic: Gives a subtle kick and a savory aroma that complements the vegetables and sauce.
- Zucchini: Adds a touch of mild flavor and color to the dish. Bell peppers or broccoli are good alternatives.
- Carrot: Adds a slight sweetness and crunch. Thinly sliced for quick cooking and a pop of color.
Sweet and Sour Sauce
- Water: The base for the sauce that keeps it light.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides the sour note in the sauce. White vinegar is a common swap here.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness for balance. Maple syrup or sugar works in a pinch.
- Soy Sauce or Tamari: Brings umami depth. Tamari keeps it gluten-free, but soy sauce is a fine substitute.
- Ketchup: A quick way to add sweetness, acidity, and vibrant color.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to coat the pork and veggies perfectly.
How to Make Tangsuyuk in an Air Fryer
Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place the pork in a large bowl and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: In another mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.
Step 4: Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of the flour mixture over the pork, tossing to coat evenly.
Step 5: Take a few pork pieces at a time, dip them in the egg mixture, then coat with the flour mixture. Repeat with every piece of pork.
Step 6: Arrange the pork in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray. Spray lightly with cooking spray, and air fry for 12 minutes until crisp and golden brown.
Step 7: While the pork cooks, whisk together the sauce ingredients in a large bowl and set aside. Prepare the vegetables if needed.
Step 8: When the pork is done, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic, zucchini, and carrot to the hot oil, stir-frying for 3 minutes. Whisk the sauce again until smooth, then pour over the vegetables. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, letting it simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
Step 9: Remove from heat, add the pork, and toss to coat in the tangy sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired, and serve warm.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Tangsuyuk
- Use Potato Starch for Extra Crispiness: If you want an ultra-crispy texture closer to the traditional version, try using potato starch instead of cornstarch.
- Do Not Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Space out the pork strips in a single layer for the crispiest results.
- Double the Sauce: If you like your Tangsuyuk extra saucy, feel free to double the sauce ingredients!
- Try Different Veggies: Classic Tangsuyuk usually features onions, carrots, and zucchini, but mushrooms or bell peppers add extra flavor and variety.
Serving Tips
Serve this Easy Korean sweet and sour pork warm with a side of steamed white, cauliflower rice, or even kimchi. For a family-style meal, pair it with other Korean-Chinese dishes like Jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles), fried rice, or Asian slaw. Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for added flavor and presentation.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftovers (if!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, pop them in an air fryer for 3-4 minutes to restore that crisp texture, or reheat on the stovetop over medium heat. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pork soggy.
Store any leftover sauce in a small bowl, covered, for up to a week.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use tamari instead of soy sauce and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Absolutely! You can make this Korean crispy pork recipe with chicken, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
To thicken the sauce, simply let it simmer for a few more minutes. If you need more thickness, add a bit more cornstarch mixed with cold water.
More Air Fryer Korean Recipes
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Air Fryer Tangsuyuk (Korean Sweet and Sour Pork)
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork loin cut into thin strips
- 1/2 cup gluten free all-purpose flour or regular all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 eggs
- Cooking spray
- 1 tbsp avocado oil or any neutral flavored oil
- 1/2 onion cut into 1 inch cubes
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 zucchini sliced into half moon rounds
- 1 carrot sliced thinly
Sweet and Sour Sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari sauce
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
- Place the pork in a large bowl and sprinkle with salt and pepper, to taste.1 lb pork loin
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.1/2 cup gluten free all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1/4 tsp ground black pepper, 1/2 tsp sea salt
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs together.2 eggs
- Take 3 tbsp of the flour mixture and sprinkle over the pork. Toss together to coat evenly.
- Take a few pork pieces, coat it in the egg mixture, then coat with the flour mixture. Repeat with the rest of the pork.
- Add the pork in a single layer to the air fryer tray or basket. Spray evenly with cooking spray, then air fry for 12 minutes until crisp.Cooking spray
- While the pork is cooking, whisk together the sauce ingredients together in a large bowl and set aside. Chop all the vegetables if you haven't already.1 cup water, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 3 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp ketchup, 2 tbsp cornstarch
- When the pork is done cooking, heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add onion, garlic, zucchini, and carrot, and stir fry for 3 minutes.1 tbsp avocado oil, 1/2 onion, 2 garlic cloves, 1 zucchini, 1 carrot
- Stir together all ingredients for the sauce again so it turns milky, then pour it over the vegetables in the skillet. Let it come to a boil, then bring down the heat to medium low and let everything simmer 2-3 minutes until the sauce is thickened.
- Remove from the heat, then add pork and toss together to coat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, if you wish, then serve warm.
Notes
- Use Potato Starch for Extra Crispiness: If you want an ultra-crispy texture closer to the traditional version, try using potato starch instead of cornstarch.
- Do Not Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Space out the pork strips in a single layer for the crispiest results.
- Double the Sauce: If you like your Tangsuyuk extra saucy, feel free to double the sauce ingredients!
- Try Different Veggies: Classic Tangsuyuk usually features onions, carrots, and zucchini, but mushrooms or bell peppers add extra flavor and variety.
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