---
title: "Lychee Pork (荔枝肉)"
description: "Lychee Pork is a sweet-and-sour, crispy traditional Fujian dish from Fuzhou. Tender pieces of meat coated in a glossy red sauce are paired with fruit for a refreshing, fruity aroma. Lean pork is rich in high-quality protein, while pineapple provides dietary fiber and vitamins that help cut through the richness and stimulate the appetite. The process involves cutting the meat, coating it in batter, and deep-frying twice. It is slightly challenging but clearly structured, making it suitable for home cooks with some experience. It can be served in about 45 minutes."
image: "https://media.githubusercontent.com/media/zkeq/vibe-cook-backend/dataset/images/ai-generated/other_li-zhi-rou.jpg"
url: "https://cookbook.cn-trending.com/r/meat_dish_li-zhi-rou/"
---

# Lychee Pork

**荔枝肉 · lì zhī ròu**

> Time: 45 min · Difficulty: Hard · Calories: 681 kcal · Serves: 1 serving · Category: [Meat](https://cookbook.cn-trending.com/c/meat_dish/) (荤菜)

Lychee Pork is a sweet-and-sour, crispy traditional Fujian dish from Fuzhou. Tender pieces of meat coated in a glossy red sauce are paired with fruit for a refreshing, fruity aroma. Lean pork is rich in high-quality protein, while pineapple provides dietary fiber and vitamins that help cut through the richness and stimulate the appetite. The process involves cutting the meat, coating it in batter, and deep-frying twice. It is slightly challenging but clearly structured, making it suitable for home cooks with some experience. It can be served in about 45 minutes.

![](https://media.githubusercontent.com/media/zkeq/vibe-cook-backend/dataset/images/ai-generated/other_li-zhi-rou.jpg)

## Ingredients

- 150 g Lean pork (瘦肉) — per serving
  - Tip: Choose pork tenderloin or lean hind leg meat for a more tender texture.
- 100 g Pineapple (凤梨) — per serving
  - Tip: Choose fully ripe pineapple for a richer fruit aroma.
- 2 pieces Fresh shiitake mushrooms (鲜香菇) — per serving
  - Tip: Thicker pieces are preferred.
- 30 g Shimeji mushrooms (蟹味菇) — per serving
  - Tip: Keep fresh and dry.
- 1 piece Eggs (鸡蛋) — per serving
  - Tip: Regular eggs are fine.
- 500 ml Cooking oil (食用油) — per serving
  - Tip: Choose a vegetable oil with a high smoke point.
- 100 g Starch / cornstarch (淀粉/生粉) — per serving
  - Tip: Potato starch is recommended for a crispier result.
- 20 g Ketchup (番茄酱) — per serving
  - Tip: Choose a rich, full-flavored ketchup.
- 5 g Granulated sugar (白砂糖) — per serving
  - Tip: Fine granulated sugar dissolves more easily.
- 5 ml Light soy sauce (生抽) — per serving
  - Tip: For umami seasoning.
- 5 g Chicken bouillon powder (鸡精) — per serving
  - Tip: For added umami.
- 5 g Minced ginger (姜末) — per serving
  - Tip: Minced old ginger is more aromatic.
- 2 ml Aged black vinegar (香醋) — per serving
  - Tip: Traditional Fuzhou recipes call for aged vinegar or red fermented rice vinegar.
- 2 g Sesame seeds (芝麻) — per serving
  - Tip: Toasted white sesame seeds.

## Tools

Wok, Frying basket, Cleaver / chef's knife, Cutting board, Mixing bowl, Spoon

## Method (10 steps)

1. **Prepare and Marinate the Lean Pork** — Cut the lean pork into pieces (each 2-3 cm), place them in a large bowl, and add 1 egg, 50g cornstarch, 3ml light soy sauce, and 2g chicken bouillon powder.
   - Duration: 5 min
   - Tip: Keep the pieces uniform in size for even cooking.
   ![Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Lean Pork](https://media.githubusercontent.com/media/zkeq/vibe-cook-backend/dataset/images/steps/other_li-zhi-rou/step_1.jpg)
2. **Coat with Batter** — Stir thoroughly until the cornstarch fully coats the pork pieces (add more cornstarch if too thin, or water if too dry), then add 5ml oil and stir well before setting aside.
   - Duration: 3 min
   - Tip: Adding a little oil at the end prevents the pieces from sticking together when they hit the oil.
   ![Step 2: Coat with Batter](https://media.githubusercontent.com/media/zkeq/vibe-cook-backend/dataset/images/steps/other_li-zhi-rou/step_2.jpg)
3. **Prepare the Sweet-and-Sour Sauce** — In another bowl, combine ketchup, 3g chicken bouillon powder, 2ml light soy sauce, minced ginger, granulated sugar, 10g cornstarch, aged black vinegar, and 200ml cold water. Stir well and set aside.
   - Duration: 2 min
   - Tip: Stir thoroughly to ensure the starch doesn't settle.
   ![Step 3: Prepare the Sweet-and-Sour Sauce](https://media.githubusercontent.com/media/zkeq/vibe-cook-backend/dataset/images/steps/other_li-zhi-rou/step_3.jpg)
4. **Prepare the Pineapple** — Cut one pineapple into 6 pieces (each 1.5-2 cm).
   - Duration: 2 min
   - Tip: Pineapple pieces should be slightly smaller than the pork pieces.
   ![Step 4: Prepare the Pineapple](https://media.githubusercontent.com/media/zkeq/vibe-cook-backend/dataset/images/steps/other_li-zhi-rou/step_4.jpg)
5. **Heat the Oil** — Heat the wok and pour in 500ml oil. Continue heating until you hear a sizzling sound.
   - Duration: 5 min
   - Tip: You can test the oil temperature with a wooden chopstick; fine bubbles around it indicate it's ready.
   ![Step 5: Heat the Oil](https://media.githubusercontent.com/media/zkeq/vibe-cook-backend/dataset/images/steps/other_li-zhi-rou/step_5.jpg)
6. **First Fry** — Add the pork pieces one at a time (do not pour the whole bowl in), making sure each piece is separated.
   - Duration: 2 min
   - Tip: Keep the heat at medium-low to prevent burning the outside while the inside stays raw.
   ![Step 6: First Fry](https://media.githubusercontent.com/media/zkeq/vibe-cook-backend/dataset/images/steps/other_li-zhi-rou/step_6.jpg)
7. **Turn and Shape** — After all the pork is in, use a spoon to turn the pieces over every 30 seconds until the surface turns golden.
   - Duration: 4 min
   - Tip: Watch the color closely.
   ![Step 7: Turn and Shape](https://media.githubusercontent.com/media/zkeq/vibe-cook-backend/dataset/images/steps/other_li-zhi-rou/step_7.jpg)
8. **Second Fry** — Remove the pork, wait one minute, then return it to the hot oil and fry until the surface turns deep golden brown. Remove and place in a large bowl.
   - Duration: 3 min
   - Tip: The second fry is key to crispiness; don't overdo it.
   - Tip: Tap the pork pieces with a spoon; a hollow sound means they're fully fried.
   ![Step 8: Second Fry](https://media.githubusercontent.com/media/zkeq/vibe-cook-backend/dataset/images/steps/other_li-zhi-rou/step_8.jpg)
9. **Toss with Sauce** — Heat the wok, pour in the sauce, and after 30 seconds add the pork and pineapple pieces. Toss well and serve.
   - Duration: 1 min
   - Tip: Work quickly to ensure an even sauce coating while keeping the pork crispy.
   ![Step 9: Toss with Sauce](https://media.githubusercontent.com/media/zkeq/vibe-cook-backend/dataset/images/steps/other_li-zhi-rou/step_9.jpg)
10. **Garnish** — Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
   - Duration: 30 sec
   - Tip: Adding sesame seeds while hot enhances the aroma.
   ![Step 10: Garnish](https://media.githubusercontent.com/media/zkeq/vibe-cook-backend/dataset/images/steps/other_li-zhi-rou/step_10.jpg)

## Tips

- Traditionally in Fuzhou, water chestnuts (to cut richness) and potatoes (to absorb oil) are used. If unavailable, pineapple is a good substitute.
- Fujian cuisine leans sweet; if you're not used to it, you can reduce or omit the sugar.
- Tap the pork pieces with a spoon; a hollow sound indicates they're fully fried through.

## Overview image

![Lychee Pork — ingredients and steps overview](https://media.githubusercontent.com/media/zkeq/vibe-cook-backend/dataset/images/overview/other_li-zhi-rou_overview.jpg)

## Source

Recipe text from [HowToCook](https://github.com/Anduin2017/HowToCook), structured by [Vibe Cook](https://github.com/zkeq/vibe-cook-backend). Public domain (Unlicense).

Original: https://github.com/Anduin2017/HowToCook/blob/master/dishes/meat_dish/荔枝肉/荔枝肉.md

## Related recipes

- [Dry-Fried Chicken Cubes](https://cookbook.cn-trending.com/r/meat_dish_gan-bian-zi-ji/)
- [Classic Guo Bao Rou (Sweet & Sour Pork)](https://cookbook.cn-trending.com/r/meat_dish_lao-shi-guo-bao-rou/)
- [Sweet & Sour Pork Tenderloin](https://cookbook.cn-trending.com/r/meat_dish_tang-cu-li-ji/)
- [Sweet & Sour Pork Ribs](https://cookbook.cn-trending.com/r/meat_dish_tang-cu-pai-gu/)

---

```json
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"Recipe","name":"Lychee Pork","alternateName":"荔枝肉","description":"Lychee Pork is a sweet-and-sour, crispy traditional Fujian dish from Fuzhou. Tender pieces of meat coated in a glossy red sauce are paired with fruit for a refreshing, fruity aroma. Lean pork is rich in high-quality protein, while pineapple provides dietary fiber and vitamins that help cut through the richness and stimulate the appetite. The process involves cutting the meat, coating it in batter, and deep-frying twice. It is slightly challenging but clearly structured, making it suitable for home cooks with some experience. It can be served in about 45 minutes. 荔枝肉是一道酸甜酥香的福州传统闽菜，外焦里嫩的肉块裹着红亮的酱汁，搭配水果添入清爽果香。猪瘦肉富含优质蛋白质，凤梨含有膳食纤维和维生素，能帮助开胃解腻。制作过程需要切肉、挂糊和两次油炸，略有挑战但步骤明确，适合有一定下厨基础的美食爱好者尝试，大约 45 分钟就能端上餐桌。","recipeCategory":"Meat / 荤菜","recipeCuisine":["Fujian","Chinese"],"keywords":"Fujian, Fuzhou cuisine, Sweet and sour, Deep-fried, 闽菜, 福州菜, 酸甜口, 油炸","inLanguage":["en","zh-Hans"],"author":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Anduin2017 / HowToCook contributors"},"isAccessibleForFree":true,"license":"https://unlicense.org/","image":["https://media.githubusercontent.com/media/zkeq/vibe-cook-backend/dataset/images/ai-generated/other_li-zhi-rou.jpg"],"nutrition":{"@type":"NutritionInformation","calories":"681 kcal"},"totalTime":"PT45M","recipeYield":"1 serving","recipeIngredient":["150 g Lean pork","100 g Pineapple","2 pieces Fresh shiitake mushrooms","30 g Shimeji mushrooms","1 piece Eggs","500 ml Cooking oil","100 g Starch / cornstarch","20 g Ketchup","5 g Granulated sugar","5 ml Light soy sauce","5 g Chicken bouillon powder","5 g Minced ginger","2 ml Aged black vinegar","2 g Sesame seeds"],"recipeInstructions":[{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Prepare and Marinate the Lean Pork","text":"Cut the lean pork into pieces (each 2-3 cm), place them in a large bowl, and add 1 egg, 50g cornstarch, 3ml light soy sauce, and 2g chicken bouillon powder.","url":"https://cookbook.cn-trending.com/r/meat_dish_li-zhi-rou/#step-1","image":"https://media.githubusercontent.com/media/zkeq/vibe-cook-backend/dataset/images/steps/other_li-zhi-rou/step_1.jpg"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Coat with Batter","text":"Stir thoroughly until the cornstarch fully coats the pork pieces (add more cornstarch if too thin, or water if too dry), then add 5ml oil and stir well before setting aside.","url":"https://cookbook.cn-trending.com/r/meat_dish_li-zhi-rou/#step-2","image":"https://media.githubusercontent.com/media/zkeq/vibe-cook-backend/dataset/images/steps/other_li-zhi-rou/step_2.jpg"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Prepare the Sweet-and-Sour Sauce","text":"In another bowl, combine ketchup, 3g chicken bouillon powder, 2ml light soy sauce, minced ginger, granulated sugar, 10g cornstarch, aged black vinegar, and 200ml cold water. Stir well and set aside.","url":"https://cookbook.cn-trending.com/r/meat_dish_li-zhi-rou/#step-3","image":"https://media.githubusercontent.com/media/zkeq/vibe-cook-backend/dataset/images/steps/other_li-zhi-rou/step_3.jpg"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Prepare the Pineapple","text":"Cut one pineapple into 6 pieces (each 1.5-2 cm).","url":"https://cookbook.cn-trending.com/r/meat_dish_li-zhi-rou/#step-4","image":"https://media.githubusercontent.com/media/zkeq/vibe-cook-backend/dataset/images/steps/other_li-zhi-rou/step_4.jpg"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Heat the Oil","text":"Heat the wok and pour in 500ml oil. Continue heating until you hear a sizzling sound.","url":"https://cookbook.cn-trending.com/r/meat_dish_li-zhi-rou/#step-5","image":"https://media.githubusercontent.com/media/zkeq/vibe-cook-backend/dataset/images/steps/other_li-zhi-rou/step_5.jpg"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"First Fry","text":"Add the pork pieces one at a time (do not pour the whole bowl in), making sure each piece is separated.","url":"https://cookbook.cn-trending.com/r/meat_dish_li-zhi-rou/#step-6","image":"https://media.githubusercontent.com/media/zkeq/vibe-cook-backend/dataset/images/steps/other_li-zhi-rou/step_6.jpg"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Turn and Shape","text":"After all the pork is in, use a spoon to turn the pieces over every 30 seconds until the surface turns golden.","url":"https://cookbook.cn-trending.com/r/meat_dish_li-zhi-rou/#step-7","image":"https://media.githubusercontent.com/media/zkeq/vibe-cook-backend/dataset/images/steps/other_li-zhi-rou/step_7.jpg"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Second Fry","text":"Remove the pork, wait one minute, then return it to the hot oil and fry until the surface turns deep golden brown. Remove and place in a large bowl.","url":"https://cookbook.cn-trending.com/r/meat_dish_li-zhi-rou/#step-8","image":"https://media.githubusercontent.com/media/zkeq/vibe-cook-backend/dataset/images/steps/other_li-zhi-rou/step_8.jpg"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Toss with Sauce","text":"Heat the wok, pour in the sauce, and after 30 seconds add the pork and pineapple pieces. Toss well and serve.","url":"https://cookbook.cn-trending.com/r/meat_dish_li-zhi-rou/#step-9","image":"https://media.githubusercontent.com/media/zkeq/vibe-cook-backend/dataset/images/steps/other_li-zhi-rou/step_9.jpg"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Garnish","text":"Sprinkle with sesame seeds.","url":"https://cookbook.cn-trending.com/r/meat_dish_li-zhi-rou/#step-10","image":"https://media.githubusercontent.com/media/zkeq/vibe-cook-backend/dataset/images/steps/other_li-zhi-rou/step_10.jpg"}],"mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://cookbook.cn-trending.com/r/meat_dish_li-zhi-rou/"}}
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://cookbook.cn-trending.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Meat","item":"https://cookbook.cn-trending.com/c/meat_dish/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Lychee Pork","item":"https://cookbook.cn-trending.com/r/meat_dish_li-zhi-rou/"}]}
```