Best 10 Authentic Sweet And Sour Pork Recipes

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Craving a delightful culinary adventure that tantalizes your taste buds? Look no further! Embark on a journey to discover the secrets of preparing the authentic sweet and sour pork, a classic dish that has captivated hearts and stomachs worldwide. In this ultimate guide, we will unravel the intricacies of this beloved recipe, ensuring you master the art of creating a flavorsome and unforgettable dish. From selecting the finest ingredients to understanding the delicate balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors, we will provide you with all the necessary knowledge and techniques to achieve perfection in every bite. Prepare to tantalize your senses and elevate your cooking skills as we delve into the delectable world of authentic sweet and sour pork.

Here are our top 10 tried and tested recipes!

SWEET AND SOUR PORK



Sweet and Sour Pork image

Sweet and sour pork is one of the most popular Chinese restaurant dishes ever, but as with most classics, it's hard to find a go-to recipe. Look no further!

Provided by Bill

Categories     Pork

Time 1h15m

Number Of Ingredients 24

1 pound pork shoulder or pork tenderloin ((cut into bite-sized pieces))
2 tablespoons water
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon oil
2 slices ginger ((smashed))
1 star anise
¼ cup tomato ketchup
1½ cups white vinegar ((5% acidity or less))
½ cup sugar
3 cups canola oil ((for frying))
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup cornstarch
¼ teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 egg ((beaten))
1 tablespoon oil
1/2 green bell pepper ((cut into 1½-inch square pieces))
1/2 red pepper ((cut into 1½-inch square pieces))
1/2 onion ((cut into 1½-inch square pieces))
8 ounce can of pineapple chunks ((you'll use the juices from the can for the sauce))
2 teaspoons cornstarch ((mixed into a slurry with 2 teaspoons water))

Steps:

  • Add the marinade ingredients to the pork, and mix everything together until there is no visible liquid. Set aside for 30 minutes.
  • Next, make the sauce. Add 1 teaspoon of oil, ginger slices, and star anise to a small saucepan over medium heat, and cook until the ginger starts to caramelize (about 1 minute). Next, add the ketchup. When that starts to sizzle, stir constantly until the ketchup starts to caramelize (about 2 minutes). Take care not to burn the aromatics and ketchup--this step is essential to give the sauce a deeper, more complex flavor.
  • Next, add the white vinegar, sugar, and the juice from the canned pineapple. Stir until the mixture starts to simmer, and the sugar is dissolved. Turn to the lowest heat and let the sauce simmer and reduce until the sauce just starts to coat a spoon (about 30 minutes). The sauce needs this time for the flavors to meld. The sauce can be cooled and stored at this time, and you can double or triple the amount and store the sauce away in the refrigerator for future meals.
  • Heat 3 cups of oil to 350F in a small pot for frying. Using a small pot and frying in batches leaves you with less leftover oil to deal with. Always let the oil cool completely and use a fine mesh strainer to strain the oil before storing in the refrigerator.
  • Mix together the dredging ingredients (flour, cornstarch, salt and pepper) in a shallow dish. Dredge the pork pieces in the flour mixture, dip into the egg, and then dredge with the flour again.
  • Fry the pieces in batches for about 2 to 3 minutes, or when they just start to get golden brown. Remove them from the oil and transfer to a sheet pan with a slotted spoon or spider.
  • Once you're ready to combine everything, refry the pork in batches to crisp up the coating. That's right, they're going to fry for a second time--this prevents the pork from getting too soggy when added to the sauce.
  • To a clean wok, add 1 tablespoon oil, the bell peppers, and onions. Stir-fry for 30 seconds, and add the sauce and the pineapple. Bring the mixture to a simmer to further thicken the sauce. At this time, you will likely need to add some cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce further. Add half first and stir for 15 seconds; then decide if you need more. Remember the sauce will thicken more as it cools in the plate, so add only as much as you need.
  • I have to add another note to this recipe that this sauce is very sweet and very pungent! So at this point, you must taste the sauce and add water to it if it is too strong and by that, I mean too sweet or too sour. Once you have it adjusted to your taste and the desired thickness, especially if you added more water, then go ahead to the next step and add the pork.
  • Next, add your crispy pork to the sauce, and toss until the pieces are well-coated. Serve immediately!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 458 kcal, Carbohydrate 42 g, Protein 12 g, Fat 26 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Cholesterol 58 mg, Sodium 293 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 26 g, ServingSize 1 serving

SWEET AND SOUR PORK RECIPE BY TASTY



Sweet And Sour Pork Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: pork, salt, corn flour, egg, corn flour, oil, oil, garlic, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, pineapple, white caster sugar, rice vinegar, ketchup

Provided by Evelyn Liu

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 2 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

½ lb pork, chopped into bite size pieces
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon corn flour
1 egg
1 cup corn flour
2 ½ cups oil
2 tablespoons oil
2 teaspoons garlic, crushed
½ green bell pepper, chopped
½ red bell pepper, chopped
⅔ cup pineapple
¼ cup white caster sugar
¼ cup rice vinegar
2 tablespoons ketchup

Steps:

  • In a bowl, combine all marinade ingredients with the pork. Cover and leave to marinade in the fridge 20 minutes.
  • Place the corn flour in a large bowl and toss the marinated pork chunks until liberally coated.
  • In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the oil to 350˚F (180°C).
  • Deep fry the pork pieces for about 3-4 minutes until the coating is golden brown and the pork is cooked throughout. Set aside.
  • For the sauce, place a frying pan over a medium heat and add the oil.
  • Sauté the garlic until fragrant, then fry the peppers until soften.
  • Add in the pineapple and warm thorough.
  • Add the sugar, vinegar, and ketchup, stir. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  • Add the pork to the frying pan and coat everything evenly with the sauce.
  • Serve top with sesame seeds.
  • Nutrition Calories: 2299 Fat: 220 grams Carbs: 55 grams Fiber: 3 grams Sugars: 44 grams Protein: 35 grams
  • Enjoy!

SWEET AND SOUR PORK



Sweet and Sour Pork image

This recipe was given to my wife in Seattle by a friend. My wife told her, I don't read chinese so her daughter translated it for us. It's authentic and it's delicious. LR Beckwith

Provided by LR Beckwith

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 45m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 lb pork tenderloin
2 green peppers
4 slices pineapple (or 1 cup Cantonese pickles)
6 cups peanut oil (6 cups)
1/2 teaspoon salt (to marinate pork)
1/2 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon cold water
1 egg yolk
3 tablespoons vinegar (Seasoning Sauce)
4 tablespoons sugar
4 tablespoons tomato catsup
4 tablespoons cold water
3 teaspoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sesame oil
3 tablespoons cornstarch

Steps:

  • Pound pork with the back of a cleaver (this is to tenderize the pork), and then cut into 1-inch squares.
  • Soak with marinade for at least half an hour.
  • Cut green pepper into halves, remove seeds and membrane, and cut into 1" squares.
  • Next cut 4 slices of pineapple into the same size squares.
  • Set aside.
  • Heat 6 cups oil.
  • While oil is heating, coat each piece of pork in cornstarch.
  • When oil is ready, fry pork until brown and done (about 2 minutes), take out, reheat oil then fry once more until crispy.
  • Remove pork and drain off oil from frying pan.
  • Put back into frying pan 2 T.
  • of oil; fry the green pepper and pineapple, stirring constantly.
  • Add the seasoning sauce continuing to stir fry, until thickened.
  • Turn off the heat.
  • Add the pork, mix well and serve immediately.
  • Serve over rice!

SWEET AND SOUR PORK



Sweet and Sour Pork image

Recipe video above. The best ever Sweet and Sour Pork recipe is loaded with tricks the Chinese have been using for centuries: double dredgeand double fry for extra crispy, cornflour instead of flour, economical pork used for juiciness, but tenderised with baking soda so you'd swear they're pricey chops, and a sauce that's not sickeningly sweet. Don't let the list of ingredients daunt you. There's a lot of repeat ingredients!OVEN option provided in notes. Because sometimes, you just have to....

Provided by Nagi

Categories     Mains

Number Of Ingredients 26

400g/14oz pork scotch roast (aka pork neck, collar butt) or shoulder / butt, (cut into 2cm / 4/5" cubes (Note 1))
1/2 onion (, finely grated (Note 2a))
1 tsp garlic (, finely grated (Note 2a))
1 tsp ginger (, finely grated (Note 2a))
3/8 tsp baking soda (bi-carb) ((Note 2b))
2 tsp cornflour/cornstarch
2 tbsp light soy sauce (, or all purpose (Note 3))
5 tbsp cornflour/cornstarch ( - for mixing in)
1/2 cup cornflour/cornstarch ( - for Coating)
2 - 3 cups vegetable or canola oil
1/3 cup white sugar
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar ((or 1/4 cup normal white vinegar))
3 tbsp pineapple juice ((from a 227g/8oz can pineapple pieces in juice, preferably no added sugar, Note 4))
3 tbsp ketchup ((or Aussie tomato sauce))
1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce (, light)
1 tsp Oyster Sauce ((Note 5))
4 tsp cornflour/corn starch
1/2 cup water
1 tbsp oil
1 garlic clove (, finely chopped)
2 tsp ginger (, finely chopped)
1 onion ((medium), cut into 2.5cm/ 1" cubes (brown, white, yellow))
1/2 red capsicum/bell pepper ((large), cut into 2.5cm / 1" cubes)
1/2 green capsicum/bell pepper ((large), cut into 2.5cm / 1" cubes)
1 cup pineapple pieces ((from the can of pineapple under Sauce))

Steps:

  • Mix Pork with Marinade. Marinade 18 to 24 hours. (See Note 1 for marinating time for other cuts)
  • Rack & warm oven: Preheat oven to 80°C/175°F and place rack on tray - to keep pork warm.
  • Sauce: Place all Sauce ingredients EXCEPT water in a large jug or small bowl. Mix until combined, then mix in water.
  • Be Stir Fry Ready: Have all ingredients lined up, ready to toss in. After Fry #2, things move quickly.
  • Coating #1: Mix 5 tablespoons cornflour into the pork and leave for 5 minutes. At first, it will be white from the cornflour, but after a while it will sweat and make the cornflour (mostly / partially) wet, and will be sticky (this is key for coating to stick).
  • Coating #2: Spread 1/2 cup cornflour in a shallow bowl. Coat pork, shaking off excess, and pile onto a plate.
  • Reserve cornflour in case you need to dust again just prior to frying. Pork should be at least half white when you put it into the oil (if not, just sprinkle with reserved cornflour).
  • Heat oil: Pour enough oil into a large saucepan or small pot so it's 2.5cm / 1" deep. Heat to 180°C/350°F (or until pork immediately starts sizzling when you dip it in).
  • Fry #1: Cook pork in batches, being sure not to crowd the pot, for 3 minutes until golden. Drain on rack. This step is just to cook the pork. It takes me 4 batches.
  • Fry #2: Turn the stove up slightly and heat oil to 200°C/390°F. Starting with the coolest pork, add half the pork (you can crowd the pot) and cook for 1 1/2 minutes, or until pork is deep golden brown and crispy. Transfer to rack, repeat with remaining pork - I do 2 batches.
  • Keep warm in oven.
  • Heat oil in a very large skillet over high heat.
  • Add garlic, ginger and onion, stir for 1 1/2 minutes. Add capsicum and stir for 2 minutes.
  • Add Sauce & pinapple, then let it come to a rapid simmer. Simmer for 2 minutes until it thickens - when you drag the spoon across the base, a path should briefly appear (see video at 1 min 53 s).
  • 10 second toss: Add pork, then QUICKLY toss to coat - aim for 10 seconds!
  • Serve asap! Pour onto serving plate, serve immediately! Will stay crispy for around 5 minutes then starts softening but still has a solid coating. This is just the reality of Sweet and Sour Pork, even at restaurants!

AUTHENTIC SWEET AND SOUR PORK



Authentic Sweet and Sour Pork image

This popular dish originates from Sichuan. The pork is crispy on the outside and succulent on the inside. The sauce has the perfect balance of sweet and sour. Serve with rice, if desired.

Provided by Chelsea

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     Asian     Chinese

Time 1h5m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 14

8 ounces pork loin
1 teaspoon rice wine
⅔ teaspoon salt, divided
1 pinch monosodium glutamate (MSG)
½ cup chicken stock
¼ cup cornstarch, divided
2 ½ tablespoons white sugar
2 tablespoons vinegar
⅔ teaspoon soy sauce
2 eggs
1 ¼ cups vegetable oil for frying
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (3/4 inch thick) slice ginger, minced
4 spring onions, finely chopped

Steps:

  • Pound pork to 1/3-inch thickness using a meat mallet. Slice into 1 1/2-inch strips.
  • Combine pork strips, rice wine, 1/3 teaspoon salt, and monosodium glutamate in a bowl. Marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  • Mix remaining 1/3 teaspoon salt, chicken stock, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce in a bowl to make sauce.
  • Beat eggs with remaining 3 tablespoons cornstarch in a bowl until smooth. Add pork strips; stir to coat.
  • Heat oil in a wok or large saucepan to 280 degrees F (140 degrees C). Add pork strips one at a time to the hot oil. Cook until lightly golden, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate with a slotted spoon.
  • Heat oil to 340 degrees F (170 degrees C). Return pork to the hot oil. Cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a serving plate with the slotted spoon.
  • Drain all but 2 tablespoons oil from the wok. Cook and stir garlic and ginger in the hot oil until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add sauce and spring onions; cook and stir until sauce begins to thicken, 4 to 5 minutes. Pour sauce over the pork on the serving plate.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 434.7 calories, Carbohydrate 35.2 g, Cholesterol 235.1 mg, Fat 21.1 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 25 g, SaturatedFat 4.1 g, Sodium 1223.7 mg, Sugar 16.9 g

SWEET AND SOUR PORK



Sweet and Sour Pork image

Provided by Alton Brown

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h12m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 20

2/3 cup soy sauce
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon minced ginger
1/4 cup flour, plus seasoned flour for dredging
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 pound pork butt, cut into 1-inch cubes
Kosher salt and pepper
Vegetable oil, for frying
1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 ounce honey
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
1/3 cup large diced Vidalia onion
1/3 cup large diced celery
1/3 cup carrots sliced 1/4-inch thick, on a bias
1/3 cup large diced red bell pepper
1/3 cup large diced green bell pepper
1 cup fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch cubes

Steps:

  • In a large non-reactive bowl, combine soy, garlic, ginger, flour, and cornstarch. Season the pork generously with salt and pepper. Place the pork in the bowl and toss to cover. Marinate in the refrigerator overnight.
  • Drain off any excess marinade and dredge the pork in flour seasoned with salt and pepper. In a large frying pan heat 1-inch of oil to 350 degrees F. Fry the pork in batches, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Reserve on a warm plate.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the ketchup, sugar, vinegar, and honey. Whisk to blend.
  • In a small roasting pan heat the canola and sesame oils. Place the pork and vegetables into the pan and cover with the ketchup mixture. Bring to a simmer and cook until the pork is tender.

SWEET AND SOUR PORK



Sweet and Sour Pork image

Pork is stir-fried with peppers, carrots, onions and pineapple in this version of the classic dish. Easy to make, and delicious.

Provided by Kikkoman

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     Kikkoman

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon Kikkoman Soy Sauce
1 pound boneless pork, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 carrots, thinly sliced
1 onion, chunked
1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares
1 cup Kikkoman Sweet & Sour Sauce
1 (8 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained

Steps:

  • Blend cornstarch and soy sauce in small bowl; stir in pork until well coated.
  • Brown pork in hot oil in Dutch oven or large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in 1/4 cup water. Cover and simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Stir carrots, onion, bell pepper and sweet & sour sauce into pork mixture. Simmer, covered, 10 minutes longer, stirring frequently.
  • Add pineapple chunks; cook and stir only until pineapple is heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 366.3 calories, Carbohydrate 36.1 g, Cholesterol 53.6 mg, Fat 16.1 g, Fiber 2.5 g, Protein 19.9 g, SaturatedFat 4.5 g, Sodium 669.7 mg, Sugar 25.8 g

SWEET-AND-SOUR PORK



Sweet-and-Sour Pork image

After my sister moved away to the university, I used to visit her on weekends. She often made this wonderful and tangy pork dish. Now, every time I make it for my family, it reminds me of those special visits. Everyone who tries it loves it. -Cherry Williams, St. Albert, Alberta

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 can (14 ounces) pineapple tidbits
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/3 cup water
1/3 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons white vinegar
2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 pound pork tenderloin, cut into 1-1/2-inch x 1/4-inch strips
1 medium onion, chopped
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 green pepper, cut into thin strips
Hot cooked rice
Sesame seeds, optional

Steps:

  • Drain pineapple, reserving juice; set aside. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch, brown sugar, salt, ginger and pepper. Stir in the water, ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce and reserved juice until smooth., In a large skillet or wok, stir-fry pork and onion in oil for 4-8 minutes or until tender. Stir pineapple juice mixture; add to skillet. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened., Add green pepper and reserved pineapple. Reduce heat; cover and cook for 5 minutes. Serve with rice and if desired, sesame seeds.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 333 calories, Fat 11g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 63mg cholesterol, Sodium 1190mg sodium, Carbohydrate 35g carbohydrate (24g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 25g protein.

EASY SWEET AND SOUR PORK



Easy Sweet and Sour Pork image

This is a quick-and-easy recipe - and it comes in mighty handy at the end of a busy work day! I enjoy collecting cookbooks and am always looking for new ideas. I found this one in a magazine, and my family really liked it.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 can (20 ounces) pineapple chunks in natural juices, liquid drained and reserved
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon vinegar
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 pound boneless pork loin, cut into thin strips
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon ground ginger
2 medium carrots, sliced thin
1 medium onion, cut into wedges
1 green or sweet red pepper, sliced thin
2 cups snow peas, trimmed

Steps:

  • Combine 3 tablespoons reserved pineapple juice with water, cornstarch, soy sauce, vinegar and pepper flakes. Set aside. , In a skillet or wok, heat oil on high. Stir-fry pork until it is no longer pink. Add garlic and ginger; cook 1 minute. Add carrots and onion; continue to stir-fry until tender, about 3 minutes. Add pepper, snow peas, pineapple and soy sauce mixture that has been stirred. Cook until sauce thickens. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts :

TASTES AUTHENTIC SWEET AND SOUR PORK



Tastes Authentic Sweet and Sour Pork image

This sauce is as good as any Sweet and Sour sauce I have ever had in any Chinese restaurant. This recipe works wonderfully with leftover pork roast and I once prepared shrimp using this recipe and it was great. Sometimes I make the sauce alone to use with frozen eggrolls for a really easy meal. I love sweet and sour dishes and this is the best one I have found as well as being very easy to prepare from ingredients on hand. (Prep time includes time needed to let meat sit, which is key to this recipe)

Provided by TPubmgjbd

Categories     Pork

Time 1h

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 lbs pork, cut into 3/4 inch cubes (I always use leftover pork roast that is already cooked)
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon Accent seasoning
2 teaspoons soy sauce
4 tablespoons cornstarch
cracker meal (place saltines in a resealable plastic bag and pound them with a meat mallet)
1/2 cup white vinegar (I use just slightly less than 1/2 cup)
1/2 cup tomato catsup
1/2 cup water
4 dashes Tabasco sauce
10 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 pinches salt
2 green peppers, coarsely chopped (I often leave these out entirely as I'm not a big pepper fan)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
4 tablespoons water
1 1/2 cups pineapple chunks, drained well

Steps:

  • Remove excess fat from pork and cut into cubes.
  • Combine: eggs, 1/2 tsp salt, Accent, 2 tsp soy sauce and 4 T cornstarch.
  • Place pork into egg mixture and coat well.
  • Roll pork in cracker crumbs and let sit 1/2 hour (it is important to let the pork set for 1/2 hour before cooking).
  • Deep fry the pork and drain on paper towels.
  • Prepare sauce: Combine vinegar, catsup, water, Tabasco, sugar, Worchestershire and 2 pinches salt in a large saucepan.
  • Bring to a slow boil then simmer for about 1 minute.
  • Keep heat at medium to medium-high.
  • Add green peppers to sauce and cook for about 30 seconds.
  • Combine water and cornstarch then add mixture to sauce, stirring well.
  • Add pineapple and pork to sauce and stir, cooking for about 30 seconds until evenly mixed and thick.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 791.9, Fat 24.7, SaturatedFat 8.6, Cholesterol 300.7, Sodium 1074.5, Carbohydrate 68.6, Fiber 2, Sugar 53.9, Protein 71.3

Tips:

  • To make the perfect sweet and sour sauce, use a combination of ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar. The key is to find the right balance of sweetness, sourness, and saltiness.
  • Use fresh pineapple, green bell pepper, and onion for the best flavor. If you don't have fresh pineapple, you can use canned pineapple, but be sure to drain it well.
  • For a crispy pork coating, use a light batter made with flour, cornstarch, and eggs. Be sure to coat the pork evenly and fry it in hot oil until it is golden brown.
  • Serve the sweet and sour pork with rice or noodles. You can also garnish it with green onions, sesame seeds, or crushed peanuts.

Conclusion:

Sweet and sour pork is a classic Chinese dish that is loved by people of all ages. It is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. With a little bit of planning, you can make this dish at home in no time. So next time you are looking for a tasty and satisfying meal, give sweet and sour pork a try. You won't be disappointed!

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