The aroma of Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork wafts through your home, instantly transporting you to a cozy kitchen filled with laughter and the promise of a satisfying meal. Creamy Dijon Sauce Chicken Imagine tender chunks of pork simmering in a vibrant sauce that dances between tangy and sweet, creating a flavor explosion that gets everyone excited for dinner. White Chicken Caprese Lasagna.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What cut of pork is best for Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork?
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- How long does it take to cook in a slow cooker?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This dish isn’t just food; it’s a memory-maker. Picture family gatherings where everyone reaches for seconds, the kids giggling as they pile their plates high. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive occasion, this recipe shines bright like your favorite karaoke performance—full of unexpected surprises and guaranteed satisfaction.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork is so easy to prepare; simply toss everything in and let the magic happen
- The flavor profile is a delightful blend of sweetness balanced by tangy undertones that will leave your taste buds dancing
- With its colorful ingredients, it’s not just delicious but also visually appealing on your dinner table
- This dish is versatile enough for family dinners or potlucks, making it perfect for any occasion
Every time I serve this dish, my friends’ eyes light up, and the compliments flow like wine at a wedding.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Pork Shoulder: Opt for boneless pork shoulder for tenderness; it’s the star of this slow-cooked masterpiece.
- Bell Peppers: Choose colorful bell peppers to add vibrancy and sweetness; they brighten up both flavor and appearance.
- Pineapple Chunks: Canned or fresh works! Pineapple adds that delightful sweetness you crave in sweet and sour dishes.
- Onion: A medium onion provides aromatic depth; chop it finely to ensure it blends beautifully into the sauce.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic brings an irresistible aroma; minced garlic is best for maximum flavor impact. Garlic Herb Roasted Chicken.
- Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness while still enhancing the savory notes of the dish.
- Brown Sugar: Sweetener with caramel notes that balances out tanginess—don’t skip this crucial ingredient! For more inspiration, check out this Caramel Coconut Cookies recipe.
- Rice Vinegar: This adds acidity; feel free to substitute with apple cider vinegar if needed.
- Ketchup: Yes, ketchup! It gives body to the sauce while adding that familiar sweet-tangy flavor we love.
- Cornstarch: For thickening the sauce at the end; it’s essential for achieving that luscious glaze.
- Water or Broth: Needed to create steam; use low-sodium broth for added flavor without overwhelming saltiness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by chopping your pork into bite-sized cubes. The goal is even cooking; no one wants chewy surprises here!
Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant. This step builds foundational flavors—your kitchen will smell divine! For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Butter Green Beans recipe.
Add Everything to the Slow Cooker: Place pork, sautéed onions, garlic, bell peppers, pineapple chunks, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, water or broth into your slow cooker.
Set It and Forget It: Cover with the lid and set your slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours. Go live your life while dinner cooks itself!
Create That Glaze: About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with water until smooth. Mexican Corn Dip Stir into the slow cooker so your sauce thickens beautifully.
Serve and Enjoy: Once done cooking, serve over fluffy rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions if you’re feeling fancy!
Now you have all the steps to create this mouthwatering Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork! Enjoy every savory bite while sharing stories around the table—it’s what good food is all about!
You Must Know
- This Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork recipe is a delightful way to enjoy tender, flavorful meat
- The sweet and tangy sauce complements the pork perfectly, creating a dish that’s both comforting and delicious
- Plus, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the pork in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker for extra flavor. This helps lock in juices and creates a rich base for your sweet and sour sauce.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize this dish! Swap out bell peppers for snap peas or add pineapple chunks to enhance the sweet aspect of your sauce.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to maintain texture and flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best results, always use fresh ingredients whenever possible
- Avoid overcooking the pork; it should be tender but not mushy
- Experiment with different vegetables to find your favorite combinations!
Sometimes I think my slow cooker is my best friend—especially when friends rave about this dish at dinner parties. Their smiles make all those hours spent perfecting it worth every minute!
FAQ
What cut of pork is best for Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork?
Pork shoulder or loin works best, ensuring tenderness after long cooking times.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
How long does it take to cook in a slow cooker?
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until tender.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork is a delightful dish that combines tender pork shoulder with a vibrant, tangy sauce. This easy-to-make recipe comes together effortlessly in your slow cooker, allowing you to enjoy flavorful bites of sweet pineapple and colorful bell peppers in every serving. Perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings, this meal is sure to bring smiles and compliments around the dinner table.
Ingredients
- 2 lb boneless pork shoulder, cubed
- 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), chopped
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- Chop the pork into bite-sized cubes for even cooking.
- Sauté onions and garlic in a skillet over medium heat until fragrant.
- Add pork, sautéed onions, garlic, bell peppers, pineapple, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, and broth to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce.
- Serve over rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds or green onions if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
