There’s something incredibly comforting about a dish that combines sweet and sour flavors, especially when it’s made in a slow cooker. The aroma fills your kitchen, teasing your taste buds and making your mouth water in anticipation. satisfying side dish Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork is not only delicious but also brings back memories of family gatherings where laughter and love were served alongside the food. crispy fried goat cheese. For more inspiration, check out this Orange Custard Squares recipe.
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>
- Can I use chicken instead of pork for this recipe?
- What sides pair well with Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork?
- How long does it take to cook in the slow cooker?
- 📖 Recipe Card
As I think back to those evenings spent around the dinner table, I can’t help but smile at the joy this dish has brought to my loved ones. It’s the perfect meal for busy weekdays or cozy weekends when you want to impress without breaking a sweat. The blend of tender pork, vibrant vegetables, and that irresistible sweet-sour sauce makes every bite an explosion of flavor. For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Butter Green Beans recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for any night of the week
- Its balance of sweetness and tanginess creates a flavor profile that’s sure to please everyone at the table
- With its colorful presentation, this dish looks as good as it tastes!
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with rice or noodles for a complete meal
I remember one time I made this dish for a potluck, and my friends went wild over it! Everyone wanted seconds—and then thirds.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: delicious appetizer option.
- Pork Shoulder: A well-marbled cut ensures tenderness; aim for about 2-3 pounds for maximum flavor.
- Bell Peppers: Use a mix of colors like red, green, and yellow for visual appeal.
- Pineapple Chunks: Fresh or canned works; they add sweetness and a tropical twist.
- Onion: A medium-sized onion enhances sweetness when caramelized; choose yellow or sweet onions.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings an aromatic depth; avoid pre-minced for best results.
- Brown Sugar: It adds richness to the sauce; dark brown sugar offers more molasses flavor.
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce balances the dish’s saltiness without overpowering it.
- Rice Vinegar: This vinegar’s tang cuts through sweetness; feel free to substitute with apple cider vinegar if needed.
- Ketchup: Yes, ketchup! It gives that quintessential sweet-sour flavor we all crave in this dish.
- Cornstarch: Used for thickening the sauce towards the end; keep some on hand!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Pork: First things first—cut your pork shoulder into 1-inch cubes for even cooking. This also helps absorb all that delicious marinade.
Sauté Your Aromatics: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add some oil and sauté chopped onions until they’re translucent and release their sweet aroma—about 5 minutes should do it.
Add Sauce Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, garlic, rice vinegar, and a splash of pineapple juice from your can—because why not?
Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker: Toss your cubed pork into the slow cooker along with bell peppers and pineapple chunks. Pour your prepared sauce over everything, mixing gently—no one likes a dry piece of pork!
Slow Cook Away!: Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours. Just let that magic happen while you binge-watch your favorite show!
Thicken That Sauce!: About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with water until dissolved. Stir this into your slow cooker for a thicker consistency that clings lovingly to each piece of pork.
Enjoy this delightful dish over steamed rice or noodles to soak up every last drop of that heavenly sauce!
Now you’re ready to serve up some smiles along with your Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork!
You Must Know
- This Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork is a flavor-packed dish that’s a hit with everyone
- The tender meat and vibrant sauce create a delightful meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the pork in a pan, then transfer it to the slow cooker with your sauce ingredients. This step enhances flavor and texture while keeping things efficient.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies like bell peppers or pineapple chunks. Adding some chili flakes can also give it an extra kick if you’re feeling adventurous.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover sweet and sour pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on low heat on the stovetop until warmed through, preserving its delicious flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh ingredients for better flavor; they make a noticeable difference!
- Don’t skip browning the pork; this adds depth
- Always taste before serving; adjusting seasoning can elevate your dish greatly
Cooking this dish reminds me of my cousin’s birthday party when I first tried it. Everyone was raving about how delicious it was, and I couldn’t help but feel proud!
FAQ
Can I use chicken instead of pork for this recipe?
Yes, chicken works well, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
What sides pair well with Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork?
Serve it with rice or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
How long does it take to cook in the slow cooker?
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours for best results.
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 approximately 6
Description
Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork is a comforting dish that combines tender pork with vibrant vegetables, all enveloped in a tangy-sweet sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, this easy-to-make recipe fills your home with mouthwatering aromas. Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and let them blend together into a delightful meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped (mixed colors)
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Begin by browning the pork in a skillet over medium heat for enhanced flavor; then transfer to the slow cooker.
- Sauté the chopped onions in the same skillet until translucent (about 5 minutes) and add to the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, garlic, rice vinegar, and a splash of pineapple juice; pour over the pork and vegetables.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with water and stir into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 352
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 482mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
