Irresistible Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe

The aroma wafts through the air, a tantalizing blend of sweet and tangy delight that makes your mouth water. Picture this: tender pieces of pork bathed in a luscious sauce, bursting with vibrant colors from bell peppers and pineapple, all simmering together in perfect harmony. This Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork isn’t just food; it’s like a warm hug for your taste buds, ready to brighten up any dinner table. For more inspiration, check out this Crockpot chicken fajitas recipe.

Now, let’s set the scene. Imagine it’s a rainy Sunday afternoon, the kind where you need comfort food but also want an easy way out—enter this dish! Whether you’re hosting friends for a casual get-together or just treating yourself after a long week, this recipe promises to deliver an explosion of flavors that will leave you craving more. Get ready to dive into a world of juicy pork goodness!

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pork Shoulder: A great choice for slow cooking; it becomes incredibly tender and flavorful as it cooks.
• Bell Peppers: Use a mix of red, green, and yellow for a colorful presentation; they add crunch and sweetness.
• Pineapple Chunks: Fresh or canned pineapple adds that signature sweetness and balances out the savory flavors.
• Onion: A yellow onion works best here; it caramelizes beautifully during cooking and enhances the overall flavor.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic adds depth; minced garlic brings out rich flavors that pair perfectly with pork.

For the Sauce:

• Ketchup: The base for our sauce; its sweetness gives that classic sweet-and-sour profile we all love.
• Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels without compromising on flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness that balances nicely with the tanginess from vinegar and ketchup.
• Rice Vinegar: Provides that necessary tang; it’s essential for achieving the perfect sweet-and-sour taste balance.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Pork

Start by trimming excess fat from your pork shoulder and cutting it into bite-sized chunks. This step ensures even cooking and helps avoid an overly greasy dish.

Step 2: Chop Your Veggies

Slice up your bell peppers and onion into strips—don’t worry about being too precise! They’ll soften beautifully as they cook. Toss in those pineapple chunks too; they deserve some love!

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar until well combined. This mixture will be the magic potion transforming your ingredients into something spectacular.

Step 4: Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker

Layer your pork chunks at the bottom of your slow cooker first. Add in the chopped veggies followed by pouring your sauce over everything like you’re drenching them in a flavorful blanket.

Step 5: Set It & Forget It

Cover your slow cooker with a lid and set it on low heat for about six hours or high heat for three hours. Go take a nap or binge-watch your favorite show while it does its thing!

Step 6: Serve It Up

Once done cooking (your kitchen should smell divine!), shred any remaining chunks of pork if desired. Serve over fluffy rice or noodles, garnishing with sesame seeds or fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy!

Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy every bite of this delightful Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the pork to lock in those delicious juices. While that’s happening, chop up your veggies and mix your sweet and sour sauce. Then, let everything mingle in the slow cooker for a few hours until perfection is achieved.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the pork for chicken or tofu for a different twist. Add pineapple chunks for extra sweetness or toss in some bell peppers for crunch. Spice lovers might even want to sprinkle in some red pepper flakes!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to revive its sauciness.

Sometimes, I whip up this Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork when friends come over. Their smiles as they savor each bite remind me why I love cooking—it’s all about sharing joy! honey mustard potatoes.

FAQs

What ingredients do I need for Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork?

To prepare Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork, gather the following ingredients: pork tenderloin or shoulder, bell peppers, onions, pineapple chunks, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. savory chicken with carrots You may also want to add rice or noodles for serving. This recipe is versatile; feel free to include additional vegetables like carrots or snap peas for extra flavor and nutrition. For more inspiration, check out this smashed potatoes recipe recipe.

How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork?

Cooking Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork typically takes around 4 to 6 hours on low heat or 2 to 3 hours on high heat. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Ensure that the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F for safe consumption. After cooking, let it rest for a few minutes before serving for the best texture.

Can I make Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork ahead of time. Simply follow the recipe instructions up until the cooking stage, then store the uncooked ingredients in an airtight container in your refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, transfer everything to your slow cooker and set it according to your desired cooking time. This method saves time on busy days.

What side dishes pair well with Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork?

Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or fried rice as they soak up the delicious sauce. You can also serve it with noodles or even a fresh garden salad for a refreshing contrast. refreshing corn salad For a complete meal, consider adding spring rolls or dumplings as appetizers to complement this tasty dish.

Conclusion for Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork

In summary, Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork offers a delightful blend of flavors that is both easy to prepare and satisfying. By using simple ingredients like pork, bell peppers, and pineapple, you create a dish that’s perfect for any occasion. perfect side dish for pork With its convenient cooking method in a slow cooker, this recipe fits seamlessly into busy schedules while delivering great taste. Enjoy this flavorful meal with your favorite sides for a complete dining experience!

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Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork

Print Recipe

Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork is a vibrant dish that beautifully marries tender pork with a sweet and tangy sauce. This easy-to-make recipe features colorful bell peppers and juicy pineapple, creating a comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Serve it over fluffy rice or noodles, and watch as everyone comes back for seconds.

• Author: sofia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized chunks
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks in juice, drained
• 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup ketchup
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup rice vinegar

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pork: Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
2. Chop Your Veggies: Slice the bell peppers and onion; add pineapple chunks.
3. Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar.
4. Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker: Layer pork at the bottom, add veggies, then pour the sauce evenly over everything.
5. Set It & Forget It: Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
6. Serve It Up: Shred any large pork pieces if desired. Serve over rice or noodles with extra sauce.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 21g
• Sodium: 660mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: For added depth of flavor, consider searing the pork before adding it to the slow cooker. Swap out pork for chicken or tofu for variations. Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.