Introduction
Craving a vibrant, Asian-inspired dish that’s bursting with sweet-tangy flavors? Look no further than Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork! This delightful recipe combines tender pork tenderloin with juicy pineapple, crisp bell peppers, and a glossy sweet-and-sour sauce, all effortlessly cooked in a slow cooker. The balance of soy sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar creates a restaurant-quality dish with minimal prep. Ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of this classic takeout favorite? Let’s dive into this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s perfect for any occasion!
Overview: Why Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork is a Must-Try
Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork is a colorful, flavorful dish that blends tender pork with a sticky, sweet-and-sour sauce, complemented by pineapple and vegetables. The slow cooker ensures the pork becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender while absorbing the vibrant flavors, making it a versatile meal that’s perfect over rice or as part of a larger spread. It’s a family-friendly dish with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes.
- Time Requirement: 15 minutes prep, 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high, plus 5 minutes for serving.
- Difficulty Level: Super easy! It’s a “combine and cook” recipe, ideal for beginners or busy cooks.
- Why It’s Special: This dish is high in protein, budget-friendly, and packed with vibrant flavors. The slow cooker makes it hands-off, and the pineapple adds a tropical twist that elevates the classic sweet-and-sour profile.
This recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings. It’s takeout-style comfort food made simple at home!
Essential Ingredients
The magic of Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork comes from its bold, balanced ingredients. Each one adds flavor, texture, or sweetness to create a harmonious dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Pork Tenderloin (1.5 lbs, cut into bite-sized pieces): Lean and tender, perfect for slow cooking.
- Substitution: Pork shoulder (fattier but flavorful), chicken breast, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Pineapple Chunks (1 cup, fresh or canned): Adds sweet, tropical juiciness.
- Substitution: Mango chunks or peaches (fresh or canned, drained).
- Bell Pepper (1, chopped): Brings sweet crunch and color (any color works).
- Substitution: Poblano peppers for mild heat or extra carrots.
- Onion (1, chopped): Provides savory depth.
- Substitution: Shallots, red onion, or 1 tsp onion powder.
- Soy Sauce (½ cup): Adds salty, umami richness.
- Substitution: Tamari (gluten-free), coconut aminos, or low-sodium soy sauce.
- Ketchup (½ cup): Contributes tangy, sweet flavor to the sauce.
- Substitution: Tomato paste (¼ cup) with 1 tbsp sugar and 1 tbsp vinegar.
- Brown Sugar (¼ cup): Enhances sweetness and helps create a glossy sauce.
- Substitution: Honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth.
- Substitution: ½ tsp garlic powder if fresh isn’t available.
- Ginger (1 tsp, grated): Adds zesty, spicy depth.
- Substitution: ½ tsp ground ginger or 1 tbsp minced fresh galangal.
- Cooked Rice (for serving): Soaks up the flavorful sauce.
- Substitution: Jasmine rice, brown rice, quinoa, or noodles.
Why They’re Important: The pork is the hearty base, pineapple and bell peppers add vibrant texture, and the sauce ingredients (soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar) create the signature sweet-and-sour flavor. Garlic and ginger elevate the dish with aromatic depth, and rice completes it as a satisfying meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork is incredibly simple—just combine the ingredients and let the slow cooker do the work. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
- In the slow cooker, add 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin (cut into bite-sized pieces), 1 cup pineapple chunks, 1 chopped bell pepper, 1 chopped onion, ½ cup soy sauce, ½ cup ketchup, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp grated ginger.
- Stir gently to combine, ensuring the pork and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce ingredients.
- Tip: Cut pork into uniform 1-inch pieces for even cooking, and drain canned pineapple if using to avoid excess liquid.
Step 2: Cook
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the pork is tender and cooked through (internal temperature of 145°F/63°C for pork).
- Check at the lower end of the time range to avoid overcooking; the pork should be tender but not dry, and the vegetables should be soft but not mushy.
- Tip: Stir halfway through if possible to ensure even flavor distribution, but avoid lifting the lid too often. If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and stir in during the last 15 minutes on high to thicken.
Step 3: Serve
- Stir the mixture to blend the flavors and check the consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra soy sauce or brown sugar if needed.
- Serve hot over cooked rice, ensuring a mix of pork, pineapple, vegetables, and sauce in each portion.
- Tip: Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a polished, restaurant-style finish.
Assembly: Serving Your Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork
Now it’s time to plate this vibrant, flavorful dish and make it look as good as it tastes! Here’s how to assemble Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork:
- Serve the Pork: Spoon a portion of cooked rice into shallow bowls or plates, creating a fluffy base. Ladle the sweet and sour pork over the top, ensuring a mix of pork, pineapple, bell peppers, onions, and sauce.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. A drizzle of extra soy sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a festive touch.
- Presentation Tip: Use white or colorful bowls to highlight the glossy sauce and vibrant vegetables. A pineapple slice or a sprig of cilantro makes it Instagram-worthy.
- Optional Sides: Pair with steamed broccoli, fried rice, or egg rolls for a complete Asian-inspired meal. A chilled iced tea or ginger ale complements the sweet-tangy flavors.
- Optional Add-Ins: Offer chopped peanuts, Sriracha, or extra pineapple chunks on the side for customization.
Pro Tip: Serve family-style by placing the sweet and sour pork in a large serving bowl with a ladle, alongside a bowl of rice and small dishes of garnishes, letting everyone help themselves—it’s a fun, communal way to enjoy this dish!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork is perfect for leftovers or meal prep, as the flavors deepen over time. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Storing Leftovers:
- Let the pork and sauce cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store rice separately to maintain texture.
- Reheat in the microwave (1-2 minutes, stirring with a splash of water or broth) or on the stovetop over low heat to restore juiciness.
- Make-Ahead Tips:
- Ingredients: Chop bell pepper, onion, and garlic, and cut pork up to 2 days ahead; store in the fridge. Mix sauce ingredients (soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, ginger) separately and refrigerate.
- Assembly: Layer all ingredients in the slow cooker insert up to 24 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Start cooking when ready.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked pork and sauce (without rice) in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently, adding a splash of broth or soy sauce if needed.
- Rice: Cook rice fresh for the best texture, or store cooked rice in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water to restore fluffiness.
Tip: Use leftovers in stir-fries, as a filling for lettuce wraps, or over noodles with extra veggies for a quick, flavorful meal.
Recipe Variations
Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork is super versatile—here are some fun ways to mix it up:
- Spicy Version: Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes, a sliced fresh chili, or a drizzle of Sriracha for extra heat.
- Veggie Boost: Include carrots, snap peas, or water chestnuts with the bell peppers for more crunch and variety.
- Protein Swap: Replace pork with chicken thighs, shrimp (add in the last 15 minutes), or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Tangy Twist: Add 2 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar to the sauce for a sharper, more tangy flavor.
- Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of rice for a keto-friendly version.
- Fruit Swap: Use mango or orange segments instead of pineapple for a different sweet-tart profile.
Get creative and make it your own—this recipe loves a little experimentation!
Conclusion
You’re now ready to make Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork that’ll bring bold, Asian-inspired flavors to your table! This dish is all about tender pork, vibrant pineapple, and a sticky sweet-and-sour sauce, made effortless by the slow cooker. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or meal-prepping for the week, it’s sure to be a hit. So grab your slow cooker, chop that pork, and let the kitchen fill with the irresistible aroma of this takeout classic. Play with garnishes, try new sides, and enjoy every sweet, tangy bite. Happy cooking!
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Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork
Description
Craving a vibrant, Asian-inspired dish that’s bursting with sweet-tangy flavors? Look no further than Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork! This delightful recipe combines tender pork tenderloin with juicy pineapple, crisp bell peppers, and a glossy sweet-and-sour sauce, all effortlessly cooked in a slow cooker. The balance of soy sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar creates a restaurant-quality dish with minimal prep
Ingredients
-
Pork Tenderloin (1.5 lbs, cut into bite-sized pieces): Lean and tender, perfect for slow cooking.
-
Substitution: Pork shoulder (fattier but flavorful), chicken breast, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
-
-
Pineapple Chunks (1 cup, fresh or canned): Adds sweet, tropical juiciness.
-
Substitution: Mango chunks or peaches (fresh or canned, drained).
-
-
Bell Pepper (1, chopped): Brings sweet crunch and color (any color works).
-
Substitution: Poblano peppers for mild heat or extra carrots.
-
-
Onion (1, chopped): Provides savory depth.
-
Substitution: Shallots, red onion, or 1 tsp onion powder.
-
-
Soy Sauce (½ cup): Adds salty, umami richness.
-
Substitution: Tamari (gluten-free), coconut aminos, or low-sodium soy sauce.
-
-
Ketchup (½ cup): Contributes tangy, sweet flavor to the sauce.
-
Substitution: Tomato paste (¼ cup) with 1 tbsp sugar and 1 tbsp vinegar.
-
-
Brown Sugar (¼ cup): Enhances sweetness and helps create a glossy sauce.
-
Substitution: Honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar.
-
-
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth.
-
Substitution: ½ tsp garlic powder if fresh isn’t available.
-
-
Ginger (1 tsp, grated): Adds zesty, spicy depth.
-
Substitution: ½ tsp ground ginger or 1 tbsp minced fresh galangal.
-
-
Cooked Rice (for serving): Soaks up the flavorful sauce.
-
Substitution: Jasmine rice, brown rice, quinoa, or noodles.
-
Why They’re Important: The pork is the hearty base, pineapple and bell peppers add vibrant texture, and the sauce ingredients (soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar) create the signature sweet-and-sour flavor. Garlic and ginger elevate the dish with aromatic depth, and rice completes it as a satisfying meal.
Instructions
Step 1: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
-
In the slow cooker, add 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin (cut into bite-sized pieces), 1 cup pineapple chunks, 1 chopped bell pepper, 1 chopped onion, ½ cup soy sauce, ½ cup ketchup, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp grated ginger.
-
Stir gently to combine, ensuring the pork and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce ingredients.
-
Tip: Cut pork into uniform 1-inch pieces for even cooking, and drain canned pineapple if using to avoid excess liquid.
-
Step 2: Cook
-
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the pork is tender and cooked through (internal temperature of 145°F/63°C for pork).
-
Check at the lower end of the time range to avoid overcooking; the pork should be tender but not dry, and the vegetables should be soft but not mushy.
-
Tip: Stir halfway through if possible to ensure even flavor distribution, but avoid lifting the lid too often. If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and stir in during the last 15 minutes on high to thicken.
-
Step 3: Serve
-
Stir the mixture to blend the flavors and check the consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra soy sauce or brown sugar if needed.
-
Serve hot over cooked rice, ensuring a mix of pork, pineapple, vegetables, and sauce in each portion.
-
Tip: Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a polished, restaurant-style finish
-
FAQs
Q: Can I use pork shoulder instead of tenderloin?
A: Yes! Pork shoulder is fattier and may need slight trimming but becomes very tender. Cook for the same time, checking for tenderness.
Q: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
A: Absolutely! Fresh pineapple adds a brighter flavor. Use 1 cup chopped pineapple and include any juices for extra sweetness.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: It can be! Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and check that your ketchup is gluten-free. Serve with rice or gluten-free noodles.
Q: Can I cook this on the stovetop?
A: Yes! Sauté pork, onion, bell pepper, garlic, and ginger in a large skillet, add remaining ingredients, and simmer on low for 25-30 minutes until pork is tender.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes! Freeze the pork and sauce for up to 3 months in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently, adding a splash of broth or soy sauce if needed.
Q: What’s the best way to serve this for a crowd?
A: Serve the sweet and sour pork warm in a large bowl with a ladle, alongside a bowl of rice and garnishes like green onions or sesame seeds. Let guests serve themselves for a fun, communal meal.