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
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Pork Tenderloin (1.5 lbs, cut into bite-sized pieces): Lean and tender, perfect for slow cooking.
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Substitution: Pork shoulder (fattier but flavorful), chicken breast, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
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Pineapple Chunks (1 cup, fresh or canned): Adds sweet, tropical juiciness.
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Substitution: Mango chunks or peaches (fresh or canned, drained).
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Bell Pepper (1, chopped): Brings sweet crunch and color (any color works).
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Substitution: Poblano peppers for mild heat or extra carrots.
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Onion (1, chopped): Provides savory depth.
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Substitution: Shallots, red onion, or 1 tsp onion powder.
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Soy Sauce (½ cup): Adds salty, umami richness.
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Substitution: Tamari (gluten-free), coconut aminos, or low-sodium soy sauce.
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Ketchup (½ cup): Contributes tangy, sweet flavor to the sauce.
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Substitution: Tomato paste (¼ cup) with 1 tbsp sugar and 1 tbsp vinegar.
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Brown Sugar (¼ cup): Enhances sweetness and helps create a glossy sauce.
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Substitution: Honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar.
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Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth.
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Substitution: ½ tsp garlic powder if fresh isn’t available.
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Ginger (1 tsp, grated): Adds zesty, spicy depth.
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Substitution: ½ tsp ground ginger or 1 tbsp minced fresh galangal.
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Cooked Rice (for serving): Soaks up the flavorful sauce.
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Substitution: Jasmine rice, brown rice, quinoa, or noodles.
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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
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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.
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Stir gently to combine, ensuring the pork and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce ingredients.
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Tip: Cut pork into uniform 1-inch pieces for even cooking, and drain canned pineapple if using to avoid excess liquid.
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Step 2: Cook
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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).
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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.
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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.
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Step 3: Serve
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Stir the mixture to blend the flavors and check the consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra soy sauce or brown sugar if needed.
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Serve hot over cooked rice, ensuring a mix of pork, pineapple, vegetables, and sauce in each portion.
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Tip: Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a polished, restaurant-style finish
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