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.

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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