This Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork is a family favorite! It’s got tender pork pieces, colorful bell peppers, and a tangy sauce that’s both sweet and zesty.
Using a slow cooker means less fuss for me. Just toss everything in and let it do its thing! I love serving it over rice for a truly satisfying meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder: This cut is perfect for slow cooking because it becomes tender and flavorful. If you can’t find pork shoulder, you might use pork loin or even chicken thighs for a lighter option, though the flavor will differ.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple gives a lovely sweetness and texture. Canned is fine too; just make sure to drain it well to avoid excess liquid. If you’re avoiding pineapple, mango or bell peppers can work as fruity substitutes.
Bell Pepper: Any color works! Red and yellow are sweeter, while green is a bit more bitter. If peppers aren’t available, zucchini or even carrots could add a nice crunch.
Soy Sauce: This is essential for that umami flavor. Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching salt intake. Coconut aminos is a great gluten-free alternative.
Brown Sugar: It adds depth and sweetness. If you prefer a healthier option, honey or maple syrup can be substituted, but adjust to taste as they are sweeter.
How Do I Create a Thick and Delicious Sauce?
To get that thick sauce at the end, corn starch is your best friend. Here’s how to do it easily:
- Mix the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. This prevents lumps.
- Add this mix to your slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Stir it in well.
- Let it cook for those last 30 minutes uncovered to help it thicken up nicely.
Remember, you can always adjust the thickness. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or broth. If too thin, let it cook longer with the lid off to reduce the sauce more.
How to Make Slow Cooker Sweet And Sour Pork
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs pork shoulder, cubed
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1 bell pepper (red, green, or a mix), diced
- 1 onion, diced
For The Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
For Thickening and Garnish:
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening, optional)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then you can let your slow cooker do the work! It will cook for either 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Just set it, forget it, and enjoy the wonderful aromas filling your kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork:
Start by placing the cubed pork shoulder in your slow cooker. This will be the main ingredient, so make sure to cut it into even pieces for consistent cooking.
2. Add the Veggies:
Next, sprinkle the pineapple chunks, diced bell pepper, and diced onion over the pork in the slow cooker. These ingredients will add great flavor and sweetness to the dish.
3. Mix the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, mix together the soy sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This sauce will bring all the flavors together, so stir it well!
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the prepared sauce over the pork and veggies in the slow cooker. Give everything a gentle stir to ensure that the pork is nicely coated with the sauce.
5. Cook:
Now, cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The pork should become tender and soak up all those wonderful flavors as it cooks.
6. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you’d like a thicker sauce, take the cornstarch and mix it with a little water to make a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking, and it will thicken up nicely!
7. Final Touches:
Once the cooking time is up, taste the sweet and sour pork and add salt and pepper as needed for flavor. Adjust it to your liking!
8. Serve:
Finally, serve the pork hot, garnished with sesame seeds on top. It’s delicious on its own or with rice or noodles for a complete meal. Enjoy your tasty dish!
Can I Use Other Cuts of Pork for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder is ideal due to its tenderness and flavor, you can also use pork loin or tenderloin. Just keep in mind that these cuts may cook faster, so you should check for doneness earlier and reduce the cooking time if necessary.
What If I Don’t Have Pineapple? Any Substitutes?
If you don’t have pineapple, you can replace it with mango chunks or even peaches for a similar sweetness! Alternatively, you could use a mix of bell peppers and a splash of apple juice to mimic the fruity flavor profile.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare this Sweet and Sour Pork ahead of time! Just follow the instructions up to cooking it, then refrigerate the assembled ingredients in the slow cooker insert. When you’re ready to cook, simply set it in the slow cooker and cook as directed. The flavors will meld beautifully while it cooks!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to keep the sauce from drying out.
