Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Pork

The slow cooker allows the pork to cook low and slow. Making incredibly tender and flavorful meat that practically melts in your mouth. Cooking this dish over low heat also ensures all the ingredients infuse together, intensifying the sweet and tangy flavors while freeing up your time, making it the perfect choice for a hassle-free, delicious weeknight meal!

Traditionally, sweet and sour pork is served over steamed white rice, allowing the savory sauce to soak into the grains. It can also be paired with cooked noodles, lettuce wraps, and tacos. You can also use the flavorful filling for sandwiches or wraps. No matter how you serve this Chinese classic, it’ll earn a spot on your dinner rotation! 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Using pork is a budget-friendly way to add lots of flavor to a dish while adding hearty protein. 
• With the convenience of a slow cooker. This recipe allows you to effortlessly create a restaurant-quality dish right in the comfort of your own kitchen. Making it the perfect recipe for busy weeknights.
• The mix of colorful bell peppers, onions, and pineapple chunks not only adds a burst of freshness but also elevates the overall texture and taste.
• From classic rice bowls to lettuce wraps or noodles, the versatility of serving options makes this sweet and sour pork recipe a go-to choice, allowing you to change it up each time. 

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Boneless Pork Chops - The star ingredient of the recipe, the boneless pork chops become tender and succulent as they cook in the slow cooker, absorbing the sweet and sour flavors of the sauce.
• Cornstarch - Acts as a coating for the pork chops, creating a thickened exterior and enhancing the overall texture of the dish.
• Canned Pineapple Chunks - Adds sweetness to the dish and infuses the sauce with a refreshing tropical flavor, balancing the tangy flavor. 
• Vegetables - The green and red bell peppers, along with the onions, not only contribute to the dish's vibrant color but also provide a pleasant crunch and a mix of flavors that complement the sweet and sour elements of the sauce.
• Brown Sugar - Adds depth and richness to the sweet and sour sauce, intensifying the sweetness.
• Apple Cider Vinegar - Brings a tangy and slightly fruity note to the sauce. This provides the signature "sour" element to the sauce.
• Ketchup - Adds a rich tomato base to the sauce, contributing to the sweet and tangy flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce - Adds a salty umami taste to the sauce that helps enhance the sweet and spicy flavor.
• Soy Sauce - Also imparts a savory and slightly salty taste, balancing the sweetness.
• Minced Garlic - Brings aromatic and savory qualities to the dish, infusing the sauce and pork with a delicious garlic flavor.
• Ground Ginger - Adds a warm and fragrant element, enhancing its overall depth. 

How To Make Sweet and Sour Pork In The Crock Pot

Prepare the pork: Remove any excess fat from the pork chops and pat dry with a paper towel. Add pork and cornstarch to a 1-gallon freezer bag. Shake until completely coated.

Arrange in the crock pot: To the bottom of the crock pot, add the sliced bell peppers, onions, and pork coated with cornstarch. 

Make the sweet and sour sauce: Add the juice from pineapple chunks, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger in a medium mixing bowl. Stir together and pour over pork and vegetables.

Cover and cook: Add the lid to the top. Cook on HIGH for 2½-3½ hours or LOW for 6-8 hours. Thirty minutes before the cooking time is complete, add in the pineapple chunks. Once warmed through, stir thoroughly. Serve over rice and garnish with fresh green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy

Recipe Tips

• For tender and juicy pork, use boneless pork loin chops and cut them into evenly sized 1-inch pieces, ensuring even cooking throughout.
• Opt for a slow cooker with at least a 6-quart capacity to accommodate all the ingredients comfortably, allowing the flavors to come together without overcrowding.
• To enhance the sauce's sweetness and depth, use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar, as it has a richer molasses flavor.
• Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce to your taste preference by fine-tuning the amount of brown sugar and apple cider vinegar.
• For a burst of freshness and added crunch, don't overcook the vegetables; you can keep them slightly crisp by adding them to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking.
• Always add the pineapple chunks last to ensure they don’t get mushy while slow cooking. 

Variations

• To add a spicy kick, incorporate crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha into the sauce.
• For a tangier twist, replace the apple cider vinegar with rice vinegar or white vinegar, providing a sharper acidity that intensifies the sour element.
• Experiment with different protein options such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu to cater to various dietary preferences.
• Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce, and be sure to check the rest of your ingredients. 
• Enhance the vegetable medley by adding other colorful veggies like snap peas, baby corn, or sliced carrots.
• Add a tablespoon of oyster sauce or hoisin sauce, adding richness and complexity to the sweet and sour sauce.

Storing & Freezing

Storing: To store any leftover sweet and sour pork, let it cool down to room temperature first. Transfer the dish to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days. 

Freezing: If you plan to freeze the sweet and sour pork. First allow it to cool completely before portioning it into freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags. Store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, place the frozen pork in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in a skillet or microwave until heated through. If the sauce seems too thick after thawing, you can add a splash of water or chicken broth to adjust the consistency. 

FAQ

More Crock Pot Pork Recipes

• Crock Pot Ranch Pork Chops
• Crock Pot Pork Carnitas
• Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops
• Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

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