Intro and Brief Recap
Have you ever craved a dish that combines sweet and tangy flavors with tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat? The Delectable Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe brings together the best of both worlds, creating a meal that delights the senses. The vibrant color and aroma make it an enticing option for any gathering or family dinner.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions when you want to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Imagine coming home to a warm, aromatic stew that fills your home with mouthwatering scents. The pork simmers gently in a medley of pineapple, bell peppers, and a flavorful sauce, transforming simple ingredients into a comforting masterpiece. Whether served over rice or alongside steamed vegetables, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Key Ingredients For Delectable Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Pork Shoulder: A well-marbled cut works best for tenderness; choose about 2-3 pounds for optimal flavor.
-
Pineapple Chunks: Fresh or canned pineapple adds sweetness and acidity; if using canned, drain the juice.
-
Bell Peppers: Use a mix of red, green, and yellow for color and crunch; slice them into strips for even cooking.
-
Onion: A medium onion adds depth to the dish; chop it roughly to enhance its flavor during cooking.
-
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness while providing umami richness.
-
Brown Sugar: This ingredient balances out the acidity from the pineapple and soy sauce; use light brown sugar for best results.
-
Garlic Cloves: Fresh minced garlic enhances the flavor profile; about three cloves should suffice.
-
Ginger: Fresh ginger root adds warmth; grate about one teaspoon for maximum impact.
For the Sauce:
-
Rice Vinegar: This adds tanginess; opt for unseasoned rice vinegar for more control over the flavor balance.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Instructions For Delectable Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
First Step: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by trimming any excess fat from the pork shoulder. Cut it into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Chop the bell peppers and onion into strips, then set aside.
Second Step: Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar. Stir until all ingredients are well blended to create a smooth sauce.
Third Step: Layer in Slow Cooker
Place the pork pieces at the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the chopped onions and bell peppers on top. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over everything.
Fourth Step: Add Pineapple
Gently add pineapple chunks on top of the mixture to infuse their sweetness into the pork as it cooks.
Fifth Step: Set Your Slow Cooker
Cover your slow cooker with its lid. Cook on low for about six to eight hours or on high for three to four hours until the pork is tender and fully cooked.
Sixth Step: Serve It Up
Once done cooking, carefully transfer servings onto plates or bowls. Drizzle some sauce from the slow cooker over each serving for added flavor.

Expert Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
-
Select Quality Pork: Choose fresh pork shoulder without excessive fat to achieve better flavor and texture.
-
Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to add more or less brown sugar based on your taste preference for sweetness versus tanginess.
-
Add Vegetables: Consider adding other vegetables like snap peas or carrots for additional nutrients and texture.
Enjoy making this Delectable Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe! It’s sure to delight your taste buds while being easy enough to prepare during any busy weeknight.
Cooking Method
To create this Delectable Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe, start by preparing your ingredients. Cut the pork into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add a bit of oil, and brown the pork pieces on all sides. This step enhances the flavor but is optional if you’re short on time.
Once the pork is browned, transfer it to your slow cooker. In a separate bowl, mix together the sweet and sour sauce ingredients, which typically include pineapple juice, vinegar, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Pour this mixture over the pork in the slow cooker.
Add chopped bell peppers and onions for added texture and flavor. Set your slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve this dish with steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This Delectable Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe offers various serving options that enhance its appeal:
-
Steamed Jasmine Rice: The light fragrance complements the dish’s sweet and tangy flavors perfectly.
-
Vegetable Stir-Fry: A colorful mix of vegetables adds crunch and nutrition alongside the pork.
-
Fresh Salad: A simple green salad can balance out the richness of this recipe while providing freshness.
Storage Tips
Storing leftovers from your Delectable Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe is straightforward. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. This dish also freezes well; make sure to use freezer-safe containers.
When reheating, you can use a microwave or stovetop. If using a microwave, cover it to prevent drying out. For stovetop reheating, add a splash of water to maintain moisture while gently warming it through.
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional content of your Delectable Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe helps you make informed choices. Each serving typically contains around 300 calories, depending on portion size and specific ingredients used.
The dish provides protein from pork, carbohydrates from any accompanying rice or noodles, and various vitamins from vegetables like bell peppers and onions. You can adjust ingredients for lower sugar content or substitute with leaner cuts of meat for healthier options without sacrificing flavor.
FAQs :
How do I make my Delectable Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe spicier?
To add some heat to your Delectable Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced fresh chilies into your sauce mixture before pouring it over the pork. Adjusting these spices can enhance flavor without overpowering the sweet elements of your dish. You can also serve it with hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy an extra kick.
Can I use other meats in this Delectable Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe?
Absolutely! While this Delectable Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe calls for pork, you can substitute chicken, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times accordingly; chicken cooks faster than pork, while beef may require additional time depending on cut thickness.
What should I serve with my Delectable Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork?
This Delectable Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork pairs excellently with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice. Additionally, vegetable stir-fries or fresh salads provide great contrast by adding crunchiness that complements this rich dish’s flavors.
Can I prepare my Delectable Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork ahead of time?
Yes! To save time on busy days, you can prepare your Delectable Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork in advance. Simply chop all ingredients and assemble them in your slow cooker insert ahead of time. Refrigerate overnight; in the morning, just place it in your slow cooker to cook throughout the day!
Delectable Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Savor the perfect balance of sweet and tangy in this Delectable Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe. Succulent pork, vibrant bell peppers, and juicy pineapple simmer together in a rich sauce, creating an aromatic dish that’s ideal for both busy weeknights and special occasions. Serve it over steamed rice or alongside fresh vegetables for a comforting meal that will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
Instructions
- Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Chop bell peppers and onion.
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar to create the sauce.
- Layer pork at the bottom of the slow cooker; add onions and bell peppers on top.
- Pour the sauce over the layered ingredients.
- Gently add pineapple chunks on top.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until pork is tender.
- Serve warm with extra sauce drizzled over each serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 90mg



