Introduction
Craving a tangy, sweet, and savory dish that brings the flavors of your favorite takeout to your kitchen? Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork is your answer! This vibrant recipe transforms tender pork tenderloin into a deliciously saucy meal, paired with juicy pineapple, bell peppers, and a classic sweet-sour sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep, this dish delivers bold, Asian-inspired flavors with the ease of a slow cooker. Ready to discover how simple it is to create this crowd-pleasing favorite? Let’s get cooking!
Overview
Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork is a delightful, Asian-inspired dish featuring bite-sized pork tenderloin cooked with pineapple, bell pepper, and onion in a tangy-sweet sauce made from soy sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar, served over rice. The slow cooker makes it effortless and flavorful.
- Time Requirement: 15 minutes prep, 6–7 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high.
- Difficulty Level: Easy! Ideal for beginners, with minimal prep and no advanced cooking skills needed.
- Why It’s Special: This recipe is budget-friendly, kid-friendly, and balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. The slow cooker ensures tender pork and melded flavors, while the pineapple adds a tropical twist. It’s gluten-free adaptable (with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce), perfect for family meals, casual gatherings, or meal prep with a takeout-inspired vibe.
Whether you’re craving Chinese-inspired comfort food or a fuss-free dinner, this Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork is sure to impress. Let’s dive in!
Essential Ingredients
The magic of Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork lies in its vibrant, high-quality ingredients. Each one adds flavor, texture, or sweetness to create a harmonious dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Pork Tenderloin (1.5 lbs, cut into bite-sized pieces):
- Why it’s important: Lean, tender cut that cooks well in the slow cooker and absorbs the sauce’s flavors.
- Substitutions: Pork shoulder (fattier, may need trimming), chicken breast, or tofu for vegetarian (adjust cooking time to 4–5 hours on low for tofu).
- Pineapple Chunks (1 cup, fresh or canned):
- Why it’s important: Adds sweet, tropical flavor and juicy texture.
- Substitutions: Mango chunks, or canned mandarin oranges (drained). If using canned pineapple, choose juice-packed to avoid extra sugar.
- Bell Pepper (1, chopped, any color):
- Why it’s important: Brings sweet, colorful crunch to balance the dish.
- Substitutions: Any color bell pepper, poblano for a smokier flavor, or zucchini.
- Onion (1, chopped):
- Why it’s important: Adds savory depth and slight sweetness to the sauce.
- Substitutions: Red or yellow onion, shallots, or 1 tsp onion powder.
- Soy Sauce (½ cup):
- Why it’s important: Provides savory, umami flavor to balance the sweetness.
- Substitutions: Tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free, or low-sodium soy sauce.
- Ketchup (½ cup):
- Why it’s important: Contributes tangy, tomatoey sweetness to the sweet-sour sauce.
- Substitutions: Tomato sauce with a pinch of sugar, or hoisin sauce for a different twist.
- Brown Sugar (¼ cup):
- Why it’s important: Enhances sweetness and helps thicken the sauce.
- Substitutions: Honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced):
- Why it’s important: Infuses the sauce with warm, aromatic depth.
- Substitutions: ½ tsp garlic powder or 1 tsp garlic paste.
- Ginger (1 tsp, grated):
- Why it’s important: Adds zesty, spicy warmth for authentic Asian flavor.
- Substitutions: ½ tsp ground ginger or 1 tsp ginger paste.
- Cooked Rice (for serving):
- Why it’s important: Soaks up the sweet-sour sauce and completes the meal.
- Substitutions: Jasmine rice, brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for low-carb.
Tip: Use fresh pineapple for brighter flavor if available, and choose a low-sugar ketchup to control sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork is simple and hands-off, with just a few steps to create a flavorful, takeout-style dish. Follow these steps for a delicious result.
Step 1: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
- In the slow cooker, combine 1.5 lbs bite-sized pork tenderloin 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 well to combine, ensuring the pork and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce ingredients.
- Tip: Lightly grease the slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
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 (145°F/63°C internally for pork) and the vegetables are softened.
- Check doneness at the lower end of the time to avoid overcooking, as slow cookers vary.
- Tip: Stir halfway through if possible to ensure even coating, but avoid overmixing to keep pork pieces intact.
Step 3: Serve
- Stir the mixture gently to blend the flavors. Taste and adjust with extra soy sauce, brown sugar, or a splash of vinegar if needed for balance.
- Spoon the sweet and sour pork over cooked rice, ensuring each serving gets a mix of pork, pineapple, vegetables, and sauce.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with sesame seeds or green onions for extra flair.
- Tip: If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water, stir into the slow cooker, and cook on high for 10–15 minutes to thicken.
Assembly
Assembling Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork is all about creating a colorful, comforting plate. Here’s how to bring it together:
- Prepare the Rice Base: Serve the pork over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice, brown rice, or quinoa to soak up the sweet-sour sauce. Cauliflower rice works for a low-carb option.
- Add the Pork and Sauce: Spoon a generous portion of the pork, pineapple, bell pepper, onion, and sauce over the rice, ensuring a vibrant mix of ingredients.
- Garnish: Optionally sprinkle with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or cilantro for a pop of color and crunch.
- Presentation Tips:
- Use wide, shallow bowls to showcase the colorful pork and sauce against the rice.
- Arrange the pork mixture in a neat pile over the rice for a takeout-inspired look, or spread it out for a casual presentation.
- Pair with a side of steamed broccoli, egg rolls, or a cucumber salad for a complete Asian-inspired meal.
Tip: Serve with extra sauce on the side for those who love a saucier dish, and keep rice warm until serving for the best texture.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Keep your Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork fresh and ready to enjoy with these tips:
- Storing Leftovers:
- Store cooled pork and sauce (without rice) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave (1–2 minutes, stirring halfway) or on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Cook fresh rice for serving.
- Make-Ahead Tips:
- Ingredients: Chop bell pepper, onion, and mince garlic/ginger up to 2 days in advance and store in the fridge. Cut pork and store separately.
- Assembly: Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Start cooking in the morning.
- Full Dish: Cook the dish a day ahead; flavors deepen overnight. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the pork.
- Freezing: Freeze cooled pork and sauce (without rice) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat with a bit of broth to restore texture.
Tip: Use leftovers in stir-fries, over noodles, or in lettuce wraps for versatile meals.
Recipe Variations
Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork is versatile and easy to customize. Try these creative twists:
- Spicy Kick: Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes, a sliced chili, or a dash of sriracha for extra heat.
- Veggie Boost: Include carrots, snap peas, or water chestnuts for added crunch and color, adding softer veggies in the last hour.
- Tangier Sauce: Increase the tanginess by adding 2 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar to the sauce.
- Protein Swap: Replace pork with chicken thighs, shrimp (add in the last 30 minutes), or tofu for vegetarian.
- Tropical Twist: Add ½ cup diced mango or a splash of orange juice for a fruitier flavor profile.
Tip: Keep the sweet-sour sauce base for authentic vibes, but adjust veggies or proteins to suit your taste.
Conclusion
You’re now ready to make Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork—a dish that’s as delicious as it is easy! With its tender pork, juicy pineapple, and tangy-sweet sauce, this recipe brings takeout-style comfort to your table with minimal effort. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep with an Asian-inspired twist. Play with veggies, spices, or sides to make it your own, and enjoy the process as much as the meal. Grab your slow cooker, whip up this vibrant masterpiece, and savor every flavorful bite. Happy cooking!
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Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork
Description
Ingredients
- Pork Tenderloin (1.5 lbs, cut into bite-sized pieces):
- Why it’s important: Lean, tender cut that cooks well in the slow cooker and absorbs the sauce’s flavors.
- Substitutions: Pork shoulder (fattier, may need trimming), chicken breast, or tofu for vegetarian (adjust cooking time to 4–5 hours on low for tofu).
- Pineapple Chunks (1 cup, fresh or canned):
- Why it’s important: Adds sweet, tropical flavor and juicy texture.
- Substitutions: Mango chunks, or canned mandarin oranges (drained). If using canned pineapple, choose juice-packed to avoid extra sugar.
- Bell Pepper (1, chopped, any color):
- Why it’s important: Brings sweet, colorful crunch to balance the dish.
- Substitutions: Any color bell pepper, poblano for a smokier flavor, or zucchini.
- Onion (1, chopped):
- Why it’s important: Adds savory depth and slight sweetness to the sauce.
- Substitutions: Red or yellow onion, shallots, or 1 tsp onion powder.
- Soy Sauce (½ cup):
- Why it’s important: Provides savory, umami flavor to balance the sweetness.
- Substitutions: Tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free, or low-sodium soy sauce.
- Ketchup (½ cup):
- Why it’s important: Contributes tangy, tomatoey sweetness to the sweet-sour sauce.
- Substitutions: Tomato sauce with a pinch of sugar, or hoisin sauce for a different twist.
- Brown Sugar (¼ cup):
- Why it’s important: Enhances sweetness and helps thicken the sauce.
- Substitutions: Honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced):
- Why it’s important: Infuses the sauce with warm, aromatic depth.
- Substitutions: ½ tsp garlic powder or 1 tsp garlic paste.
- Ginger (1 tsp, grated):
- Why it’s important: Adds zesty, spicy warmth for authentic Asian flavor.
- Substitutions: ½ tsp ground ginger or 1 tsp ginger paste.
- Cooked Rice (for serving):
- Why it’s important: Soaks up the sweet-sour sauce and completes the meal.
- Substitutions: Jasmine rice, brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for low-carb.
Tip: Use fresh pineapple for brighter flavor if available, and choose a low-sugar ketchup to control sweetness.
Instructions
Step 1: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
- In the slow cooker, combine 1.5 lbs bite-sized pork tenderloin 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 well to combine, ensuring the pork and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce ingredients.
- Tip: Lightly grease the slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
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 (145°F/63°C internally for pork) and the vegetables are softened.
- Check doneness at the lower end of the time to avoid overcooking, as slow cookers vary.
- Tip: Stir halfway through if possible to ensure even coating, but avoid overmixing to keep pork pieces intact.
Step 3: Serve
- Stir the mixture gently to blend the flavors. Taste and adjust with extra soy sauce, brown sugar, or a splash of vinegar if needed for balance.
- Spoon the sweet and sour pork over cooked rice, ensuring each serving gets a mix of pork, pineapple, vegetables, and sauce.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with sesame seeds or green onions for extra flair.
- Tip: If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water, stir into the slow cooker, and cook on high for 10–15 minutes to thicken.
FAQs
Q: Can I use pork shoulder instead of tenderloin?
A: Yes! Pork shoulder is fattier and may need trimming but becomes very tender. Cook for the same time, checking for tenderness.
Q: Is this recipe healthy?
A: It’s protein-rich but higher in sugar due to ketchup and brown sugar. Use low-sugar ketchup, less brown sugar, or extra veggies for a lighter option.
Q: Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
A: Yes! Use the “Slow Cooker” function with the same times, or cook on high pressure for 8–10 minutes with a quick release, then check doneness.
Q: Why is my sauce too thin?
A: Slow cookers can release extra liquid. Stir in a slurry of 1 tsp cornstarch and 1 tbsp water and cook on high for 10–15 minutes to thicken.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?
A: Yes! Swap pork for tofu or jackfruit, use vegetable broth if needed, and ensure soy sauce is vegan. Cook for 4–5 hours on low.
Q: What sides go well with this dish?
A: Pair with steamed edamame, fried rice, or a sesame cucumber salad.
