Description
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
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.
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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.
