Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork is a delightful blend of tangy and sweet flavors that can brighten up any dinner table. Imagine succulent pork cooked to perfection, enveloped in a luscious sauce that dances on your taste buds like it’s auditioning for a Broadway show. perfect dip for your meal The aroma wafting through your house will have everyone asking, “What’s cooking?” before they even step inside.

This dish brings back memories of family gatherings where laughter filled the air, and the only thing more comforting than the food was the company. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress without breaking a sweat. add a cheesy kick Trust me, every bite promises an explosion of flavor and a smile on your face.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly flavorful
- You can customize it with your favorite veggies for added nutrition
- Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing and perfect for any occasion
- Enjoy it over rice or in wraps for versatile meal options
I remember the first time I served this dish at a family reunion; my cousin’s eyes lit up as he exclaimed, “This is the best thing I’ve ever tasted!”
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Pork Shoulder: A well-marbled cut ensures tenderness; you can also use pork loin for a leaner option.
- Bell Peppers: Use vibrant red and yellow peppers for color and sweetness; they add crunch too.
- Onion: A medium onion adds depth; I often use sweet onions for an extra layer of flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic brings aromatic goodness; smash those cloves for maximum flavor release.
- Pineapple Chunks: Fresh pineapple enhances sweetness; opt for canned if fresh isn’t available.
For the Sauce:
- Ketchup: This provides the base sauce sweetness; choose a good-quality brand for best results.
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness while adding umami flavor; always check the label.
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar creates caramel notes; adjust according to your preferred sweetness level.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds acidity to balance sweetness; feel free to substitute with apple cider vinegar if needed.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by chopping your pork shoulder into bite-sized pieces. This allows for even cooking and ensures every piece absorbs that glorious sauce.
Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onions and garlic until fragrant. You want them translucent and sweet-smelling—about 3-4 minutes should do it.
Add Everything to the Slow Cooker: Transfer the sautéed mixture into your slow cooker along with pork, bell peppers, pineapple chunks, ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Give everything a good stir to combine all those flavors.
Set It and Forget It: Cover your slow cooker and set it on low heat for about 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the pork is tender enough to fall apart at the touch of a fork.
Serve It Up: When it’s done cooking, serve over fluffy rice or in warm tortillas. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if you’re feeling fancy!
Enjoy each bite as you savor the symphony of sweet tanginess paired perfectly with tender pork! savor creamy lasagna.
Now that you’re armed with this delicious recipe, get ready to impress friends and family alike with your culinary prowess!
You Must Know
- Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork is a delightful dish that balances tangy and sweet flavors
- This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort
- The aroma will fill your kitchen, making mealtime feel special
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the pork in a skillet, then transfer it to the slow cooker along with the sauce ingredients. This enhances flavor and ensures tender meat.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies like bell peppers or pineapple. You can also adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave until warmed through, maintaining that savory goodness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best results, cut pork into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking
- Don’t skip browning; this adds depth of flavor
- Use fresh ginger for an extra zing that elevates the dish!
Sharing this recipe brings back memories of family dinners where everyone eagerly awaited the sweet and sour goodness. The smiles around the table made every hour spent cooking worth it.
FAQ
Can I use chicken instead of pork?
Absolutely! Chicken works wonderfully and cooks similarly in the slow cooker. For more inspiration, check out this Easy Chicken Fajitas in a Crockpot recipe.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce during the last hour of cooking.
What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes recipe.
Serve over rice or noodles, and add steamed veggies for a complete meal. easy taco rice as a side.

Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork
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- Author: Mery Mack
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork is a family favorite that combines tender pork shoulder with a luscious, tangy-sweet sauce. This effortless dish is perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, filling your home with an irresistible aroma that will have everyone eager to dig in. Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or in warm tortillas for a versatile meal that promises smiles all around.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup bell peppers (red and yellow), chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to the slow cooker. Add the pork, bell peppers, pineapple chunks, ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Stir well to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the pork is tender.
- Serve over rice or in tortillas, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 348
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 792mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 78mg