Experience the slow-cooked magic of tender pork loin infused with a tangy, sweet and sour sauce. This slow cooker sweet and sour pork dish is easy to prepare, requiring only a few simple steps, yet delivers a flavorful punch that your taste buds will love.
Most of the ingredients required for this recipe are commonly found in your pantry, like sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and spices. However, you might need to add boneless pork loin chops to your grocery list if it's not readily available at home. Always choose fresh loin chops for the best results. If canned pineapple chunks aren't already in your pantry, you'll find them in the canned fruit aisle at the supermarket.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork
Sugar: This adds sweetness to the sauce, balancing out the sour components.
Brown sugar: This provides a deep, molasses-like sweetness to the sauce.
Chicken broth: It's used to add depth and flavor to the sauce.
White vinegar: This is the sour component that balances the sugars.
Lemon juice: Adds a tangy flavor to the sauce.
Soy sauce: This adds a salty and umami flavor.
Tomato paste: Thickens the sauce and provides a rich tomato flavor.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle hint of garlic.
Ground ginger: Gives a warm and spicy flavor.
Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and flavor.
Pork loin chops: This is the main protein of the dish.
Onion: Provides a sweet and savory flavor.
Green pepper: Adds a bit of crunch and freshness.
Pineapple chunks: Gives a sweet and tangy flavor.
Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce.
One reader, Jemimah Mckelvey says:
This slow cooker sweet and sour pork recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the pork turns out so tender. It's incredibly easy to make, and the aroma while it's cooking is mouthwatering. I highly recommend trying this recipe - it's a definite crowd-pleaser!
Techniques Required for Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork
How to prepare the sweet and sour sauce: Mix together sugar, brown sugar, chicken broth, white vinegar, lemon juice, soy sauce, tomato paste, garlic powder, ground ginger, and ground black pepper in a bowl until well combined.
How to cook the pork in the slow cooker: Place the pork loin chops in the slow cooker and pour the prepared sweet and sour sauce over the pork. Add in the chopped onion, green pepper, and pineapple chunks.
How to thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and chicken broth until smooth. Gradually stir this mixture into the cooking juices in the slow cooker. Cook on low for an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until the sauce is thickened.
How to serve: Serve the sweet and sour pork with the thickened sauce over a bed of rice.
How To Make Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork
Savor this sweet and sour pork that tastes just like the Chinese takeout. It’s made with pork loin, green peppers, and onion in a flavorful thick sauce.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ½cupsugar
- ½cupbrown sugar,packed
- ½cupchicken broth
- ⅓cupwhite vinegar
- 3tbsplemon juice
- 3tbsplow sodium soy sauce
- 3tbsptomato paste
- ½tspgarlic powder
- ¼tspground ginger
- ¼tspground black pepper
- 1½lbsboneless pork loin chops,cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1large onion,cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1large green pepper,cut into 1-inch pieces
- 8ozpineapple chunks,drained
- 3tbspcornstarch
- ⅓cupchicken broth
Instructions
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In a 3- or 4-qt. slow cooker, mix the first 10 ingredients.
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Stir in pork, onion, green pepper, and pineapple.
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Cook, covered, on Low for 6 to 8 hours or until pork is tender.
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In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and broth until smooth; gradually stir into cooking juices.
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Cook, covered, on Low 15 to 20 minutes longer or until sauce is thickened.
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Serve with rice.
Nutrition
- Calories: 274.55kcal
- Fat: 7.21g
- Saturated Fat: 2.47g
- Trans Fat: 0.07g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.06g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.27g
- Carbohydrates: 34.13g
- Fiber: 1.44g
- Sugar: 26.65g
- Protein: 19.46g
- Cholesterol: 50.93mg
- Sodium: 334.16mg
- Calcium: 28.84mg
- Potassium: 538.86mg
- Iron: 1.25mg
- Vitamin A: 12.77µg
- Vitamin C: 35.00mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork
For a more intense flavor, consider marinating the pork in the sweet and sour sauce overnight before cooking. This allows the pork to absorb more of the flavors, resulting in a more flavorful dish. Just be sure to reserve some of the sauce for cooking the next day. Also, if you prefer your vegetables with a bit of crunch, add them in the last hour of cooking. This will prevent them from becoming too soft.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and measure all ingredients the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Use pre-cut ingredients: Consider using pre-cut vegetables and pre-sliced meat to cut down on prep time.
Slow cooker liners: Consider using slow cooker liners for easy cleanup and to save time on washing up.
Multi-task: While the pork is cooking, use the time to prepare other dishes or sides to save time in the kitchen.
Invest in a good slow cooker: A good quality slow cooker with a timer and multiple settings can help save time and ensure even cooking.
Substitute Ingredients For Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add sweetness and a unique flavor to the dish, while also providing a thicker consistency to the sauce.
brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can provide a similar sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall taste of the sweet and sour pork.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute to maintain the savory flavor and depth in the dish, while catering to vegetarian preferences.
white vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can offer a slightly milder acidity and a hint of fruitiness, complementing the sweet and sour flavors of the dish.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice can provide a similar level of acidity and a refreshing citrus flavor, enhancing the overall brightness of the dish.
low sodium soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari, a type of soy sauce, can be used as a substitute to maintain the umami flavor and saltiness in the dish, while catering to a gluten-free diet.
tomato paste - Substitute with ketchup: Ketchup can provide a similar thickness and tangy flavor to the dish, while adding a hint of sweetness and depth.
garlic powder - Substitute with minced garlic: Minced garlic can offer a more intense and fresh garlic flavor, enhancing the overall savory profile of the dish.
ground ginger - Substitute with fresh ginger: Fresh ginger can provide a more vibrant and aromatic flavor, adding a zesty kick to the sweet and sour pork.
boneless pork loin chops - Substitute with boneless chicken thighs: Boneless chicken thighs can be used as a substitute, offering a tender and juicy protein option for the dish.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can provide a milder and sweeter flavor compared to onions, adding a delicate touch to the dish.
green pepper - Substitute with red bell pepper: Red bell pepper can offer a similar crunch and sweetness, while adding a vibrant color to the dish.
pineapple chunks - Substitute with mango chunks: Mango chunks can provide a sweet and tropical flavor, complementing the sweet and sour elements of the dish.
cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder can be used as a thickening agent, providing a similar consistency to the sauce while catering to a gluten-free diet.
chicken broth - Substitute with beef broth: Beef broth can offer a richer and heartier flavor, enhancing the overall depth of the dish.
Presentation Tips for Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork
Elevate the plating: When presenting the slow cooker sweet and sour pork, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use clean lines and carefully arrange the components to showcase the dish's vibrant colors and textures.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a touch of freshness and color to the dish by garnishing with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley. The vibrant green hues will provide a beautiful contrast to the rich tones of the sweet and sour pork.
Incorporate contrasting textures: Consider adding a crispy element to the dish, such as a delicate tempura batter on the pineapple or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. The interplay of textures will add depth to the overall dining experience.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Opt for sophisticated serving dishes and utensils that complement the upscale dining experience. Choose sleek, modern plating options that enhance the visual appeal of the dish.
Focus on precision: Pay attention to the placement of each component on the plate, ensuring that every element is meticulously arranged with precision and care. This attention to detail will demonstrate a high level of culinary artistry.
Create a harmonious composition: Arrange the sweet and sour pork, along with its accompanying components, in a way that creates a balanced and harmonious composition on the plate. Consider the principles of symmetry and asymmetry to craft an aesthetically pleasing presentation.
Highlight the sauce: Use a brush to delicately apply a glossy glaze of the sweet and sour sauce on the pork, adding a lustrous sheen to the dish. This technique will draw attention to the flavorsome sauce and elevate the overall visual appeal.
Emphasize the color contrast: Showcase the vibrant colors of the dish by strategically placing the green peppers, golden pineapple, and succulent pork to create an eye-catching contrast that captivates the senses.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Employ the technique of artistic drizzling to elegantly adorn the plate with swirls of the sweet and sour sauce, adding a touch of finesse to the presentation.
Consider negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the dish to breathe and create a sense of refinement. Thoughtful use of empty space can enhance the overall visual impact of the presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Sweet and Sour Pork in a Slow Cooker
- Slow cooker: A slow cooker is a countertop electrical cooking appliance used for simmering, which allows for easy and convenient cooking of stews, soups, and various dishes over a long period of time.
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is a kitchen essential used for combining ingredients, mixing batters, and preparing various recipes.
- Small bowl: A small bowl is used for mixing small amounts of ingredients or creating mixtures for specific parts of a recipe.
- Whisk: A whisk is a kitchen utensil used for blending ingredients together, incorporating air into a mixture, and creating a smooth texture.
- Knife: A knife is an essential tool for cutting and preparing ingredients, such as meat, vegetables, and fruits.
- Cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for cutting and preparing ingredients, protecting countertops and ensuring safety during food preparation.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Measuring cups and spoons are used to accurately measure and portion ingredients for recipes.
- Saucepan: A saucepan is a versatile cooking vessel used for heating, simmering, and preparing sauces, soups, and other liquid-based dishes.
- Tongs: Tongs are used for gripping and lifting hot or delicate food items, providing a secure and precise grip during cooking and serving.
- Spatula: A spatula is a kitchen tool used for flipping, lifting, and spreading ingredients, particularly useful for cooking and serving delicate foods.
- Ladle: A ladle is a deep-bowled spoon used for serving soups, stews, and sauces, allowing for easy portioning and serving of liquid-based dishes.
- Plates and serving dishes: Plates and serving dishes are essential for presenting and serving the finished dish in an appealing and organized manner.
Storing and Freezing Sweet and Sour Pork
Let the sweet and sour pork cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and affecting the texture of the dish.
To store in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled pork and sauce to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, freezing is a great option:
- Divide the sweet and sour pork into individual portions or freeze it all together in a large, freezer-safe container.
- If using a container, leave some space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Alternatively, you can freeze the pork and sauce in freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
Frozen sweet and sour pork will maintain its best quality for up to 3 months. After that, it will still be safe to eat but may experience some changes in texture and flavor.
To reheat, thaw the frozen pork overnight in the refrigerator. Transfer it to a saucepan or microwave-safe dish and heat gently until warmed through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
If you find the sauce has thickened too much after freezing and reheating, add a little chicken broth or water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
How To Reheat Sweet and Sour Pork Leftovers
Reheat the sweet and sour pork in a large skillet or wok over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This method allows you to quickly reheat the dish while maintaining the texture of the pork and vegetables.
Place the leftover sweet and sour pork in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or until the dish is heated through. This is a quick and convenient method, but be careful not to overheat the dish, as it may cause the pork to become tough.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover sweet and sour pork to an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This method is ideal if you want to reheat a larger portion of the dish and maintain its original flavor and texture.
If you have a steamer, you can use it to reheat the sweet and sour pork. Place the leftovers in a heat-proof dish and steam for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture in the dish and prevents the pork from drying out.
For a crispy texture, you can reheat the sweet and sour pork under the broiler. Place the leftovers on a baking sheet lined with foil and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the top is slightly caramelized and the dish is heated through. Keep a close eye on the dish to prevent burning.
Interesting Fact About Sweet and Sour Pork
Sweet and sour pork is a popular Chinese dish that originated from the Cantonese cuisine. It is known for its combination of tangy and sweet flavors, often achieved through the use of vinegar and sugar. This dish has been adapted in various ways across different cultures and is a favorite in many Chinese restaurants around the world.
Is Making Sweet and Sour Pork at Home Cost-Effective?
This slow cooker sweet and sour pork recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as pork loin, vegetables, and pantry staples, are reasonably priced and can be found in most grocery stores. The dish yields a generous portion, making it suitable for a family of four. The approximate cost for this recipe for a household of four people is around $15-20. Overall, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its affordability and delicious outcome.
Is This Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe Healthy?
This slow cooker sweet and sour pork recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it includes lean protein from the pork loin chops, as well as nutrients from the onion, green pepper, and pineapple. However, the recipe also contains a significant amount of added sugars from the white and brown sugar, which can contribute to excessive calorie intake and potential health issues if consumed regularly.
The recipe could be made healthier with a few modifications:
- Reduce the amount of added sugars by using less white and brown sugar, or replace them with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup
- Increase the proportion of vegetables in the dish, such as adding more onions, peppers, or other colorful vegetables like carrots or broccoli
- Use a leaner cut of pork, such as pork tenderloin, to reduce the overall fat content
- Serve the dish with brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice to increase the fiber content and provide more complex carbohydrates
- Experiment with adding other flavorful ingredients like garlic, ginger, or red pepper flakes to enhance the taste while reducing the need for added sugars
Editor's Opinion on This Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe
This slow cooker sweet and sour pork recipe is a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors. The combination of sugars, vinegar, and soy sauce creates a rich and complex sauce that perfectly complements the tender pork, onions, green peppers, and pineapple. The use of a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a dish that is both convenient and delicious. The addition of cornstarch thickens the sauce to a perfect consistency. This dish is sure to be a hit and is best served over a bed of fluffy rice.
Enhance Your Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe:
This slow cooker sweet and sour pork recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of sweet and sour flavors creates a tantalizing taste experience. With the use of fresh ingredients such as pineapple chunks and green pepper, this recipe promises a burst of vibrant flavors. The slow cooking process ensures that the pork loin chops are tender and succulent, delivering a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The addition of garlic powder and ground ginger infuses the dish with aromatic depth. Trust in this recipe for a delightful and satisfying dining experience.
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