Crockpot Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that brings together the perfect harmony of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors, you are going to adore this Crockpot Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe. It’s one of those comforting classics that feels like a warm hug, made wonderfully simple with slow cooking to deepen every taste. Juicy pork cubes tossed with vibrant bell peppers, sweet pineapple, and a luscious sauce come together effortlessly, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings. Best of all, the slow cooker does the heavy lifting, letting you enjoy irresistible homemade sweet and sour pork with minimal fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here plays a starring role in creating the magic of this dish. From the tender pork that soaks up flavor to the bright bell peppers adding crunch and color, these essentials blend beautifully to deliver that authentic sweet and sour punch.

• 2 lbs. pork chops (boneless, cubed): Choose fresh, lean pork chops for tender and juicy bites that soak up the sauce perfectly.
• ⅓ cup cornstarch: Used to coat the pork, this helps create a slight crust when browning, locking in moisture.
• ⅓ cup oil: Ideal for browning the pork quickly and adding a subtle richness.
• 1 green bell pepper (chopped): Adds a crisp, fresh texture and lovely green pop of color.
• 1 red bell pepper (chopped): Provides sweet notes and vivid color contrast.
• 1 sweet onion (chopped): Balances the flavors with its natural sweetness and slight bite.
• ½ cup sugar: Lends bright sweetness that enhances the sour notes perfectly.
• ½ cup brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like richness to the sauce.
• 20 oz pineapple chunks (with the juice): Brings tropical sweetness and juiciness that define the dish.
• ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar: Offers a tangy bite that cuts through the sweetness.
• 3 Tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium): Provides umami depth and a touch of saltiness without overpowering.
• 3 Tbsp ketchup: Adds subtle tomato sweetness and thickens the sauce.
• 1 clove garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth.
• ¼ tsp ground ginger: Brings a gentle spicy zing that complements the sweetness.
• ¼ tsp pepper: Adds a light kick to balance the flavors.
• Sesame seeds and scallions (for garnish): A finishing touch that adds texture and fresh flavor when served.

How to Make Crockpot Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Pork and Prep the Veggies

Start by coating each pork cube in cornstarch. This simple step not only helps create a slightly crispy exterior when you brown the meat but also helps thicken the sauce later on. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and quickly brown the pork pieces, just until they get a lovely golden color on all sides. Remember, you’re not fully cooking the pork here—you want to seal in those juices and develop flavor. Once browned, transfer the pork to your slow cooker and toss in the chopped green and red bell peppers, sweet onion, and pineapple chunks. By layering these fresh, colorful ingredients now, they will soften just right as they simmer.

Step 2: Whisk Together and Pour the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, brown sugar, reserved pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, ground ginger, and black pepper. This sauce is what gives the dish its signature sweet and tangy taste, balancing the bold flavors of the pork and veggies beautifully. Pour the sauce over everything in the crockpot, gently stirring to combine all the delicious components. Set your slow cooker to low heat and let everything cook for 4 hours. Take a moment once or twice during cooking to stir gently, ensuring the sugars don’t stick or burn on the sides of the crockpot. After it finishes cooking, your kitchen will be filled with an incredible aroma that’s impossible to resist!

How to Serve Crockpot Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe

Garnishes

The perfect finish to this dish is a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh scallions. These little touches add a delightful crunch, subtle nuttiness, and a burst of color that makes every bite even more enjoyable. I always find garnishing transforms a homemade meal into something special worthy of sharing.

Side Dishes

Sweet and sour pork pairs wonderfully with fluffy white rice, which soaks up all the luscious sauce. You can also serve it alongside simple steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for an extra dose of freshness and crunch. If you want a bit of a twist, jasmine or brown rice make excellent alternatives, giving subtle floral or nutty notes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, spoon the pork and sauce over crispy wonton strips or even inside lettuce cups for a light, low-carb option. Another crowd-pleaser is layering the pork over fried rice, adding extra texture and flavor that everyone will love. No matter how you serve it, this crockpot sweet and sour pork recipe brightens up mealtime with its vibrant look and incredible flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This dish keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers often taste even better. Just make sure to cool the pork before refrigerating to keep everything safe and fresh.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Pack the pork and sauce into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat, simmer the pork gently on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much to keep it saucy and perfect.

FAQs

Can I use pork shoulder instead of pork chops?

Yes! Pork shoulder is a great alternative because it becomes tender and flavorful with slow cooking. Just cut it into similar-sized cubes so it cooks evenly in your crockpot.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce, and double-check that your ketchup and other ingredients are gluten-free to enjoy safely.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Definitely! Mixing the sauce ingredients a day ahead lets the flavors meld and makes assembling the crockpot even easier when you’re ready to cook.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker? Can I make this on the stove?

You can. After browning the pork, simmer the pork and sauce mixture gently on the stovetop for about 45 minutes to an hour, stirring often, until the pork is tender and flavors have melded.

How do I prevent the sugar from burning in the crockpot?

Stirring once or twice during the cooking process helps prevent sugars from settling on the sides and burning. Using the low heat setting is also key since high heat can be too aggressive for this recipe.

Final Thoughts

If you want a dinner that feels like a celebration yet requires minimal effort, this Crockpot Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe is an absolute must-try. Its perfect balance of flavors combined with effortless cooking time makes it a staple to keep coming back to. I can’t wait for you to share this recipe with your loved ones and enjoy all the delicious compliments that come with it!