Crockpot Sweet and Sour Pork

 

Crockpot Sweet and Sour Pork

 

This gradual-cooked candy and sour beef is tender, flavorful, and perfect for a comforting weeknight meal. Using a crockpot continues prep easy whilst letting the red meat soak up all the tangy-candy goodness.

Ingredients

Pork:

1.5–2 lbs pork shoulder or tenderloin, reduce into chew-sized cubes

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tbsp vegetable oil (non-compulsory for browning)

Sauce:

half cup ketchup

1/three cup rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

1/three cup brown sugar

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optionally available)

1/4 cup pineapple juice

1 garlic clove, minced

Vegetables & Extras:

1 bell pepper, reduce into chunks

1 small onion, reduce into chunks

1 cup pineapple chunks

2 tsp cornstarch combined with 2 tsp water (non-compulsory, for thickening)

Instructions

1. Brown the Pork (Optional)

Heat oil in a pan over medium-excessive warmness. Season beef with salt and pepper. Sear until lightly browned on all sides. This step provides extra flavor but can be skipped. Transfer beef to the crockpot.

2. Prepare the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, pineapple juice, and minced garlic. Pour over the red meat within the crockpot, ensuring all portions are lined.

3. Slow Cook

Cover and cook dinner on low for six–7 hours or excessive for 3–four hours, until the red meat is tender.

 4. Add Vegetables & Pineapple

About 30–40 minutes earlier than serving, upload bell pepper, onion, and pineapple chunks. Stir gently and preserve cooking until the greens are gentle however still barely crisp.

5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

If you decide upon a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry, stir it into the crockpot, and cook dinner on excessive for 10–15 minutes till it thickens.

6. Serve

Serve the sweet and bitter red meat over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped inexperienced onions if preferred.

Tips & Variations

Extra Flavor: Marinate pork in 2 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tsp ginger for 30 minutes before cooking.

Vegetable Options: Add carrots, zucchini, or snap peas for greater color and nutrition.

No Browning Needed: Skip searing the beef to shop time; the crockpot still makes it tender and flavorful.

Make-Ahead: You can put together the sauce and pork the night earlier than. Store within the refrigerator and prepare dinner the following day.

This recipe yields 4–6 servings and is a convenient way to enjoy the conventional sweet and bitter flavors with minimal effort. Perfect for busy days, own family dinners, or meal prep.