Crockpot Sweet and Sour Pork

Crockpot Sweet and Sour Pork is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that perfectly balances savory pork with tangy sweet and sour sauce. This slow-cooked recipe allows the pork to become incredibly tender while soaking up the rich flavors of the sauce, creating a dish reminiscent of classic Chinese takeout but made conveniently at home.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: you can prepare the ingredients in minutes, set it in the crockpot, and let it cook while you attend to other tasks. The result is a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this Crockpot Sweet and Sour Pork because it’s effortless yet full of flavor. The pork becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the sauce is perfectly balanced—not too sweet, not too tangy.

Using a crockpot allows the flavors to meld beautifully over time, resulting in a dish that tastes like it simmered for hours. It’s a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or meal prep because it’s low-effort but high-reward.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Quick to prepare, set-it-and-forget-it cooking.
• Rich, flavorful sauce that’s balanced between sweet and tangy.
• Tender, juicy pork every time.
• Perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
• Pairs well with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 4–6 hours on low or 2–3 hours on high
• Total Time: 4–6 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 4–6
• Calories: Approximately 380 kcal per serving
• Course: Main
• Cuisine: Chinese-American / Comfort Food

Ingredients

• 2 lbs pork shoulder or pork tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional garnish: chopped green onions, sesame seeds

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the pork: Season pork cubes lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Mix the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together ketchup, rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, and minced garlic.
3. Assemble in crockpot: Place pork cubes in the crockpot. Add sliced bell peppers, onion, and pineapple chunks. Pour the sauce over the pork and vegetables. Stir gently to combine.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or on high for 2–3 hours until pork is tender and cooked through.
5. Thicken the sauce: About 15 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Stir into the crockpot to thicken the sauce. Cook on high for an additional 15 minutes.
6. Serve: Remove from crockpot and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Season Pork
Lightly season pork cubes with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Prepare Sweet and Sour Sauce
Whisk together ketchup, rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, and minced garlic in a small bowl.

Step 3: Layer Ingredients in Crockpot
Add pork, bell peppers, onion, and pineapple chunks into the crockpot. Pour sauce over everything and stir gently.

Step 4: Cook Slowly
Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or on high for 2–3 hours until pork is tender.

Step 5: Thicken Sauce
Mix cornstarch and water, stir into crockpot, and cook on high for 15 minutes until sauce thickens.

Step 6: Serve
Serve hot over rice or noodles, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

How to Serve

• Over steamed jasmine or white rice.
• With stir-fried noodles or lo mein.
• Accompanied by steamed or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.

Recipe Tips

• Pork selection: Use pork shoulder for more flavor and tenderness, or tenderloin for a leaner option.
• Vegetable options: Add snap peas, carrots, or broccoli for more variety.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for a mild kick.
• Fresh pineapple: Adds a brighter flavor than canned, but canned works well too.
• Cornstarch slurry: Essential for thickening the sauce and giving it that restaurant-style consistency.

Variations

1. Honey Sweet and Sour Pork: Add 1–2 tablespoons honey to the sauce for extra sweetness.
2. Vegetarian Version: Substitute tofu or tempeh for pork and use vegetable broth instead of soy sauce if desired.
3. Orange Sweet and Sour: Replace pineapple juice with fresh orange juice for a citrusy twist.
4. Spicy Sweet and Sour Pork: Add diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce for heat.
5. Slow Cooker Freezer Meal: Assemble all ingredients except cornstarch in a freezer-safe bag for a make-ahead meal.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

• Cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Special Equipment Needed

• Crockpot / Slow cooker
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small bowl for cornstarch slurry
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Conclusion

Crockpot Sweet and Sour Pork is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings together tender pork, vibrant vegetables, and a perfectly balanced sweet and tangy sauce. Ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep, it’s low-effort, crowd-pleasing, and versatile. With its tender pork, rich sauce, and beautiful presentation, this recipe is a must-try for anyone craving a homemade takeout experience that’s wholesome and satisfying.