Sweet And Sour Pork(Crock-Pot)
Sweet and tangy pork with pineapple, vibrant vegetables, and a savory sauce, perfect for a hearty, flavorful family meal cooked effortlessly in a crock-pot.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. boneless pork, cut into 2-inch strips ⓘ
- 1 tsp. paprika ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. shortening ⓘ
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, cut into strips ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. brown sugar ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. instant dry milk ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 (15 1/2 oz.) can pineapple tidbits, drained ⓘ
- 1/3 cup vinegar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Sprinkle pork pieces with paprika.
- Heat shortening in a skillet.
- Saute pork and discard fat.
- Place meat in crock-pot. Add sliced onion and pepper strips.
- Combine brown sugar, dry milk, cornstarch, and salt in a bowl.
- Add vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and 2/3 cup pineapple syrup to the bowl and mix well.
- Pour the mixture over the meat in the crock-pot. Add water if needed to make up 2/3 cup liquid.
- Cook on low for 8 to 9 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours.
- During the last 1 to 2 hours of cooking, add pineapple tidbits.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, try marinating the pork in the vinegar and soy sauce mixture for a few hours before cooking. You can substitute the pork with chicken or tofu if you prefer a different protein. If you don't have shortening, vegetable oil works well. To enhance the sweetness, consider adding a splash of orange juice to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sweet and sour pork over steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce. It pairs beautifully with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad. For a complete meal, consider offering egg rolls or wontons, which complement the dish's flavors nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, warm the sweet and sour pork in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Adding a splash of water can help maintain moisture during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Pork(Crock-Pot) contains roughly 373 calories, with 6g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (46% of the Daily Value), iron (29% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1236mg per serving (54% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen pork for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen pork, but it's best to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking. This ensures even cooking and better flavor absorption. If you're in a hurry, you can cook it from frozen, but increase the cooking time by an hour.
What can I substitute for pineapple tidbits?
If you don't have pineapple tidbits, you can use canned peaches or mandarin oranges for a similar sweet-tart flavor. Fresh fruit can also work if you prefer a more natural option. Just cut them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make this sweet and sour pork gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Additionally, check that your cornstarch is certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it easy to adapt for dietary needs.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).