Sweet And Tangy Pork
Sweet and tangy pork slow-cooked to tender perfection, flavored with ketchup, chili sauce, apple juice, honey, and vinegar, ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 boneless pork shoulder roast (about 3 lb.) ⓘ
- 3/4 cup ketchup ⓘ
- 1/2 cup bottled chili sauce ⓘ
- 1 cup apple juice ⓘ
- 1/4 cup honey ⓘ
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes ⓘ
- 1/4 cup cornstarch ⓘ
Instructions
- Spread chopped onion over the bottom of a 5 to 5 1/2-quart slow cooker.
- Place the pork shoulder roast on top of the onion.
- In a small bowl, stir together ketchup, chili sauce, 1/2 cup apple juice, honey, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and red pepper flakes until well blended.
- Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the pork roast.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 5 to 6 hours or on low for 10 to 11 hours, until the pork is very fork-tender.
- Remove the pork to a large platter and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- In a small cup, stir together remaining 1/2 cup apple juice and cornstarch until smooth.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker sauce.
- Cover and cook on high for 15 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
- Slice the pork into thin slices and spoon the sauce over the top.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or shredded on kaiser buns, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, marinate the pork shoulder in the sauce overnight before cooking. You can substitute the pork with chicken thighs, adjusting cooking time to about 4 hours on high. If you're looking for a spicy kick, add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. This dish pairs well with sides like Spinach Salad With Dressing or Green Beans(For Those Who Don'T Like Veggies).
Serving Suggestions
Slice the pork and serve it over mashed potatoes for a comforting meal, or shred it and pile it on kaiser buns for delicious sandwiches. This dish also works great with a side of Trio Baked Beans for a hearty plate. Don't forget to drizzle extra sauce on top for added flavor!
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pork in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel, heating in 1-minute increments until warmed through. The sauce can also be reheated on the stovetop over low heat until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Tangy Pork contains roughly 168 calories, with 8g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein.
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 a different cut of pork for this recipe?
Yes, while pork shoulder is ideal for its tenderness, you can also use pork loin or even chicken thighs. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as leaner cuts may cook faster.
How can I make this dish less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, you can cut back on the honey and apple juice, or increase the vinegar slightly to balance the flavors. Adding a pinch of salt can also help counteract sweetness.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Let the pork cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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).