Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork

Flavor That Fits Your Busy Life

When your schedule is packed but your taste buds crave something bold and flavorful, Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork made with Minute® Instant White Rice is your perfect solution. This slow cooker recipe brings the tangy-sweet flavors of a classic Chinese restaurant dish to your home kitchen with minimal effort and maximum payoff.

The Balance of Convenience and Flavor

Life can get hectic, whether you’re juggling a new job, maintaining a packed social calendar or managing household responsibilities. Amidst the hustle, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of dinner options at the grocery store. Minute® simplifies the decision-making process, providing a dependable pantry staple that transforms meals like this Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork into something extraordinary.

With this recipe, your slow cooker becomes your sous chef. Simply combine key ingredients—like bite-sized pieces of pork tenderloin or pork chops, tangy sauce made with soy sauce, white vinegar, or apple cider vinegar and fresh pineapple—and let the magic happen. While you focus on your day, the slow cooker tenderizes the pork and melds the flavors into a mouthwatering dish that will be ready when you are.

Why This Recipe Works

• Time-Saving Simplicity: With just a few minutes of prep in the morning, this recipe eliminates the need for last-minute meal stress. Add the main ingredients to your slow cooker before heading out, and let it do the work while you take on the day.
• Restaurant-Worthy Results: The tangy sauce strikes the perfect balance of sweet and sour, just like your favorite Chinese restaurant dish. Try adding green onions and fresh pineapple to give the dish a burst of freshness and flavor.
• Adaptable Ingredients: Whether you’re working with pork tenderloin, pork chops or another cut, this recipe adapts beautifully. The slow cooking process ensures tender, juicy pork every time.

Sweet and Sour Pork for Every Lifestyle

This recipe is perfect for:

• Stressed Out Home Cooks: Busy days filled with new careers and social engagements demand meals that are as effortless as they are satisfying. With its quick prep and hands-free cooking, this dish gives you more time to enjoy your evening.
• Busy Household Caretakers: Balancing work and family life often means finding meals that everyone loves. The tangy, saucy pork paired with fluffy Minute® Instant White Rice ensures this dish will please even the pickiest eaters.

What Makes the Sauce So Special

The sweet and sour sauce is the heart of this recipe. Made with pantry staples like a pre-made sweet and sour sauce, which adds a touch of sweetness, it delivers the perfect harmony of bold flavors. Add sesame seeds for a pop of contrast and stir in freshly diced pineapple for a tropical twist that elevates the dish. Want a thicker, more luxurious sauce? Use a simple cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce before serving.

The Perfect Pairing: Minute® Instant White Rice

No Sweet and Sour Pork is complete without rice, and Minute® Instant White Rice is the ideal complement to this tangy, flavorful dish. Ready in minutes, its quick-cooking nature ensures that your meal comes together seamlessly, even on your busiest evenings. The fluffy texture of the rice absorbs the tangy sauce perfectly, making every bite satisfying and delicious.

Tips for Customization

• Experiment with Proteins: While pork is the star of this recipe, it also works well with bite-sized chicken pieces or even crispy pork for added texture.
• Add a Crunch: Toss in bell peppers or water chestnuts during the last few minutes of cooking to add crunch and color.
• Try It as a Stir-Fry: If you’re short on time, transform the recipe into a quick stir-fry. Use a skillet to cook the pork and vegetables, then toss everything in the tangy sauce.

Inspiration for Your Next Meal

Minute® helps you create meals that fit your busy lifestyle without sacrificing flavor or quality. If you love the bold flavors of this Sweet and Sour Pork, explore more recipe ideas:

• Red Beans and Rice: A classic, savory dish that’s easy to make and perfect for weeknights.
• Rice-Stuffed Eggplant Parmesan: A vegetarian twist that’s hearty, delicious, and packed with flavor.
• Stir Fries Galore: Pair Minute® Rice with your favorite protein, vegetables and sauces for a quick, customizable meal any day of the week.

Whether you’re preparing a solo dinner or cooking for your household, Sweet and Sour Pork with Minute® Instant White Rice makes dinnertime effortless, flavorful and satisfying. Let Minute® be your go-to for meals that fit your schedule and exceed your expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pork ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat the pork and sauce together on the stovetop or in the microwave, then serve over freshly cooked Minute® Instant White Rice.

What’s the best cut of pork for Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork?

Pork tenderloin is a popular choice for this dish due to its tenderness and flavor when slow-cooked. However, pork chops or pork shoulder also work well.

Can I make Sweet and Sour Pork without a slow cooker?

Absolutely! This recipe can be adapted for stovetop cooking. Use a large skillet to brown the pork, then simmer it with the sauce ingredients over low heat until tender. For a quicker option, try stir-frying the pork and vegetables together before adding the sauce.

Can I customize the vegetables in Sweet and Sour Pork?

Yes, this recipe is versatile! Add bell peppers, green onions or water chestnuts for extra crunch and flavor. Fresh pineapple is a must for its sweet and tangy balance, but feel free to experiment with other fruits or vegetables that you enjoy.

How can I thicken the sauce for Sweet and Sour Pork?

To thicken the sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir it into the sauce during the last 10 minutes of cooking, and let it simmer until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.