Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork with Bell Peppers: A Comforting Family Feast

Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Pork with Bell Peppers

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 hours hrs

Total Time 7 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 448

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 lb pork shoulder cut into 1.5-inch cubes
• 2 red bell pepper sliced
• 2 green bell pepper sliced
• 1 medium onion sliced
• 3 clove garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup soy sauce
• 0.5 cup rice vinegar
• 0.25 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 0.25 cup cornstarch whisked with 2 tbsp cold water
• 0.5 cup water
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds toasted, for garnish

Method

 

1. Pat the pork cubes dry and season them with a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. In a small bowl whisk the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and set aside.
3. Add the pork, bell peppers, onion, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, sesame oil, and water to the slow cooker. Stir to coat everything evenly.
4. Cover and cook on low for 7 hours (420 minutes).
5. After cooking, stir in the cornstarch slurry and turn the heat to high for 15 minutes to thicken the sauce.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed; a splash of hot sauce can add a nice kick.
7. Serve the sweet & sour pork over steamed rice, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
8. Verify that the pork reaches a safe internal temperature with a food thermometer before serving.

Notes

Whisk the cornstarch with a little cold water before adding it to the pot; this prevents lumps and gives the sauce a silky glaze. Press the pork cubes gently while seasoning to help break down connective tissue for extra tenderness.

Food Safety Note: Always use a food thermometer to confirm your dish has reached a safe internal temperature before serving, and follow your country’s official food safety guidelines for meat, poultry, and slow-cooking. Cook times in this recipe are estimates — appliance and ingredient variation affects actual cook time.