Slow Cooker Sweet-Sour Pork Roast

Slow Cooker Sweet-Sour Pork Roast Recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high | Servings: 6-8

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Sweet-Sour Pork Roast recipe is a delicious and easy way to prepare a flavorful and tender pork roast. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors in the sauce pairs perfectly with the savory pork and potatoes. This dish is perfect for a comforting family meal or a special occasion.

History

The sweet-sour flavor combination has been a popular cooking technique for centuries, with variations found in cuisines around the world. This particular recipe combines classic sweet-sour flavors with the convenience of a slow cooker, making it a modern twist on a timeless cooking method.

Ingredients

3 cups potatoes, cubed or sliced [Idaho]
3 onions, sliced - divided in half
3 lb (1.36 kg) pork Roast, trimmed
8 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup water
0.5 cup ketchup
3 tbsp vinegar
2 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp dijon mustard
1 tbsp pepper

How to prepare

Arrange the potatoes in the slow cooker.
Place half of the onions on top of the potatoes.
Place the pork on top of the onions.
Spread the garlic all over.
Top with the remaining onions.
Whisk together the water, ketchup, vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, mustard, and pepper; pour over the pork.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
Slice the pork crosswise into thin slices.

Variations

Substitute the pork roast with chicken or beef for a different flavor profile.
Add pineapple chunks or bell peppers to the slow cooker for a tropical twist.
Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the sauce.

Notes

Serves: 4

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to trim the excess fat from the pork roast before cooking to prevent the dish from becoming too greasy.

- Slicing the pork roast crosswise into thin slices after cooking will help to ensure that it is tender and easy to serve.

- Adjust the cooking time based on the size and thickness of your pork roast to ensure that it is cooked through but still moist and tender.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Slow Cooker Sweet-Sour Pork Roast with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad would also complement this dish nicely.

Cooking Techniques

Slow cooking allows the flavors of the ingredients to meld together and the pork roast to become tender and juicy. This method of cooking is perfect for busy days when you want a delicious meal without a lot of hands-on time.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use sweet potatoes or carrots instead of regular potatoes for a different flavor and texture.

- Substitute honey or maple syrup for the brown sugar for a natural sweetener option.

- Tamari can be used as a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the ingredients for the Slow Cooker Sweet-Sour Pork Roast the night before and store them in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply assemble everything in the slow cooker and let it cook throughout the day for a convenient and delicious meal.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Slow Cooker Sweet-Sour Pork Roast with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for a pop of color and flavor. Serve it in a large serving dish or on individual plates for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a light and crisp white wine, such as a Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the sweet and tangy flavors of the sauce. A side of pickled vegetables or a tangy slaw would also be a great accompaniment.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of the Slow Cooker Sweet-Sour Pork Roast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Approximately 400 calories per serving

Carbohydrates

- Potatoes: 30g per cup

- Onions: 10g per medium onion

- Ketchup: 5g per tablespoon

- Brown sugar: 12g per tablespoon

- Soy sauce: 1g per tablespoon

- Mustard: 0.5g per tablespoon

Fats

- Pork Roast: 20g per 3 oz serving

- Soy sauce: 0g per tablespoon

Proteins

- Pork Roast: 25g per 3 oz serving

Vitamins and minerals

Potatoes: good source of vitamin C and potassium

- Onions: good source of vitamin C and fiber

Alergens

Soy sauce contains soy and wheat allergens

Summary

This Slow Cooker Sweet-Sour Pork Roast is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious and satisfying dish.

Summary

This Slow Cooker Sweet-Sour Pork Roast is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a comforting family meal or a special occasion. With a balance of sweet and tangy flavors, tender pork, and hearty potatoes, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of wonder. It was handed down to me by my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins, who had learned it from her grandmother many years ago. As she shared the recipe with me, I could see the passion and love she had for cooking, and I knew that I had to give it a try.

The ingredients were simple, yet the combination of flavors intrigued me. A pork roast, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, and a few other seasonings were all that was needed to create this delectable dish. Mrs. Jenkins explained that the key to the recipe was the slow cooking process, which allowed the flavors to meld together and create a sweet and tangy sauce that coated the tender pork perfectly.

I couldn't wait to try it out for myself. I gathered all the ingredients and prepared the pork roast, browning it in a hot skillet before transferring it to the slow cooker. As I mixed together the sauce, I could already smell the tantalizing aroma of the dish to come.

I poured the sauce over the pork roast and set the slow cooker to low, allowing it to simmer for hours on end. The anticipation was almost unbearable as the scent of the sweet and sour sauce filled my kitchen. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the timer went off and it was time to unveil the masterpiece.

As I lifted the lid of the slow cooker, I was greeted with a sight that made my mouth water. The pork roast was tender and falling apart, the sauce thick and flavorful. I couldn't wait to dig in and taste the fruits of my labor.

I served the Slow Cooker Sweet-Sour Pork Roast over a bed of fluffy white rice, allowing the sauce to seep into every crevice. With the first bite, I knew that this recipe was a keeper. The combination of the sweet brown sugar, the tangy ketchup, and the savory soy sauce was a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds.

I couldn't help but think back to Mrs. Jenkins and the joy she had brought into my life with this recipe. It was more than just a dish; it was a connection to the past, a link to generations of women who had passed down their knowledge and love of cooking. I felt honored to carry on this tradition and share it with my own family.

As I sat at the table, savoring each bite of the Slow Cooker Sweet-Sour Pork Roast, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own repertoire. It was a dish that brought people together, that created memories and sparked conversation. And for that, I was forever grateful to Mrs. Jenkins and her grandmother for sharing their culinary wisdom with me.

So now, whenever I make this recipe, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and a spirit of joy. For in every sweet and sour bite, I am reminded of the love and connection that food can bring into our lives. And for that, I will always be thankful.