Slow Cooker Hoisin Pork with Pineapple and Bell Peppers

To Serve:

• Cooked white or jasmine rice
• Chopped green onions (optional)
• Sesame seeds (optional)

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the Pork

Start by seasoning the pork chunks with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the vegetable oil. Sear the pork on all sides until golden brown. This step locks in flavor and adds a rich depth to the final dish. Once seared, transfer the pork to your slow cooker.

Step 2: Make the Hoisin Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or brown sugar), minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice according to your preference. Pour this sauce evenly over the pork in the slow cooker.

Step 3: Cook in the Slow Cooker

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shredded with a fork. The long, slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld perfectly and the pork to become melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Step 4: Add Pineapple and Bell Peppers

About 30 minutes before serving, add the sliced bell peppers, onions, and pineapple chunks to the slow cooker. Stir gently to coat everything in the sauce. Cover again and continue cooking for the remaining time. The vegetables will soften but still retain a slight crunch, while the pineapple adds a bright, sweet contrast to the savory pork.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once everything is cooked, taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the hoisin pork over a bed of steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.

Tips for Success

1. Choose the Right Cut of Pork: Pork shoulder or butt works best for slow cooking because it becomes tender and juicy.
2. Don’t Skip Searing: Browning the pork first adds layers of flavor that a slow cooker alone can’t achieve.
3. Balance Sweetness and Saltiness: The pineapple adds natural sweetness, so adjust the hoisin or honey to avoid overpowering the dish.
4. Vegetable Timing Matters: Add bell peppers and pineapple later in cooking to keep them from becoming too soft or mushy.

Why This Recipe Works

This dish balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors beautifully. The hoisin sauce provides richness, the pineapple adds sweetness and acidity, and the bell peppers contribute freshness and crunch. Using a slow cooker ensures the pork is tender without constant monitoring, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Serving Suggestion: Pair with jasmine rice, steamed broccoli, or even a simple green salad. Leftovers reheat well, making it ideal for meal prep.

This Slow Cooker Hoisin Pork with Pineapple and Bell Peppers is a one-pot wonder that transforms simple ingredients into an impressive, restaurant-quality meal.

If you want, I can also create a quick visual step-by-step guide with photos for this recipe that looks like a cooking blog post. It makes following the steps even easier. Do you want me to do that?