Craving a meal that’s both comforting and exciting? These Slow Cooker Pork Chops deliver! We’re talking fall-off-the-bone tender pork loin chops simmered for hours in a vibrant, zesty sauce. The secret is a perfect blend of rich tomato and tangy apple cider vinegar, creating a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it dinner that tastes like you’ve been cooking all day.
Ingredients
• 3 tablespoons / 45 ml canola oil, divided
• 4 bone-in pork loin chops, cut 1½ inches / 4 cm thick
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into strips
• ¼ cup / 60 ml chicken broth
• 1 6-ounce / 170 g can tomato paste
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon / 15 ml chili paste
• 1 tablespoon / 15 ml apple cider vinegar
• ¼ teaspoon / 1.25 g salt
• ¼ teaspoon / 0.5 g ground black pepper
Instructions
1. Prepare your large slow cooker by greasing the sides and bottom of the stoneware with 1 tablespoon / 15 ml of canola oil.
2. In a large skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons / 30 ml of canola oil over medium-high heat. Carefully place the pork chops in the hot skillet and brown them on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Once browned, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
3. Create a bed of vegetables by layering the chopped onion, celery, and green bell pepper strips on the bottom of the prepared slow cooker. Arrange the browned pork chops on top of the vegetables.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, tomato paste, minced garlic, chili paste, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined. Pour this zesty sauce evenly over the pork chops. Secure the lid and cook on the Low setting for 4 to 6 hours, or until the pork is tender and cooked through.
Nutritional Information
• Calories: 755
• Fat: 50 g (60%)
• Net Carbs: 11 g (6%)
• Protein: 59 g (31%)
Pro Tips
• Don’t skip the browning step! Searing the pork chops before adding them to the slow cooker creates a deep, caramelized flavor that you can’t get from slow cooking alone.
• Control the heat by adjusting the chili paste. For a milder flavor, start with half the amount, or for a spicier kick, substitute with your favorite hot seasoning sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to quickly blitz the vegetables and cooking liquid right in the slow cooker pot after removing the pork chops.
• Serve these chops over creamy mashed potatoes, polenta, or rice to soak up every last drop of the delicious, tangy sauce.
FAQ
Q: Do I have to brown the pork chops before slow cooking
A: Yes, we highly recommend it. Searing the pork chops before adding them to the slow cooker creates a deep, caramelized flavor that you won’t get from just slow cooking. It’s a crucial step for the best taste.
Q: Can I make this recipe spicier or milder
A: Absolutely. To adjust the heat, simply modify the amount of chili paste. For a milder sauce, use half a tablespoon. For an extra spicy kick, feel free to add more chili paste or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Q: What should I serve with these slow cooker pork chops
A: These zesty pork chops are delicious served over a base that can soak up the flavorful sauce. We recommend creamy mashed potatoes, polenta, or fluffy rice.
