Slow Cooker Sweet and Spicy Garlic Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Sweet and Spicy Garlic Pork Chops

This slow cooker pork chop recipe combines the perfect balance of sweet honey, spicy sriracha, and aromatic garlic for a restaurant-quality meal that requires minimal effort. The low and slow cooking method ensures the pork stays incredibly tender while the sauce reduces into a glossy, flavorful coating that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 6 pork chops, about 1 inch thick
• 8 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sriracha or hot sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons water
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

1. Place pork chops in the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, whisk together garlic, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sriracha, brown sugar, ginger, and black pepper.
3. Pour the sauce over the pork chops, making sure they are well coated.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until pork is tender and cooked through.
5. Mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry.
6. In the last 15 minutes of cooking, stir in the cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce.
7. Serve pork chops with sauce spooned over top, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

Practical Tips

Pound for evenness: For extra tenderness, pound the pork chops to an even thickness before adding them to the slow cooker. This ensures uniform cooking throughout.

Adjust the heat level: If you prefer less spice, reduce the sriracha to 1 tablespoon. For those who love heat, increase it to 3 tablespoons for a bolder kick.

Serve with sides: Pair these pork chops with steamed rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables to soak up the delicious sauce.

How to Store

Allow the cooked pork chops and sauce to cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months.

Common Questions

Can I use boneless pork chops instead? Yes, boneless pork chops work well, though they may cook slightly faster. Check for doneness around 3 to 4 hours on low heat.

What if I don’t have rice vinegar? Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar can substitute in equal amounts, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.

Is this dish gluten-free? Most soy sauce contains gluten, so use tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce if you need to avoid gluten.