These Slow Cooker Chinese Pork Chops are a flavor-packed delight, combining tender, juicy pork with a sweet and savory glaze that’s simply irresistible. With just 10 minutes of prep, your slow cooker does the heavy lifting, transforming simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal in 4 hours. The result? Fall-off-the-bone pork chops infused with rich, aromatic flavors like garlic, ginger, and a hint of sweetness from honey and soy sauce.
Each bite offers a perfect balance of textures—succulent meat, a glossy caramelized coating, and a touch of tangy brightness. Packed with 31g of protein and bursting with umami, this dish is a wholesome yet indulgent way to enjoy Chinese-inspired cuisine. Serve it over steamed rice for a comforting, restaurant-quality dinner at home.
What You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Chinese Pork Chops
- 6 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick for even cooking)
- 1 onion, diced (yellow or white onions work best)
- ⅔ cup ketchup (substitute with tomato sauce for a less sweet option)
- ⅓ cup brown sugar (light or dark, packed)
- ⅓ cup soy sauce (low-sodium soy sauce can be used for a healthier option)
- ¼ cup water (to thin the sauce slightly)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or ½ teaspoon garlic powder in a pinch)
- 1 ½ teaspoons ginger, minced (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger if fresh isn’t available)
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish
How to Make Slow Cooker Chinese Pork Chops
- Prepare the slow cooker: Lightly spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer the pork chops: Place the pork chops in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. Top them evenly with the diced onions.
- Make the sauce: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, water, minced garlic, and ginger until well combined.
- Pour the sauce: Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the pork chops and onions, ensuring everything is well-coated.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 3-4 hours, or until the pork chops are fall-apart tender. (Check at the 3-hour mark to avoid overcooking.)
- Serve: Serve the pork chops over warm rice, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired. Enjoy!
Delicious Sauce and Topping Ideas
While the recipe already includes a flavorful sauce, you can customize it to suit your taste. Try adding a splash of hoisin sauce or chili garlic paste for a sweet and spicy kick. For toppings, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a fresh crunch, or add a drizzle of sriracha mayo for extra creaminess and heat.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
These tender pork chops shine when served over steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Pair them with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a simple cucumber salad for a complete meal. Don’t forget to garnish with extra green onions and sesame seeds for a restaurant-worthy presentation!
Storing and Reheating Made Easy
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pork chops and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep them moist. Alternatively, microwave them in 30-second intervals until warmed through. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious!
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Cooks
To save time, prep your ingredients the night before. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and mix the sauce in a small container. In the morning, simply layer everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. If you’re short on time, you can also cook the pork chops on high heat for 2-3 hours instead of low.
Recipe Variations to Try
Swap out the pork chops for pork tenderloin or chicken thighs for a different twist. For a vegetarian option, use firm tofu or portobello mushrooms and adjust the cooking time accordingly. You can also experiment with the sauce by adding a splash of rice vinegar or a teaspoon of five-spice powder for extra depth.
Slow Cooker Chinese Pork Chops Recipe
Equipment
- slow cooker
Ingredients
- 6 boneless pork chops
- 1 onion, diced
- ⅔ cup ketchup
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup water
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons ginger
Instructions
- Spray slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray and add pork chops to the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Top pork chops with onions.
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, water, garlic, and ginger and pour over pork chops.
- Cook on low heat for 3-4 hours or until meat is fall-apart tender.
- Serve over warm rice and top pork chops with sesame seeds and sliced green onions (optional).