Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Slow-Cooked Spicy Pork Chops?
This is a tender pork dish featuring center-cut loin chops cooked in a slow cooker with a sweet and tangy sauce made from tomato sauce, brown sugar, and vinegar.
What cut of pork is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 5 to 6 center-cut pork loin chops.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
What are the primary ingredients for the sweet sauce?
The sauce is a mixture of an 8-ounce can of tomato sauce, 3-4 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of vinegar, salt, and 1-2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce.
Should I brown the pork chops before slow cooking?
Yes, browning the chops in a skillet for 4-5 minutes per side is recommended to enhance flavor and texture.
How long do the pork chops need to cook in the slow cooker?
The pork chops should be cooked on the low setting for 8 to 10 hours until they are tender.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
What side dishes pair well with these spicy pork chops?
They are best served over fluffy rice, drizzled with the extra sauce, and paired with caramelized apples.
How many grams of protein are in each serving?
Each serving provides 20 grams of protein.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
While described as spicy, the heat level comes from the Worcestershire sauce and can be adjusted to your preference.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains 20 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of sugar is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 3 to 4 tablespoons of brown sugar to provide sweetness.
Do I need to sautรฉ the vegetables?
Yes, the diced onion and green pepper should be sautรฉed in the skillet until softened before being added to the slow cooker.
What size can of tomato sauce is required?
You will need one 8-ounce can of tomato sauce.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by the 'Fix It and Forget It' cookbook.
How much oil is needed for browning?
You should use 3 tablespoons of oil in the skillet for browning the meat.
Can I use bone-in pork chops?
While the recipe specifies loin chops, bone-in pork chops can also be used and often stay very moist in a slow cooker.
How much salt should I add?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The dish includes one medium diced onion and one medium diced green pepper.
How much Worcestershire sauce is used?
The recipe suggests using 1 to 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce.
Is this recipe easy to prepare for weeknights?
Yes, it is an easy slow cooker meal that requires minimal hands-on time once the initial browning is complete.
Can I cook this recipe on the high setting?
While low for 8-10 hours is recommended for maximum tenderness, you could cook it on high for 4-5 hours if needed.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 9 primary ingredients used in this recipe.
Should I discard the oil after browning the pork?
The instructions suggest discarding excess oil from the skillet before sautรฉing the onions and peppers.
Can I use apple cider vinegar?
Yes, while the recipe just says vinegar, apple cider vinegar is an excellent choice for a sweet and tangy profile.
Is this a family-friendly meal?
Yes, the balance of sweet and savory flavors makes it a favorite for both children and adults.
How do I ensure the pork chops are well coated?
After adding the meat and sautรฉed vegetables to the slow cooker, pour the sauce mixture over the top to ensure everything is covered.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as a Stew.
How much vinegar is in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of vinegar.