A reliable slow-cooker recipe is a joy to me. Truly great ones are rare, and this Slow-Cooker San Francisco‑Style Pork Chops recipe is one of them—my whole family loves it. Thick pork chops are browned to develop flavor, then cooked slowly in a savory sauce. After cooking, the sauce is thickened and spooned over the meat, and the chops can be lightly shredded so every bite is tender and well coated. This dish is excellent served over brown rice or quinoa and pairs nicely with roasted potatoes, peas, or asparagus.
I especially enjoy making slow-cooker meals on Sundays. There’s something comforting about the house filling with savory aromas all day and then sitting down to a warm, easy dinner together. This recipe is simple enough for a weekday meal as well. Enjoy!
Slow-Cooker San Francisco-Style Pork Chops
Ingredients
For the slow-cooker:
- 3 tablespoons olive or avocado oil
- 4 pork chops about 1-inch thick
- 1/8 tsp salt and pepper
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2/3 cup gluten-free low-sodium soy sauce
- 2/3 cup chicken stock or broth
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
For thickening the sauce:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- 1 tablespoon cold water
Instructions
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Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season both sides of the pork chops with salt and pepper, then brown them 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Transfer the browned chops to the slow-cooker.
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Reduce heat to medium, add the garlic, and cook briefly—about 30 seconds—taking care not to burn it. Add the soy sauce and chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in the brown sugar and red pepper flakes, then pour the mixture into the slow-cooker over the chops.
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Cook on low for 7–8 hours. When done, remove the chops to a serving dish and cover with foil. You may lightly shred the meat if you prefer a pulled texture.
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Pour the cooking liquid into a small saucepan. Whisk the cornstarch with the cold water until smooth, then whisk that into the sauce. Heat over medium 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and boils. Spoon the thickened sauce over the chops and serve with rice or quinoa. Enjoy!