Are you craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This slow cooker Asian pork shoulder recipe is your answer. It's a perfect example of delicious dishes that require minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner. This recipe delivers tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork infused with the aromatic spices of Asian cuisine. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest – healthy, flavorful, and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lb boneless pork shoulder (butt roast)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Pork: Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. This helps it brown better and develop a richer flavor.
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Combine the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, coriander, cumin, and red pepper flakes (if using).
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Marinate the Pork: Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker. Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring it's evenly coated.
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Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds.
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Shred the Pork: Once cooked, remove the pork shoulder from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
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Reduce the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can transfer the cooking liquid from the slow cooker to a saucepan. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until it has reduced and thickened to your liking.
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Combine and Serve: Add the shredded pork back to the slow cooker (or saucepan with reduced sauce) and toss to coat. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve hot with rice, noodles, or your favorite side dishes.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Choosing the Right Pork Shoulder: Look for a pork shoulder with good marbling for extra tenderness and flavor.
- Don't Overcrowd the Slow Cooker: Make sure there's enough space in your slow cooker for the pork to cook evenly.
- Taste and Adjust: Adjust the seasoning to your preference. You can add more soy sauce for saltiness, honey for sweetness, or red pepper flakes for heat.
- Make it Ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can make the pork shoulder a day or two in advance and reheat it when ready to serve.
Variations:
- Spicy Asian Pork Shoulder: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Pineapple Asian Pork Shoulder: Add 1 cup of crushed pineapple to the slow cooker along with the marinade for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Garlic Lover's Asian Pork Shoulder: Add more minced garlic or a few cloves of roasted garlic for a stronger garlic flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This easy and healthy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner. The tender, flavorful pork is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy your delicious homemade meal! These quick dinner ideas are a great way to enjoy healthy meals without spending hours in the kitchen. This is one of the best recipes for a satisfying and flavorful pork dish.