Are you looking for a simple yet incredibly flavorful weeknight dinner? Look no further! This recipe for slow cooker pork shoulder steak delivers melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and rich, savory goodness with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights, this healthy meal is also easily customizable to your taste. It’s one of those best recipes that will quickly become a family favorite!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless pork shoulder steak, about 1-inch thick
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Optional: 1 cup chopped carrots and/or potatoes for added vegetables
Instructions:
Getting Started:
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Pat the pork shoulder steak dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. This simple step enhances the flavor significantly.
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In your slow cooker, combine the chopped onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and thyme. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are mixed thoroughly. This creates a delicious and flavorful base for the pork.
Cooking the Pork:
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Place the seasoned pork shoulder steak in the slow cooker, ensuring it's submerged in the liquid mixture. If needed, add a little extra broth to ensure the steak is mostly covered.
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Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your steak and your slow cooker.
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If adding carrots and/or potatoes, add them to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking time.
Finishing Touches:
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Once the pork is cooked through, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for about 10 minutes before shredding. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
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Shred the pork using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir it into the cooking liquid to coat. This will help to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
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Serve the pork over rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side dish. This easy recipe is versatile and works well with many different accompaniments!
Tips for the Best Pork Shoulder Steak:
- Don't overcrowd the slow cooker: Ensure there's enough space for the pork to cook evenly.
- Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C) for safe consumption.
- Adjust seasonings to your preference: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile.
Variations:
- Spicy Pork: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the cooking liquid for a spicy kick.
- BBQ Pork: Substitute the apple cider vinegar with your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky, tangy flavor.
- Garlic Lovers Delight: Add extra garlic cloves or a sprinkle of garlic powder for a more intense garlic flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on serving size and added ingredients. This is an estimate for a 4-serving recipe without added vegetables.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 35-40g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This slow cooker pork shoulder steak recipe is a fantastic example of delicious dishes made easy. This quick dinner idea is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a healthy and satisfying meal without sacrificing flavor. Enjoy!