This Easy Slow Cooker Asian Shredded Pork is a yummy dish that cooks low and slow, filling your kitchen with amazing smells. With tender pork and tasty Asian spices, it’s super simple!
Who doesn’t love a dish that does all the work for you? Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its magic. Perfect for tacos or over rice—so tasty! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder: This cut is perfect for shredding. If you want a leaner option, use pork loin, though it may not be as tender. I like to trim excess fat for a healthier meal.
Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce is a great choice to control saltiness. If you’re gluten-free, use tamari as a substitute. I often experiment with coconut aminos for a different flavor twist!
Hoisin Sauce: This gives a sweet and tangy punch. If you can’t find it, try using a mix of soy sauce and peanut butter for a similar taste. It’s a great hack if you’re in a pinch!
Honey or Brown Sugar: Both work well for sweetness! You can replace honey with maple syrup for a vegan option. I usually go with brown sugar for a rich flavor.
Ginger and Garlic: Fresh ginger and garlic are key for flavor! In a hurry? Use powdered versions, but fresh always wins in taste. I love the smell while cooking; it’s comforting!
How Do I Get the Pork Perfectly Shredded and Flavorful?
Shredding the pork right can make a big difference in texture and flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Let the pork rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps keep it moist.
- Use two forks to pull the pork apart gently. Look for natural grain lines to guide you.
- Once shredded, mix it back into the juices in the slow cooker. This allows the pork to soak up more flavor.
- Don’t rush! Let it simmer for an extra 15-20 minutes for the best results.
With these steps, your shredded pork will be delicious and full of flavor, ready for any dish you choose!
Easy Slow Cooker Asian Shredded Pork
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder (also called pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or other chili sauce (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup water or chicken broth
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus cooking in the slow cooker for 8 to 10 hours on low or 4 to 5 hours on high. After that, you’ll need another 15 to 20 minutes for the flavors to blend after shredding the pork. Set it and forget it for a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork:
Start by patting the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better! Place the pork in the slow cooker, making sure it fits snugly.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, sriracha (if using), black pepper, and water or chicken broth. This mixture is full of flavor!
3. Combine and Cook:
Pour the delicious sauce evenly over the pork in the slow cooker. Make sure the pork is well coated in all that tasty goodness. Then, cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours until the pork is super tender and pulls apart easily.
4. Shred the Pork:
Once the pork is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. It should come apart easily, so don’t be afraid to dig in!
5. Mix and Meld:
Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir it back into the remaining juices. Let it cook on low for an additional 15 to 20 minutes to absorb all those wonderful flavors.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the shredded pork hot, garnished with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. This dish is fantastic in sandwiches, tacos, or served over steamed rice. Enjoy your effortless, flavorful meal!
Happy cooking! 🌟
FAQ about Easy Slow Cooker Asian Shredded Pork
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder is ideal for shredding due to its fat content and tenderness, you can use pork loin or even chicken thighs for a leaner option. Just be aware that leaner cuts might not yield the same level of juiciness.
What If I Don’t Have Hoisin Sauce?
No worries! If you can’t find hoisin sauce, you can make a quick substitute by mixing equal parts soy sauce and peanut butter. This will give you a similar sweet and savory profile. Just whisk them together and add a bit of honey for sweetness if you’d like!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! This dish is great for meal prep. You can cook the pork ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving. Just add a splash of water to keep it moist!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the shredded pork in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
