Slow Cooker Asian Shredded Pork

This mouthwatering slow cooker Asian shredded pork is a weeknight hero in my house The pork cooks low and slow soaking up savory sweet flavors and falls apart with barely any effort It is fantastic in rice bowls atop noodles or packed into tacos and takes almost no prep time

The first time I made this was on a laundry filled Wednesday and we were all so hungry by dinnertime My kids love it wrapped in tortillas and my husband tops his bowl with lots of spicy sriracha

Ingredients

• Pork shoulder or pork butt: Brings juicy tender texture Choose well marbled meat for best flavor and easy shredding
• Soy sauce: The backbone for salty umami taste Look for a low sodium option if preferred and double check for gluten free
• Honey: Sweetens and balances savory notes Opt for local honey for depth
• Brown sugar: Adds molasses richness and beautiful caramelization Make sure it is soft and fresh
• Sesame oil: Brings toasty nutty aroma Use pure toasted sesame oil not blended versions
• Rice wine: Provides tang and lift to the sauce Choose mirin or dry sherry if you cannot find rice wine
• Hoisin sauce: Lends sweet sticky complex taste Select one with clean ingredients
• Garlic cloves: Infuse the whole dish with mellow spice Fresh cloves work best pick firm plump bulbs

Step by Step Instructions

Prep the Pork:

If you like you can trim off any large pieces of excess fat from the pork shoulder to avoid an oily finish Set the pork in your slow cooker

Mix the Sauce:

Combine soy sauce honey brown sugar sesame oil rice wine and hoisin sauce in a small bowl Blend thoroughly so everything is dissolved then pour over the pork Toss pork to coat every surface with sauce before cooking This ensures an even seasoning

Cook Low and Slow:

Add the whole garlic cloves to the cooker The pork does not need to be fully covered Cook on high for four to five hours until the pork pulls apart easily The aromatics will flavor the meat deeply

Shred and Finish Cooking:

Carefully remove and discard the garlic cloves Use two forks to shred the cooked pork directly in the cooker Stir the meat into the juices Return the lid and cook on high for another thirty minutes to soak up all those flavors and help the sauce thicken slightly

Serve and Garnish:

Serve the hot pork with steamed rice cooked noodles or wrapped in tacos and pile on sliced green onions sesame seeds or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro

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My favorite part is the way the honey caramelizes at the edges during the last thirty minutes It reminds me of when my mom made sticky glazed meats growing up Each bite brings back memories of big family dinners

Storage Tips

This shredded pork keeps well in the fridge for up to four days Store in an airtight container and reheat in a pan or microwave with a splash of water to keep it juicy It also freezes like a dream freeze up to three months then defrost overnight and warm through before serving

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use chicken thighs in place of pork though reduce the cooking time to about three hours For a soy free version try coconut aminos For a sweeter finish add pineapple chunks during the last hour of slow cooking

Serving Suggestions

Serve over jasmine or brown rice egg noodles or tucked in warm corn tortillas Top with sliced radishes shredded carrots and a squeeze of lime You can also pile the pork into lettuce wraps for a lighter twist

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Cultural Context

Slow cooker shredded pork draws on flavors found in Chinese Japanese and Korean kitchens The combination of soy honey and toasted oil gives a uniquely Asian flavor that is both comforting and crowd pleasing This recipe embraces the spirit of home cooked comfort food with a global twist

Recipe FAQs

→ What cut of pork works best?

Pork shoulder or pork butt deliver rich flavor and tender texture when slow cooked and shredded.

→ How should I serve the shredded pork?

Try it over steamed rice, mixed with noodles, or stuffed into warm tortillas for fusion tacos.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead?

Absolutely. The pork can be cooked and shredded in advance, then reheated gently before serving.

→ What garnishes pair well?

Fresh green onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds add crunch and herbal notes to the finished dish.

→ Is this meal gluten-free?

Ensure all sauces are certified gluten-free to keep the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.

→ Are any special tools needed?

A slow cooker and a small bowl for mixing sauces are the only kitchen tools required.