Slow Cooker Asian-Inspired Pulled Pork
Get ready to fall in love with this Slow Cooker Asian-Inspired Pulled Pork! This dish is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Inspired by the bold flavors of Asian cuisine, this pulled pork is incredibly tender, juicy, and packed with umami goodness. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a comforting meal, this recipe is a must-try!
What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity. With just a few minutes of prep, your slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with a dish that tastes like it came from a gourmet kitchen. Plus, it’s versatile—serve it in sliders, over rice, or even in tacos. Let’s dive in and make this delicious pulled pork!
Why This Recipe Works
1. Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. Simply toss in the ingredients, set it, and forget it. You’ll come home to a house filled with irresistible aromas and a meal ready to serve.
2. Bold, Balanced Flavors: The combination of soy sauce, hoisin, ginger, and garlic creates a rich, complex flavor profile that’s both sweet and savory. A touch of rice vinegar adds a tangy kick, balancing the dish perfectly.
3. Versatile and Customizable: This pulled pork can be served in so many ways—sliders, rice bowls, tacos, or even as a topping for salads. You can also adjust the spice level or sweetness to suit your taste.
What’s In Slow Cooker Asian-Inspired Pulled Pork?
Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful dish:
- Pork Shoulder: The star of the dish, pork shoulder becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked.
- Soy Sauce: Adds saltiness and depth of flavor.
- Hoisin Sauce: Provides sweetness and a rich, umami taste.
- Rice Vinegar: Balances the sweetness with a tangy note.
- Garlic and Ginger: Essential aromatics that add warmth and complexity.
- Brown Sugar: Enhances the sweetness and helps caramelize the pork.
- Sriracha: Adds a subtle heat (optional).
How To Make Slow Cooker Asian-Inspired Pulled Pork
This recipe is as easy as it gets. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this mouthwatering pulled pork:
Step 1: Prepare the Pork
- Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut it into large chunks (about 3-4 inches).
- Season the pork lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, brown sugar, and sriracha (if using).
Step 3: Slow Cook
- Place the pork chunks in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over them, ensuring the pork is well-coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is fork-tender.
Step 4: Shred and Serve
- Once the pork is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and shred it using two forks.
- Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the sauce. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Serve warm with your choice of sides or toppings.
Sides for Slow Cooker Asian-Inspired Pulled Pork
Pair your pulled pork with these delicious sides:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: A classic pairing that soaks up the flavorful sauce.
- Asian Slaw: A crunchy, refreshing side that balances the richness of the pork.
- Pickled Vegetables: Adds a tangy contrast to the sweet and savory pork.
- Steamed Buns: Perfect for making pulled pork sliders.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
Yes, you can use pork loin or pork tenderloin, but keep in mind that these cuts are leaner and may not be as tender as pork shoulder.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the pulled pork for up to 3 months.
Can I Make This Spicier?
Absolutely! Add more sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra heat.
Other Recipes To Try
- Korean BBQ Beef Tacos: A fusion of Korean flavors and Mexican street food.
- Pulled Pork Sliders with Cola BBQ Sauce: Tender pulled pork simmered in a cola-based barbecue sauce, perfect for parties.
- Thai Peanut Chicken Noodles: Creamy, spicy, and packed with flavor.
- Dr. Pepper Glazed Meatballs: Sweet and tangy meatballs made with a Dr. Pepper glaze—perfect for appetizers or main dishes.
- Vietnamese Caramelized Pork Bowls: Sweet, salty, and utterly delicious.
- Miso Glazed Eggplant: A vegetarian dish with rich, umami flavors.
If you like the look of this, try our 14 Must-Try Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipes
Slow Cooker Asian-Inspired Pulled Pork
Ingredients
- 3 lbs 1.4 kg pork shoulder, cut into chunks
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sriracha optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork: Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut into chunks. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and sriracha (if using).
- Slow Cook: Place pork in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over it. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
- Shred and Serve: Shred the pork with two forks, mix with the sauce, and serve warm.
Notes
- Make Ahead: The pork can be cooked a day in advance and reheated before serving.
- Freezing: Freeze shredded pork in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Spice Level: Adjust sriracha to your preferred heat level.
- Serving Ideas: Serve in sliders, rice bowls, or tacos.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute pork with jackfruit for a vegetarian version.
Nutrition
Enjoy your Slow Cooker Asian-Inspired Pulled Pork! Let us know how it turned out in the comments below!