Slow Cooker Asian Caramel Pulled Pork
Try this Slow Cooker Asian Caramel Pulled Pork recipe.
Try this Slow Cooker Asian Caramel Pulled Pork recipe.
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seed oil
- 1/2 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
- 1 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 4-5 lbs. pork shoulder/pork butt trimmed of exce
- 2 tablespoons ground ginger (sounds like a lot but it's amazing
- 1 tsp each salt onion powder
- 1/2 cup coconut milk ((i like chakoah))
- 1/3 cup japanese sweet rice wine/mirin (may substitute dr
- 1/4 cup asian sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha/ asian hot chili sauce
- Carbohydrate 36.309645002077 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 3.81757000704547 g
- Fiber 0.227074997757116 g
- Protein 1.17318750082041 g
- Saturated Fat 0.540745001000472 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -10 serving (66g)
- Sodium 824.278688205646 mg
- Sugar 36.0825700043198 g
- Trans Fat 0.165544375311264 g
- Calories 179 calories
Step-by-step
- Lightly spray a 6 qt + slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Whisk together all of the Wet Spice Rub ingredients in a medium bowl then massage it evenly all over the pork.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over high heat in a large nonstick skillet. Using tongs or 2 forks, sear pork on all sides until lightly browned.
- Place pork in prepared slow cooker.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together Slow Cooker Sauce ingredients (not Caramel Sauce) and pour all over pork.
- Cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours or on HIGH for 5-6 hours OR until pork is fall apart tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- At this point, remove pork to a cutting board until it is cool enough to shred.
- Meanwhile, remove all of the sauce left in the slow cooker to a measuring cup. If there is less than 2 ½ cups then add enough water to equal 2 ½ cup. Set aside. You can add shredded pork back to the slow cooker now that you have removed the sauce.
- To make the Caramel Sauce, add brown sugar and water to large skillet and boil over medium heat for 1 minute, whisking constantly. Don't overcook or it will harden!
- Slowly whisk in the 2 ½ cups Slow Cooker Sauce and simmer over medium high heat, whisking constantly until reduced and thickened, approximately 7-10 minutes.
- Pour desired amount of Caramel Sauce over shredded pork and toss until evenly coated with a spatula. Add additional sriracha for spicier if desired.
- Serve with rice/veggies/etc.
My Unexpected Culinary Adventure: Slow Cooker Asian Caramel Pulled Pork
As a busy working mom, time in the kitchen is a precious commodity. Weeknights are a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the ever-present need to put a healthy and satisfying meal on the table. I'm constantly searching for recipes that are both delicious and effortless, and that’s how I discovered the magic of slow cookers. They’ve become my secret weapon in the kitchen, transforming otherwise stressful evenings into moments of calm.
This particular recipe, the Slow Cooker Asian Caramel Pulled Pork, is a testament to the power of simplicity. It’s a dish that bursts with flavor, yet requires minimal hands-on time. The rich, sweet and savory sauce perfectly complements the tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork. The aroma alone is enough to draw the whole family into the kitchen, anticipating the deliciousness to come. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. I often serve it over rice, alongside steamed vegetables, or tucked into warm tortillas for a quick and satisfying taco night. It’s also a perfect centerpiece for a weekend gathering, impressing guests without demanding hours of preparation.
The process is remarkably straightforward. The slow cooker does most of the work, gently braising the pork until it reaches that perfect, fall-apart texture. While the pork simmers away, I can focus on other tasks, like catching up on emails, spending quality time with my kids, or simply enjoying a well-deserved cup of tea. The final step, whisking together the caramel sauce, is almost therapeutic – the sweet aroma filling the kitchen as the sauce thickens. It's a perfect ending to a relaxing cooking experience.
Beyond its convenience, this recipe holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of a recent trip to Southeast Asia. The vibrant street food markets, filled with the tantalizing scents of exotic spices and savory dishes, inspired me to experiment with bolder flavors in my own cooking. The subtle hints of ginger and garlic, the tang of fish sauce, and the sweetness of the caramel sauce all evoke memories of those bustling markets and their irresistible aromas. It’s a taste of adventure, conveniently prepared in my own kitchen.
This recipe isn't just about the deliciousness of the food; it's about reclaiming my time and energy. It's about finding joy in the simple act of creating a nourishing meal for my family, without sacrificing precious moments that matter most. It's a reminder that even a busy life can still afford delicious, homemade meals, thanks to the quiet magic of the slow cooker and a bit of culinary inspiration. It’s a dish that brings my family together, offering a delicious escape from the daily grind and a reminder of the simple pleasures in life.
So, if you’re looking for a recipe that’s both delicious and effortless, look no further. The Slow Cooker Asian Caramel Pulled Pork is your perfect weeknight solution, a weekend crowd-pleaser, or a culinary reminder of simpler times, all wrapped up in one savory, sweet package. Try it, and let me know what you think! I’m always up for sharing culinary adventures and expanding my repertoire of simple, satisfying meals.
