Asian Pork
Have you tried my General Tso’s Chicken yet? As I stated in that recipe, it is one of my favorite chicken recipes of all time, so I wanted to create an easier way to lick up that delectable multi-dimensional sauce. Enter Asian Caramel Slow Cooker Pulled Pork. The sauce of this Caramel Pulled Pork is innnnnnnncredible. It isn’t a watery, lackluster sauce like many slow cooker Asian recipes. Instead, it is thick and luxuriously silky. It boasts more Thai flavors than my General Tso’s Chicken but is inspired by the Caramel Sauce of my Tso’s Chicken. In both recipes, the savory sauce is infused with “caramel” that we make by simmering water and brown sugar together and then whisking in our remaining savory sauce base. The resulting sauce is nothing short of the ideal ying and yang of sweet and savory, tangy and zingy, with a splash of heat.
What you’ll need to make this Asian Pork Recipe:
What is rice wine and where can I buy it?
The only sauce ingredient you might have a question about is the Japanese rice wine. Rice wine should become a pantry staple if you do much Asian cooking because it is used in MANY of my recipes such as my Mongolian Beef, Kung Pao Shrimp and many more. Rice wine is NOT rice vinegar- DO NOT switch them out. Rice wine adds a sweetness and depth of flavor while also tenderizing the pork. Rice vinegar, on the other hand will add an acidic flavor.
How to Make Asian Pulled Pork
How to Make the Caramel Sauce for Slow Cooker Asian Pork
Caramelized Pork Recipe Tips
Sear the meat. When searing, the pork will naturally release from the pan once it is properly seared. If it is sticking to the bottom of the pan, it is most likely needing more time. It will take 2-5 minutes per side (longer if using a nonstick pan). Sear unto deeply golden. Please no sad gray meat! Deeply golden pork means the maximum Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction that enhances the flavor of the meat. It results in a complex combination of savory, caramelized, and roasted notes, contributing depth and richness that can’t be achieved any other way. Cook until tender. Every slow cooker cooks differently, so be flexible with the cooking time. Always check at the early end of the cooking window, then cook on as needed. The pork is ready when it easily pulls apart with two forks. If it’s not tender enough to shred, then keep cooking, it just needs more time. Don’t overcook Caramel Sauce. Simmer for just one minute, no longer or it can harden! Babysit the thickening the sauce. The Caramel Sauce should be stirred constantly because brown sugar can burn. Be patient and simmer until thickened, this should be about 7-10 minutes, but may be more or less for some. You don’t have to use all the Caramel Sauce. Depending on the size of your pork or personal preference, you may not want to add all the sauce. You can even add more sauce to individual servings. Add some spice. The sweetness of the caramel pork is fabulous balanced by additional chili sauce.
What to Serve with Asian Pork
Rice: I like jasmine rice or brown rice but any rice will work. Just pop the rice in your rice cooker for a hand’s off, easy side. You can also use microwave rice pouches for single serving leftovers. Low carb: Cauliflower rice, quinoa, broccoli rice or a blend of brown rice and any of the aforementioned options. You can also try low carb noodles such as zoodles or spaghetti squash. Vegetables and Fruit: Stir fry any of your favorite vegetables, or go with ginger sesame bok choy. I also love serving with pineapple or mangos. Appetizers: For a complete Asian feast, pair your Caramel Pork with Spring Rolls, Cream Cheese Wontons, Crab Rangoons, Potstickers or Egg Rolls. Salad: Some of our favorite Asian inspired salads include Ramen Salad, Crunchy Asian Salad, Chinese Salad, and Asian Pineapple.
How to Store Slow Cooker Asian Pork
Storage: Store leftover Pulled Pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat: Reheat in the microwave or gently on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if the pork seems a little dry or reheat in the slow cooker for 1-2 hours on low.
If you love slow cooker pulled pork and beef recipes, then you will love my Slow Cooker Chipotle Pork, Slow Cooker Honey Balsamic Beef, and Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa!
More like this Asian Pork Recipe
Beef and Broccoli Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Sesame Chicken Slow Cooker Korean Meatballs Slow Cooker Mongolian Chicken Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken Hoisin Ginger Chicken Stir Fry
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