Divine! Never thought I could get this taste through a slow cooker!

There's something about the savory-sweet allure of Char Siu Pork that sends your taste buds on a delightful journey all the way to the bustling streets of Hong Kong. This traditional Cantonese dish, typically found hanging in the windows of Asian markets, can transform your kitchen into a world-class Chinese barbecue joint, and with a slow cooker, it becomes practically effortless! Making Char Siu at home brings a touch of exotic flavor to the dinner table, and when prepared in slow cooker fashion, it allows you to savor those precious moments with family while the magic happens on its own. It’s perfect for when you yearn for something special without the fuss, whether for a cozy family dinner or for impressing your friends at a backyard gathering.

Serve this comforting roast with a side of fluffy jasmine rice or over a bed of noodles to soak up that fabulous sauce. A crisp Asian-style slaw or a medley of steamed broccoli and bok choy can complement the pork’s rich flavor, adding a refreshing crunch to the meal. Don't forget the pickled vegetables for an authentic touch — their tangy bite cuts right through the sweetness and makes each mouthful perfectly balanced.

Slow Cooker Char Siu Pork Roast
Servings: 6-8 servings

- 3-4 pound pork shoulder or butt roast
- 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Chinese five-spice powder
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring (optional for authenticity)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Sliced green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)

1. In a bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, rice wine, brown sugar, minced garlic, Chinese five-spice powder, sesame oil, red food coloring if using, and black pepper until well combined.

2. Place the pork roast in the slow cooker and pour the sauce mixture over it, ensuring the pork is well coated.

3. Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, or until the pork is tender and cooked through.

4. Transfer the pork to a cutting board, tent with foil, and let it rest for about 10 minutes.

5. While the pork rests, skim off any excess fat from the sauce and pour into a saucepan. Simmer until it reduces slightly into a more concentrated glaze.

6. Slice or shred the pork and drizzle it with the reduced sauce.

7. Garnish the pork with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds just before serving.

- For those watching their sugar intake, you can easily swap out the honey for a lower-calorie sweetener that works well with heat, but keep in mind that it may alter the classic taste slightly.
- If you have little ones around or folks with sensitive palates, you can reduce the amount of five-spice powder for a milder flavor.
- Feel free to omit the red food coloring if you prefer to keep things more natural. The rich flavor will still shine through without it.
- To turn this into a freezer-friendly meal, prepare the sauce and pork in a freezer bag. When you're ready to cook, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before popping it into your slow cooker. Easy peasy for those whirlwind days!
- And remember, leftovers (if you're lucky enough to have any!) make fantastic sandwiches or can be added to stir-fries for a quick next-day meal.