Slow cooker sticky Chinese pork belly is one of those recipes that combines minimal effort with maximum flavor. Inspired by the rich, savory, and slightly sweet flavors of traditional Chinese cuisine, this dish is perfect for those busy weekdays when you want something delicious but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, letting you come home to a house filled with the mouthwatering aroma of tender, caramelized pork belly.

This sticky Chinese pork belly pairs beautifully with a helping of fluffy white rice or some steamed jasmine rice to soak up all that incredible sauce. For a bit of freshness and crunch, serve it alongside sautéed bok choy or a simple cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette. If you're in the mood for more veggies, a side of stir-fried green beans or broccoli would complement this dish perfectly.

Servings: 4

2 pounds pork belly, skin removed and cut into 1-inch cubes
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1/4 cup water
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Place the pork belly cubes in the slow cooker.

In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and water until well combined.

Pour the sauce mixture over the pork belly in the slow cooker, ensuring all pieces are covered.

Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the pork belly is tender and caramelized.

Once cooked, remove the pork belly from the slow cooker and transfer to a serving dish.

Spoon some of the sauce from the slow cooker over the pork belly, and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Serve hot with your choice of sides.

For a bit of spice, you can add a tablespoon of Sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture. If you're looking to make this a bit healthier, substitute pork loin for the belly; it won't be as fatty but will still be flavorful. You can also add some chopped bell peppers or snap peas to the slow cooker for extra vegetables. If you’re pressed for time in the morning, you can prepare the sauce the night before and just pour it over the pork belly in the slow cooker before you leave for work.

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