Delve into the flavors of East Asian cuisine with the aromatic and succulent Slow Cooker Hoisin Pork. This dish is a humble nod to the flavorsome and straightforward approach commonly found in Chinese cooking, where hoisin sauce—the 'Chinese barbecue sauce'—plays a starring role. Made from a combination of soybeans, garlic, vinegar, and various spices it's no wonder hoisin sauce delivers such a complex sweet and salty taste profile. Slow cooking allows for the pork to tenderize and soak up the sauce, leading to an effortlessly tender dish that's steeped in flavor with very little work. This recipe is a perfect match for your busy lifestyle, providing a delectable gourmet experience right at home.
This Slow Cooker Hoisin Pork pairs effortlessly with a side of fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the rich sauce. You could also serve it atop a bed of soba noodles, or for a lighter touch, a crunchy Asian-inspired slaw or steamed greens like bok choy. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh scallions for a pop of color and texture.
Slow Cooker Hoisin Pork
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients- 2 pounds pork shoulder, trimmed of excess fat and cut into large chunks
- 1 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (if needed, for thickening)
- Fresh scallions and sesame seeds, for garnish
Directions1. In a mixing bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir until well mixed.
2. Place the pork chunks in the slow cooker and pour the sauce mixture over the pork, ensuring each piece is nicely coated.
3. Put the lid on your slow cooker and set the temperature to low. Cook for 6-8 hours or until the pork is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
4. If the sauce is too thin after cooking, mix cornstarch with a bit of water and stir it into the pork mixture. Turn the slow cooker to high and let the sauce thicken for an additional 15-20 minutes.
5. Serve the hoisin pork over your chosen accompaniment and garnish with scallions and sesame seeds.
Variations & Tips- For those who favor a more substantial vegetable presence, consider adding bell peppers, onions, or carrots during the last 2 hours of cooking.
- If time permits, marinate the pork pieces in the hoisin mixture overnight in your refrigerator for deeper flavor infusion.
- To add brightness to your dish, a splash of lime juice or sprinkle of cilantro upon serving does wonders.
- Adapt this recipe to your dietary preferences by using a meat alternative like jackfruit for a vegetarian twist or adjust the sweetness and saltiness to your liking.
- Keep in mind, the flavors of the sauce will intensify over time, making leftovers something to look forward to. This dish refrigerates and reheats well.
