If you’re a fan of rich, savory flavors and love the convenience of using a slow cooker, then this Mongolian Pork Slow Cooker recipe is perfect for you! This tender, juicy pork dish is made with a sweet and savory sauce that brings together a blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger, all simmered to perfection over low heat for hours. The result? A mouthwatering, restaurant-quality meal that you can prepare with minimal effort.
In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make this Mongolian pork slow cooker recipe at home. From the ingredients to step-by-step instructions, serving suggestions, and more, we’ve got you covered!
What is Mongolian Pork Slow Cooker?
Mongolian Pork Slow Cooker is a simple yet delicious dish that takes inspiration from the classic Mongolian beef stir fry, typically made with tender cuts of beef, but adapted with pork. The beauty of using a slow cooker for this recipe is that it enhances the tenderness of the pork, infusing it with flavors that take time to develop.
The key to making Mongolian Pork in a slow cooker is allowing the pork to cook low and slow, so it becomes fall-apart tender, while absorbing the umami-packed sauce. Whether you are serving it with steamed rice, noodles, or even as a topping for veggies, this dish is versatile, comforting, and full of flavor.
Ingredients for Mongolian Pork Slow Cooker
To make this dish at home, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. These can usually be found at your local grocery store or online.
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs pork shoulder or pork loin (trimmed and cut into 1-inch chunks)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon ginger (freshly grated)
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce (optional, for added depth of flavor)
- 1/4 cup water or broth (to help the slow cooking process)
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar (for balance)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of spice)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil (for a nutty fragrance)
Garnishes:
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Chopped green onions (for a fresh, crisp garnish)
- Cooked rice (for serving)
How to Make Mongolian Pork in a Slow Cooker
Making Mongolian Pork in a slow cooker couldn’t be easier. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve!
Step 1: Prepare the Pork
Start by cutting the pork into bite-sized chunks. You can use pork shoulder for its tenderness and flavor, or pork loin for a leaner cut. Trim off any excess fat to prevent the dish from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, and the sauce is well mixed. If you want a slightly thicker sauce, you can add a bit of cornstarch directly into the sauce mixture.
Step 3: Add to Slow Cooker
Place the pork chunks in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the pork, making sure that the meat is evenly coated. Add the water or broth to help create a little more liquid for the slow cooking process.
Step 4: Cook on Low
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, depending on your schedule. The pork should be tender and fully cooked through, with the sauce thickened to a syrupy consistency.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry. Stir this into the sauce about 30 minutes before serving and let the sauce thicken up.
Step 6: Serve
Once your Mongolian Pork is ready, serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions to add a touch of color and crunch.
Tips for the Best Mongolian Pork Slow Cooker Recipe
- Use a fatty cut of pork: Pork shoulder is the best option for slow cooking because it’s marbled with fat, which results in juicy, tender meat. If using leaner pork, consider adding a bit more oil to prevent it from drying out.
- Balance the sweetness: If you like your Mongolian pork on the sweeter side, you can increase the brown sugar, but be careful not to overdo it. The rice vinegar adds a necessary tang to balance the sweetness, so make sure to include it.
- Add heat if desired: For a spicy kick, you can add more red pepper flakes, or even a dash of sriracha to the sauce. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
- Customize with vegetables: Feel free to add sliced bell peppers, onions, or carrots into the slow cooker for an all-in-one meal that includes some veggies.
- Leftovers: This dish makes great leftovers and can be easily reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even more delicious the next day.
Serving Suggestions for Mongolian Pork Slow Cooker
Mongolian Pork is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Steamed White Rice or Brown Rice: The perfect neutral base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
- Noodles: Serve over egg noodles, rice noodles, or udon for a comforting noodle bowl.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or snap peas can add texture and balance to the dish.
- Stir-Fried Greens: Pair with stir-fried bok choy or spinach for a healthy, crunchy side.
Why You’ll Love This Mongolian Pork Slow Cooker Recipe
- Hands-off cooking: The slow cooker does all the work for you, making this a perfect meal for busy weekdays or lazy weekends.
- Rich, savory flavor: The combination of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and brown sugar creates a perfect harmony of salty, sweet, and umami flavors.
- Tender pork: Slow cooking ensures that your pork comes out fork-tender, making each bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness, spice level, or add vegetables to make it your own.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 18g
Conclusion
This Mongolian Pork Slow Cooker recipe is a must-try for anyone who enjoys Asian-inspired flavors but prefers the convenience of a slow cooker. With its tender, flavorful pork and sweet-savory sauce, it’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, a meal prep option, or entertaining guests. Plus, it’s so easy to make, and cleanup is a breeze. Give it a try, and you’ll be hooked!
