Slow Cooker Garlic Ginger Pork Recipe

I feel like I’m doing my future self a favor when I prepare my Slow Cooker Garlic Ginger Pork. This savory, aromatic dish perfectly balances the concentration of bold flavors I love.

It’s rich, but the punchy notes of garlic and ginger keep it from being too heavy. The 3-pound pork shoulder is the main ingredient, but it’s the 1/2 cup of soy sauce, and 1/4 cup of honey that take this dish over the top.

The soy sauce not only gives the dish a delicious oomphed-up depth, but also a source of protein, a handful of essential minerals like (more than enough) iron and potassium, and some (not that much, but some) vitamin D. In my view, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits of this dish are intensified by the addition of ginger and garlic—two good-for-you superfoods.

Together with the pork, they create a flavor base that is rich and deeply satisfying while fully deserving the “nourishing” title. I finish the dish with a simple sauce made from rice vinegar and sesame oil, which provides a lovely balance of flavors—that touch of sweet, that light nuttiness—that you want in any good Asian-inspired dish without making it feel heavy or over-sauced.

Onions and red bell peppers provide vitamin C and fiber, and I finish the dish with green onions and sesame seeds for a little extra garnish and nutrition. You could serve this over rice or just by itself, and it would make for hardly anything less than a deeply satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Shoulder of pork: It is rich in protein; when it’s slow-cooked, it becomes oh-so-tender and flavorful, offering sturdy, mouth-filling depth.

Garlic: Lends potentially immune-boosting properties and aromatic warmth, adding to the dish’s complexity.

Ginger: Gives a zesty, spicy punch and anti-inflammatory perks, balancing the sweetness.

Contributes to the umami richness and saltiness of the dish, and forms part of the savory foundation.

Natural sweetness and caramelization of ingredients for a subtle glaze introduction: Honey.

Sesame oil: Contributes nutty undertones and healthy fats, adding rich flavor.

Rice Vinegar: Imparts a sharp yet subtle flavor that enlivens and heightens the overall taste quality.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 lbs pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into 2-inch cubes
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons ginger, grated
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
• Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cube the pork shoulder and season the pieces with salt and pepper. Put the seasoned cubes into a slow cooker.

2. In a little basin, blend well the minced garlic, ginger (grated), soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. This blends perfectly to become a sauce. This sauce is poured over the pork.

3. Slice the onion and red bell pepper, and add them to the slow cooker, making sure to spread them evenly over the pork.

4. Slow cooker chicken broth elicits magical results. Not only does it ensure that the cooking process provides maximum flavor, but it also allows you to do something else that is vital to magical cooking: to add a certain amount of liquid to your slow cooker that ensures the cooking process will be, well, slow. You see, when a slow cooker operates, it exudes a specific amount of heat and a specific amount of moisture, and if the heat and moisture are not in balance, then the food will either not cook (if there is too much moisture) or dry out (if there is too little moisture).

5. Place the lid on the slow cooker, and let it go for 6-8 hours on low, or 3-4 hours on high. Your pork will be tender and easily shreddable when you check it at the end of the cooking time.

6. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water, and whisk until smooth.

7. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker about 30 minutes before serving to thicken the sauce. Mix well to combine, and cover and continue cooking.

8. Taste and make necessary adjustments to the seasoning with added salt and pepper.

9. When complete, serve the pork alongside its sauce. If you want to garnish it, consider using chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

10. Enjoy with steamed rice or your preferred side dish!

Equipment Needed

1. Cutting board
2. Chef’s knife
3. Small mixing bowl
4. Slow cooker
5. Measuring cups
6. Measuring spoons
7. Whisk
8. Serving spoon or tongs

FAQ

• How long does it take to cook the pork?Place the pork in the slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. Cook the pork until it is tender.
• Can I use a different cut of pork?Pork loin or pork butt can be used, but the cooking time might change a bit depending on which cut you’re using.
• Is there a substitute for rice vinegar?Rice vinegar can be replaced with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.
• Can I make this recipe spicy?To increase the heat, add sliced chili peppers or a dash of red pepper flakes to the mixture.
• What should I do if the sauce is too thin?Mix more cornstarch with cold water and add it to the sauce in the slow cooker if the sauce needs to be thickened. Cook on high for another 15 minutes.
• How do I store leftovers?Any leftover food should be stored in an airtight container and placed in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3 days. When ready to eat, the food may be reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Substitutions and Variations

2 lbs pork shoulder can be substituted with 2 lbs pork loin for a leaner option.
2 tablespoons ginger, grated can be replaced with 1 tablespoon ground ginger.
You can replace the 1/4 cup of soy sauce with 1/4 cup of tamari to make this recipe gluten-free.
1 tablespoon rice vinegar can be swapped with 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar.
1 red bell pepper, sliced can be replaced with yellow or green bell pepper for a different flavor and color.