I really enjoyed this Crock Pot Chinese Pork Shoulder recipe, and not only because I’m steering clear of carbs right now. The flavor of the meat and the sauce was great, and it went well served over noodles (or broccoli for me). I think it would be delicious with stir-fried vegetables, or over rice, and my husband and kids enjoyed it a few nights later in buns with barbecue sauce. Because who doesn’t like Chinese for a few nights and then barbecued pork sandwiches?
Nobody, that’s who.
This recipe, originally from Food Network calls for Chinese five spice powder, and I almost rewrote it using substitutions, because I don’t like having to buy something when I only need a teaspoon, but I didn’t. Chinese five spice is used in a variety of recipes, so it’s not bad to have on hand, but if you want to substitute, see Sarah and Linda’s substitution suggestions below.
Crock Pot Thursday: Chinese Pork Shoulder
Ingredients
- 3 pounds trimmed pork shoulder
- 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup dark soy sauce
- 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 4 scallions, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 garlic head, halved
- 1 (2-inch) knob unpeeled fresh ginger, thinly sliced
- 8 dried shiitake mushrooms, optional
- Hot cooked Chinese egg noodles, for serving
Instructions
- Rub Chinese five-spice powder and kosher salt all over pork shoulder and place in the slow cooker.
- Combine chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, red pepper, scallions, garlic, ginger, and mushrooms in a bowl.
- Pour over pork shoulder, and turn to coat.
- Cover, and cook on high 4 hours.
- Turn temperature to low, and continue cooking 2 hours, or until the meat is very tender.
- Remove pork to a platter, and cover for 15 minutes.
- Skim fat and floating vegetables from remaining sauce.
- Slice meat and serve over Chinese egg noodles, spooning sauce over the top.
Notes
Linda
This meat cooked to perfection, and had the most phenomenal flavor. I could not find the 5 spice powder so I made my own with cinnamon, cloves, fennel, and pepper. My oil was sesame chili flavored, which gave it a good kick. I cooked mine on low for 9 hours. I will definitely make this again!
Sarah
I thought the meat cooked well and it was very moist. I also made my own spice concoction with equal parts of cinnamon, cloves, fennel and pepper. I thought the cloves were a little overpowering and next time would do half as much. I served over egg noodles but next time would do rice since the sauce is so runny. I also think serving this with broccoli would be yummy.
Me
This was simple to throw together, and made enough pork to feed our family for several nights. I used white mushrooms, cut in half, and didn't toss them out at the end because I love those little suckers. I also cooked my noodles in the sauce, because holy cow there was a ton left after it was done cooking. It was tasty, and I didn't want to waste it. I served our Chinese pork shoulder with broccoli, and I think it would have been delicious with some bok choy, too.
I used my 6 Quart Hamilton Beach Set ‘n Forget Programmable Slow Cooker to make this recipe.
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Low carb, delicious looking, something the whole family will like….ding! Ding! Ding! I think this is the winner for the next meal I make (after a grocery shopping trip!) I missed your posts and recipes when I was gone!
I’m so glad you had a great trip. I’ve miss you!