Sweet, spicy, and delicious, this Bored of Lunch slow cooker sweet and spicy pork recipe is a must-try and perfect to enjoy with family. It takes 3 hours to cook using simple ingredients like pork shoulder, sesame oil, gochujang chili paste, garlic, and soy sauce.

To make Sweet and Spicy Pork in your slow cooker or crockpot, start by mixing all the ingredients together, ensuring the pork is well-coated. Cook on high for 3 hours, stirring once halfway through to evenly distribute flavors.

Each time I serve this dish, it brings back memories of joyful family meals, filled with laughter and stories. It’s consistently a favorite, making it a valued recipe in our household.

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Can I use bone-in pork instead of boneless for this recipe?

Yes, you can use bone-in pork; however, it may require a longer cooking time to ensure the meat is tender and easy to pull apart. Bone-in pork often provides more flavor due to the marrow and fat around the bone.

Slow Cooker Sweet and Spicy Pork Ingredients

• 700g of boneless pork shoulder, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp of sesame oil
• 3 tbsp of gochujang chili paste
• 4 tbsp of ketchup
• 6 tbsp of soy sauce
• 100ml of chicken stock
• 1 tbsp of hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp of honey
• 5 cloves of garlic, crushed
• 1 tsp of ground ginger
• 2 tbsp of Chinese rice wine
• 1 tbsp of cornflour, mixed into a paste with 1 tbsp of water
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• Sliced spring onions, for garnish

How To Make Slow Cooker Sweet and Spicy Pork

1. Prepare the pork mixture: In your slow cooker, combine the thinly sliced pork shoulder with the sesame oil, gochujang chili paste, ketchup, soy sauce, chicken stock, hoisin sauce, honey, crushed garlic, ground ginger, and Chinese rice wine. Stir well to ensure all the pork slices are evenly coated with the seasonings.
2. Thicken the sauce: Dissolve the cornflour in 1 tbsp of water to form a smooth paste. Add this to the slow cooker and stir well to mix thoroughly with the other ingredients. This will help thicken the sauce during cooking.
3. Cook the pork: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on high for 3 hours or on low for 4-5 hours, depending on your schedule and how tender you prefer the pork.
4. Add onions and garnish: About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, add the thinly sliced onions to the slow cooker. This will allow them to cook but retain some crispness. Once the cooking time is up, give everything a good stir to combine the flavors.
5. Serve: Garnish the sweet and spicy pork with sliced spring onions. Serve hot, ideally over a bed of steamed rice or with your choice of side.

Is it necessary to stir while cooking?

It’s not necessary to stir the contents frequently as the slow cooker’s sealed environment maintains consistent temperature and moisture. However, a single stir midway through cooking can help distribute flavors and heat evenly.

Recipe Tips

• Boosting flavor: To enhance the depth of flavors in your Sweet and Spicy Pork, consider searing the pork slices in a hot skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This step adds a rich caramelization that infuses the dish with a robust taste.
• Balancing spice: If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of gochujang chili paste and compensate with a bit more hoisin sauce, which will give you a sweeter profile while keeping the delightful complexity of flavors.
• Enhancing texture: Adding vegetables like bell peppers or snow peas in the last hour of cooking not only brings freshness and crunch but also brightens the dish with vibrant colors, making it visually appealing.
• Perfect pairing: To soak up the delicious sauce, serve with a side of fluffy quinoa or couscous as alternatives to rice, which will also add a nice texture contrast and soak up the flavorful sauce beautifully.

Recipe Variations

• Extra kick: For those who love extra heat, add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of fresh chopped chili during the cooking process. This will increase the heat level and add a spicy punch.
• Sweet adjustments: Adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or a splash of maple syrup if the sauce is too spicy for your taste. This modification allows for a personalized flavor balance that can suit any palate.
• Create a thicker sauce: To achieve a thicker sauce, increase the amount of cornstarch to 2 tablespoons mixed with equal parts water. Stir this into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the sauce to your desired consistency.

What To Serve With Sweet and Spicy Pork

Serve your Sweet and Spicy Pork with vibrant and refreshing sides like jasmine rice, cucumber salad, steamed bok choy, sautéed mushrooms, and grilled pineapple slices.

You can also pair it with cold soba noodles and a quick pickled radish salad for a delightful contrast.

How To Store Leftover Sweet and Spicy Pork

In The Fridge:

Store leftover Sweet and Spicy Pork in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. Ensure it cools to room temperature before storing. This method keeps the pork fresh for up to three to four days.

In The Freezer:

You can freeze Sweet and Spicy Pork by placing it in freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to expel as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. This will keep well for up to two months. Avoid freezing if you prefer the freshest taste and texture, as the sauce may separate slightly when thawed.

How To Reheat Leftover Sweet and Spicy Pork

Reheat your leftover Sweet and Spicy Pork in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly. If using a microwave, cover the pork and heat on high for about two to three minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• 3 Ingredient Pork Roast Slow Cooker
• Slow Cooked Pickled Pork
• Slow Cooker Balsamic Pork Chops