Succulent Asian-style slow cooked pork shoulder served with fresh herbs and steamed rice

Tender Asian-Style Slow Cooked Pork Shoulder

Name: Tender Asian-Style Slow Cooked Pork Shoulder
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1.8 kg Pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless); 6 cloves Garlic (fresh, peeled and minced); 2 tbsp Fresh ginger (peeled and minced); 120 ml Soy sauce (use low sodium for less salt); 3 tbsp Brown sugar (light or dark); 2 tbsp Rice wine vinegar; 2 tbsp Hoisin sauce; 1 tbsp Sesame oil; 2 tsp Chinese five-spice powder; 1 tsp Black pepper (freshly ground); 240 ml Water or chicken broth (low sodium); 2 pieces Green onions (for garnish, sliced); a handful n/a Fresh coriander (cilantro) for garnish

Home Page / Slow Cooker Recipes / Slow Cooking Pork: Easy and Delicious Recipes

easy

8 hour

Nutritional value per serving

Calories520kcal

Carbs10gram

Fat35gram

Protein38gram

Ingredients

Quantity

Pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless)1.8 kg
Garlic (fresh, peeled and minced)6 cloves
Fresh ginger (peeled and minced)2 tbsp
Soy sauce (use low sodium for less salt)120 ml
Brown sugar (light or dark)3 tbsp
Rice wine vinegar2 tbsp
Hoisin sauce2 tbsp
Sesame oil1 tbsp
Chinese five-spice powder2 tsp
Black pepper (freshly ground)1 tsp
Water or chicken broth (low sodium)240 ml
Green onions (for garnish, sliced)2 pieces
Fresh coriander (cilantro) for garnisha handful n/a

This slow cooked Asian-style pork shoulder recipe is perfect for home cooks wanting tender, juicy meat infused with delicious, aromatic flavors. Utilizing basic ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar, it transforms an affordable cut of pork shoulder into a mouthwatering dish. The slow cooking method ensures the pork becomes fall-apart tender, ideal for serving with steamed rice or Asian-inspired sides. Total estimated ingredient cost is approximately $12 USD / €11 / £9 / ₹900. The full dish contains about 520 calories per serving, is suitable for a balanced diet, and takes 8 hours of cooking time with minimal preparation. This recipe is beginner-friendly, requiring simple steps and commonly found kitchen tools.

Preparation instructions

Prepare the pork shoulder and marinade

1Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder. In a bowl, combine minced garlic, minced ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice wine vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, Chinese five-spice powder, and black pepper. Mix well to create the marinade. Place the pork shoulder in a large dish or resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it, massaging to coat evenly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight for maximum flavor infusion.

Set up slow cooker and start cooking

2Remove the pork from the marinade, reserving the marinade liquid. Place the pork shoulder fat side up in the slow cooker. Pour the reserved marinade along with 240 ml (1 cup) water or chicken broth around the pork (not directly on top). This adds moisture and prevents drying. Cover the slow cooker with the lid.

Slow cook the pork shoulder

3Cook the pork shoulder on LOW setting for 8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours. The pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of at least 90°C (195°F), indicating it's tender enough to pull apart easily. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part to check temperature safely. Avoid opening the lid frequently to maintain heat and moisture.

Finish and shred the pork

4When cooked, carefully remove the pork shoulder using tongs or a large fork onto a cutting board. Let it rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Optional: strain the cooking liquid and simmer separately to reduce into a sauce for serving.

Serve and garnish

5Serve the shredded pork with steamed rice or in buns. Garnish with sliced green onions and fresh coriander. Optionally drizzle some reduced cooking sauce over the meat for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips

1If you don't have a slow cooker, you can cook the pork shoulder in a low oven (around 150°C/300°F) covered for 6-8 hours, checking for tenderness regularly.

2To avoid cross-contamination, always wash your hands, utensils, and surfaces thoroughly after handling raw pork.

3Use a reliable meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for safety and perfect doneness.

4If you prefer a sweeter dish, increase brown sugar to 4 tablespoons and add a splash of orange juice to the marinade.

5Leftover pork can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Equipment

Slow cooker or crockpot
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Mixing bowl
Measuring spoons and cup
Meat thermometer
Forks for shredding
Tongs or large fork

Grocery Shopping List

[ ] Pork shoulder, 1.8 kg (~$8): Choose a well-marbled pork shoulder for tenderness.
[ ] Garlic, 6 cloves (~$0.50): Fresh garlic adds the best flavor.
[ ] Fresh ginger (~$0.60): Look for firm, smooth skin without wrinkles.
[ ] Soy sauce, 120 ml (~$1.00): Low sodium preferred to control saltiness.
[ ] Brown sugar, 3 tbsp (~$0.20): Light or dark brown sugar works.
[ ] Rice wine vinegar, 2 tbsp (~$0.50): Adds acidity; keep refrigerated after opening.
[ ] Hoisin sauce, 2 tbsp (~$0.60): Check expiry and choose brands without additives.
[ ] Sesame oil, 1 tbsp (~$0.70): Adds rich aroma; use toasted sesame oil optionally.
[ ] Chinese five-spice powder, 2 tsp (~$0.40): Can be found in the spice aisle.
[ ] Black pepper, ground, 1 tsp (~$0.10).
[ ] Water or chicken broth, 240 ml (~$0.30 if broth): Use low sodium broth for better control.
[ ] Green onions, 2 pieces (~$0.30): Fresh and firm stalks preferred.
[ ] Fresh coriander (cilantro), a handful (~$0.40): Bright and leafy. Total estimated cost: Approximately $12

FAQ

What internal temperature should pork shoulder reach to be fully cooked and safe to eat?

The pork shoulder should reach an internal temperature of at least 90°C (195°F) for slow cooking to be tender enough to shred safely. The USDA recommends a minimum safe temperature of 63°C (145°F) followed by a rest, but for shoulder slow cooking, 195°F is ideal for tenderness.

Can I cook this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the pork shoulder in a low oven at about 150°C (300°F) covered with foil or a lid for 6-8 hours until fork tender.

How do I avoid cross-contamination when handling raw pork?

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before and after handling raw pork, clean all utensils, cutting boards, and surfaces with hot soapy water to prevent bacterial spread.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the pork shoulder up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate it. Also, leftover cooked pork can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

Are substitutions allowed for ingredients like hoisin sauce or Chinese five-spice?

Yes, you can substitute hoisin sauce with a mixture of soy sauce and honey or plum sauce. Chinese five-spice can be omitted or replaced with a blend of cinnamon, cloves, fennel, star anise, and pepper if available.