Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice wine or dry sherry
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp minced ginger
- 1 tsp five-spice powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
Special equipment needed:
- Slow cooker
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, rice wine, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, five-spice powder, and black pepper.
2. Place pork pieces in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over them. Toss to coat.
3. Add water to the slow cooker and cover with the lid.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the pork is tender and cooked through.
5. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and transfer to a cutting board. Let it rest for 5 minutes.
6. Meanwhile, strain the sauce from the slow cooker into a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce thickens and reduces by half.
7. Slice the pork into thin pieces and drizzle the sauce over them. Garnish with sliced green onions, if desired.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
5. Temperature:
Low or high setting on the slow cooker
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 370
Fat: 16g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 31g
Sodium: 1,150mg
Sugar: 22g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Pork shoulder can be substituted with pork tenderloin or pork loin.
- Rice wine or dry sherry can be substituted with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.
- Brown sugar can be substituted with maple syrup or molasses.
Variations:
- Add sliced onions or bell peppers to the slow cooker for added flavor and texture.
- Use the char siu pork as a filling for steamed buns or sandwiches.
- Serve the pork over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Tips and tricks:
- For a deeper flavor, marinate the pork in the sauce overnight before cooking.
- To make the sauce thicker, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and add it to the saucepan while cooking.
- Leftover char siu pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Storage instructions:
Leftover char siu pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the char siu pork, place it in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, place it in a skillet over medium heat and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the char siu pork on a platter with sliced green onions and sesame seeds sprinkled on top.
Garnishes:
Sliced green onions and sesame seeds
Pairings:
- Steamed rice
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Egg rolls
Suggested side dishes:
- Steamed bok choy
- Fried rice
- Wonton soup
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thin, cook it for a few more minutes until it thickens.
- If the pork is tough, cook it for a longer time until it becomes tender.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the pork is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Store leftover char siu pork in the refrigerator or freezer promptly to prevent bacterial growth.
Food history:
Char siu pork is a popular Cantonese dish that originated in China. It is traditionally made by roasting marinated pork over an open fire, but this slow cooker version is a convenient and easy alternative.
Flavor profiles:
The char siu pork is sweet, savory, and slightly smoky, with a hint of spice from the five-spice powder.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the char siu pork with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
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Region: Chinese