This crockpot Asian pork with mushrooms recipe is a flavorful and comforting dish that brings together savory, sweet, and umami flavors. Slow-cooked to perfection, the pork becomes tender and juicy, absorbing the rich blend of Asian-inspired seasonings.
Photos of Crockpot Asian Pork with Mushrooms Recipe
Several unique ingredients in this recipe may not be common in your pantry. Hot sesame oil provides a distinct, spicy nuttiness, while Chinese five-spice adds a complex, aromatic flair. Fresh grated ginger root and agave syrup might also be less familiar but are essential for balancing flavors. Make sure to pick these up at the supermarket.
Ingredients For Crockpot Asian Pork With Mushrooms
lean boneless pork sirloin roast: A tender cut of pork that is ideal for slow cooking.
kosher salt: A coarse salt that enhances the flavor of the pork.
fresh cracked pepper: Adds a touch of heat and flavor to the pork.
non-stick oil spray: Used to prevent the pork from sticking to the skillet.
chicken broth: Provides a savory base for the sauce.
reduced-sodium soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami flavor while keeping the sodium in check.
balsamic vinegar: Brings a sweet and tangy depth to the dish.
agave: A natural sweetener that balances the savory elements.
hot sesame oil: Adds a spicy, nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Chinese five-spice: A blend of spices that provides a complex, aromatic flavor.
garlic: Adds a pungent, savory depth to the dish.
fresh grated ginger root: Contributes a warm, spicy kick.
sliced mushrooms: Adds an earthy, umami-rich component to the dish.
scallions: Used as a fresh, tangy topping.
cilantro: Adds a fresh, citrusy note to the finished dish.
One reader, Hercules Pope says:
This crockpot Asian pork with mushrooms recipe is a game-changer! The flavors meld beautifully, and the pork turns out incredibly tender. The addition of mushrooms adds a delightful earthiness. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Techniques Required for Making Crockpot Asian Pork with Mushrooms
How to season pork: Season the pork on all sides with kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper to enhance the flavor. How to brown pork: Heat a skillet on medium-high heat, spray with a little oil, and brown the pork on all sides for about 7 to 8 minutes to develop a rich, caramelized exterior. How to combine ingredients in crockpot: In the crockpot, combine the broth, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, agave, sesame oil, Chinese five spice, garlic, and ginger to create a flavorful cooking liquid. How to shred pork: After cooking, use two forks to pull the pork apart into shreds for a tender texture. How to cook mushrooms in crockpot: Add the mushrooms to the crockpot and cook on low for 30 minutes until they are tender. How to reserve broth: Remove about 1 cup of the broth from the crockpot and set it aside if needed to adjust the consistency of the dish later. How to mix shredded pork: Add the shredded pork back into the crockpot and mix well to combine with the mushrooms and sauce.
How To Make Crockpot Asian Pork with Mushrooms
Ginger and vinegar, with a drizzle of hot sesame oil, makes this Asian pork dish taste authentic. Enjoy a tender meat by cooking it in a crockpot.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2lblean boneless pork sirloin roast
- kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper
- non-stick oil spray
- 1cupchicken broth,low-sodium fat-free
- ½cupreduced-sodium soy sauce
- ⅓cupbalsamic vinegar
- 3tbspagave,or sugar
- 1tsphot sesame oil
- ½tspChinese five spice
- 3clovesgarlic,crushed
- 1tbspfresh grated ginger root
- 8ozsliced mushrooms
For Topping:
- ¼cupscallions,chopped
- ¼cupcilantro,chopped
Instructions
-
Season pork on all side with salt and fresh cracked pepper.
-
Heat a skillet on medium-high heat, spray with a little oil and brown the pork on all sides for about 7 to 8 minutes.
-
In the crockpot, combine the broth, soy sauce, balsamic, agave, sesame oil, Chinese five spice, garlic and ginger; add the pork and set the slow cooker to 8 hours on low.
-
Thirty minutes before the timer goes off, remove the pork and set aside to rest a few minutes.
-
Add the mushrooms to the crock pot, cover and cook on low for 30 minutes.
-
Meanwhile, shred the pork using two forks.
-
When the mushrooms are tender, remove about 1 cup of the broth and reserve if needed.
-
Add the shredded pork to the crockpot and mix well.
-
If adding baby spinach, add at the end and cover a few minutes until it wilts.
Recipe Notes
- Substitute soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free alternative.
Nutrition
- Calories: 384.28kcal
- Fat: 23.08g
- Saturated Fat: 7.95g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 10.49g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.07g
- Carbohydrates: 13.55g
- Fiber: 1.26g
- Sugar: 9.54g
- Protein: 29.65g
- Cholesterol: 102.11mg
- Sodium: 776.30mg
- Calcium: 52.68mg
- Potassium: 649.84mg
- Iron: 2.63mg
- Vitamin A: 4.29µg
- Vitamin C: 2.07mg
Technique Tip for Perfecting Crockpot Asian Pork with Mushrooms
When browning the pork in the skillet, make sure to get a good sear on all sides. This not only locks in the juices but also adds a depth of flavor to the final dish. Use a heavy-bottomed skillet and avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve an even, golden-brown crust.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Slow Cooker Recipe
Pre-cut vegetables: Buy pre-sliced mushrooms and pre-chopped scallions and cilantro to save prep time.
Marinate overnight: Season and marinate the pork in the broth mixture the night before to enhance flavor and save time in the morning.
Use a garlic press: A garlic press can quickly mince garlic cloves without the need for fine chopping.
Pre-grated ginger: Purchase pre-grated ginger root or use ginger paste to cut down on prep time.
Skip browning: If you're in a rush, you can skip browning the pork and directly add it to the crockpot.
Substitute Ingredients For Crockpot Asian Pork with Mushrooms Recipe
lean boneless pork sirloin roast - Substitute with chicken thighs: Chicken thighs have a similar texture and absorb flavors well, making them a good alternative for pork in slow-cooked dishes.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a suitable replacement.
fresh cracked pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor but with a slightly different aroma.
non-stick oil spray - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be brushed on surfaces to prevent sticking and adds a mild flavor.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth provides a similar savory base and is suitable for those avoiding meat products.
reduced-sodium soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative with a similar taste and lower sodium content.
balsamic vinegar - Substitute with rice vinegar: Rice vinegar has a milder flavor that complements Asian dishes well.
agave - Substitute with honey: Honey provides a similar sweetness and consistency, making it a good alternative.
hot sesame oil - Substitute with chili oil: Chili oil offers a similar heat and flavor profile, enhancing the dish's spiciness.
chinese five spice - Substitute with garam masala: Garam masala has a complex flavor profile that can mimic the depth of Chinese five spice.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a similar aromatic quality and can be used in the same quantity.
fresh grated ginger root - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used in a smaller quantity to provide a similar flavor.
sliced mushrooms - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini has a similar texture and absorbs flavors well, making it a good alternative.
scallions - Substitute with chives: Chives offer a similar mild onion flavor and can be used as a garnish.
cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley provides a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that can replace cilantro in garnishes.
Presenting Your Slow Cooker Asian Pork and Mushrooms
Serve smaller portion sizes: Present the shredded pork in a delicate, compact mound at the center of the plate, ensuring each portion is bite-sized and visually appealing.
Use decoration: Garnish the dish with finely chopped scallions and cilantro, arranging them artfully around the pork to add a burst of color and freshness.
Highlight textures: Place a few tender sliced mushrooms around the pork, ensuring they are evenly distributed and showcasing their rich, earthy texture.
Add a sauce drizzle: Lightly drizzle the reserved broth around the plate, creating a visually appealing pattern that also enhances the flavor of the dish.
Incorporate height: Stack a small amount of baby spinach on top of the pork, allowing it to wilt slightly from the heat and add a touch of height and greenery to the presentation.
Use a minimalist approach: Keep the plate clean and uncluttered, focusing on the quality and presentation of each ingredient to create an elegant and sophisticated look.
Enhance with a side: Serve a small side of steamed jasmine rice or quinoa in a separate, stylish bowl to complement the main dish without overwhelming the plate.
Add a touch of luxury: Finish the presentation with a light sprinkle of sesame seeds or a few drops of truffle oil to elevate the dish and add a hint of indulgence.
Essential Equipment for Making Crockpot Asian Pork with Mushrooms
Skillet: Used to brown the pork on all sides to develop a rich flavor before slow cooking.
Non-stick oil spray: Helps prevent the pork from sticking to the skillet while browning.
Crockpot: The main cooking vessel where the pork and other ingredients will slow cook for several hours.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the chicken broth, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and agave.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the hot sesame oil, Chinese five spice, and grated ginger root.
Garlic press: Handy for mincing the garlic cloves quickly and efficiently.
Grater: Used to grate the fresh ginger root.
Knife: Necessary for slicing the mushrooms and chopping the scallions and cilantro for topping.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing mushrooms and chopping herbs.
Tongs: Useful for handling the pork while browning and transferring it to and from the crockpot.
Forks: Needed for shredding the pork after it has cooked.
Mixing bowl: Optional, for mixing the shredded pork with the broth before returning it to the crockpot.
Ladle: Used to remove and reserve about 1 cup of broth from the crockpot.
Serving spoon: For mixing the shredded pork with the mushrooms and broth in the crockpot.
Serving dish: To serve the final dish, garnished with scallions and cilantro.
Storing and Freezing Crockpot Asian Pork with Mushrooms
- Let the crockpot asian pork with mushrooms cool completely before storing or freezing.
- Transfer the cooled pork and mushrooms to an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag.
- If using a container, make sure to press out as much air as possible before sealing the lid tightly.
- If using a freezer-safe bag, remove as much air as possible before sealing the bag securely.
- Label the container or bag with the name of the dish and the date it was prepared.
- For storing in the refrigerator: Place the sealed container or bag in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- For freezing: Place the sealed container or bag in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- When ready to reheat, thaw the frozen pork and mushrooms in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat the thawed pork and mushrooms in a saucepan or microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
- If the reheated dish seems dry, add a little chicken broth or water to help moisten it and restore its original consistency.
- Serve the reheated crockpot asian pork with mushrooms over rice, noodles, or your preferred side dish, and garnish with fresh scallions and cilantro before serving.
How To Reheat Leftover Crockpot Asian Pork with Mushrooms
The best way to reheat leftover crockpot asian pork with mushrooms is to use the microwave. Place the desired amount of pork and mushrooms in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat it on high for 1-2 minutes, or until it reaches your desired temperature. The damp paper towel will help keep the pork moist and prevent it from drying out.
Another great method is to reheat the pork and mushrooms in a skillet on the stove. Add a small amount of chicken broth or water to the skillet, then add the pork and mushrooms. Cover the skillet and heat over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the pork is heated through and the liquid has reduced. This method will help keep the pork moist and flavorful.
If you have a lot of leftover pork and mushrooms, you can also reheat them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then place the pork and mushrooms in an oven-safe dish. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pork is heated through. This method is great if you want to reheat a large amount of pork at once.
No matter which method you choose, be sure to stir the pork and mushrooms occasionally to ensure even heating. You can also add a little extra soy sauce, sesame oil, or chicken broth to the dish to help keep the pork moist and flavorful.
If you find that the pork is a bit dry after reheating, try shredding it with a fork and mixing it with some of the leftover cooking liquid or a little extra chicken broth. This will help moisten the pork and make it more tender.
Random Fact about Crockpot Asian Pork with Mushrooms
A unique aspect of this crockpot asian pork with mushrooms recipe is the use of balsamic vinegar and agave as sweeteners, which adds a complex depth of flavor compared to traditional sugar.
Is Making Crockpot Asian Pork with Mushrooms Cost-Effective?
This crockpot Asian pork with mushrooms recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredient, pork sirloin roast, is reasonably priced, and the other components like mushrooms, chicken broth, and soy sauce are pantry staples. The use of a slow cooker ensures energy efficiency. Overall Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4 people: $20-$25 USD.
Is This Crockpot Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This crockpot Asian pork with mushrooms recipe has some healthy elements, but there's room for improvement. On the positive side, using lean boneless pork sirloin helps keep the fat content in check. The inclusion of mushrooms adds beneficial nutrients and fiber. The recipe also incorporates garlic and ginger, which offer potential health benefits.
However, the recipe relies on soy sauce, which can be high in sodium. The agave, while a natural sweetener, still contributes to the overall sugar content. Additionally, the recipe doesn't include a significant amount of vegetables, which are essential for a well-rounded, nutritious meal.
To enhance the healthiness of this recipe, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of soy sauce and replace some of it with low-sodium chicken broth to maintain flavor while cutting down on sodium
- Swap the agave for a small amount of honey or omit it altogether, allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine through
- Increase the variety and quantity of vegetables in the dish, such as adding carrots, bell peppers, or bok choy, to boost the nutrient content and provide more fiber
- Serve the pork over a bed of brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice to incorporate more whole grains and fiber into the meal
- Garnish with extra scallions and cilantro to add fresh, vibrant flavors and a pop of color
Editor's Opinion on This Crockpot Asian Pork and Mushroom Dish
This crockpot Asian pork with mushrooms recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors. The combination of soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and Chinese five spice creates a rich, savory base, while the agave adds a touch of sweetness. Browning the pork before slow cooking enhances its depth of flavor. Adding mushrooms towards the end ensures they retain their texture and absorb the aromatic broth. The fresh scallions and cilantro provide a vibrant finish. This dish is both comforting and sophisticated, making it perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive meal for guests.
Enhance Your Crockpot Asian Pork with Mushrooms Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Crockpot Asian Pork with Mushrooms
Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Crockpot Asian Pork with Mushrooms
Why trust this Crockpot Asian Pork with Mushrooms Recipe:
This recipe for crockpot Asian pork with mushrooms is a must-try for several reasons. The combination of lean boneless pork sirloin roast and sliced mushrooms ensures a tender, flavorful dish. The blend of chicken broth, reduced-sodium soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and agave creates a rich, savory sauce. The addition of fresh grated ginger root and Chinese five spice adds an authentic Asian flair. This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for busy days, as the slow cooker does most of the work. Trust this recipe for a delicious, hassle-free meal.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
Related Recipes
Kitchen Workhorse Roast Pork Tenderloin with Asian Glaze Recipe
Easy Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe
Shoyu Ramen Recipe
Fig Salad with Spinach Recipe
Beef, Potato and Quinoa Soup Recipe
BBQ Chicken Salad Recipe
Beet Salad with Avocado and Feta Recipe
World’s Best Homemade Chicken Soup Recipe
Brussels Sprout Salad Recipe
Avocado Tuna Salad Recipe
Tomato Salad With Mozzarella Recipe
