Slow Cooker Mongolian Pork
Make the best Slow Cooker Mongolian Pork at home! Tender pork, bold Asian flavors, and a hands-off recipe your family will love. Click for details!
Ingredients
For the Pork:
- 2 lbs pork tenderloin or pork shoulder for richer flavor
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil like vegetable or grapeseed
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup dark brown sugar packed
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- ½ cup chicken stock or water for a lighter sauce
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, for heat
For Thickening (Optional):
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions sliced thinly
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
Prepare the Pork
- Pat the pork dry with paper towels, then slice it into ½-inch thick medallions.
- Toss the pork pieces in cornstarch, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Sear the Pork (Optional, but Recommended)
- Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the pork pieces for 1–2 minutes per side, until golden brown. (Why this step? It locks in the juices and adds depth to the flavor.)
Make the Sauce
- In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, chicken stock, and red pepper flakes.
Assemble in the Slow Cooker
- Place the pork into the slow cooker.
- Pour the sauce over the pork, ensuring every piece is coated.
Cook the Pork
- Set the slow cooker to low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
- Stir occasionally if possible (not essential).
Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
- 30 minutes before serving, whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry.
- Stir the slurry into the sauce, cover, and cook for another 30 minutes.
Garnish and Serve
- Transfer the pork to a serving platter and spoon the thickened sauce over it.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve with steamed jasmine rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables.