Easy Slow Cooker Pork Peanut Stew Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a more complex flavor profile, you can lightly sear the pork cubes in a pan before adding them to the slow cooker. This caramelizes the exterior of the meat, adding a depth of flavor that complements the richness of the peanut sauce.

While this adds an extra step, it is a worthwhile effort if you have the time, especially when preparing this dish for guests or special occasions.

The choice of peanut-tomato sauce can significantly impact the final result. If using a store-bought version, look for one that is savory rather than overly sweet.

You can also customize the heat level by adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil to the sauce before cooking. Adjusting the seasoning at the end with a squeeze of fresh lime juice can also brighten the heavy flavors.

Variations

• Spicy Peanut Pork Stew: Incorporate one tablespoon of chili paste or a teaspoon of red chili flakes into the sauce before cooking to add a bold, spicy kick that cuts through the richness of the peanuts.
• Coconut Peanut Stew: Stir in half a cup of full-fat coconut milk during the last thirty minutes of cooking to create a creamier, more tropical sauce profile that pairs beautifully with the pork.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat until hot throughout.

Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature for no more than two hours before transferring them to an airtight container. Properly stored, the stew will remain fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days.

For longer storage, the stew can be frozen. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much in the cold.

This dish is an excellent candidate for making ahead, as the flavors often improve after sitting in the refrigerator overnight. Prepare the stew as directed, allow it to cool completely, and store it in the refrigerator.

When ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the slow cooker on a low setting until thoroughly warmed through. This makes it a perfect solution for stress-free weekday dinners.

Serving ideas

Serve this stew hot in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the beautiful colors of the pork and vegetables. It pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed jasmine rice or quinoa, which helps soak up the delicious peanut sauce. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or crushed peanuts on top adds a vibrant pop of color and a pleasant crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender meat.

For a complete meal, consider serving the stew alongside a crisp cucumber salad or steamed green beans. These fresh sides provide a light, acidic balance to the richness of the peanut sauce. If you prefer a more substantial meal, toasted flatbread or naan is perfect for scooping up the remaining sauce, ensuring that not a single drop of the flavorful stew is left behind in the bowl.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Easy Slow Cooker Pork Peanut Stew

Prep 10 minCook 6 hRest 5 minTotal 6 h 15 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lb pork shoulder, cut into cubes
• 2 cups carrots, sliced
• 1 cup yellow onion, chopped
• 1 bouillon cube, crumbled
• 1 1/2 cups peanut tomato sauce

Instructions

1. Place the cubed pork shoulder into the bottom of the slow cooker. Scatter the sliced carrots and chopped yellow onion evenly over the meat. Crumble the bouillon cube directly over the top of the vegetables to ensure even distribution of seasoning during the cooking process.
2. Pour the thick tomato-peanut sauce over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set the device to low and cook for 6 hours, or until the pork is tender and reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C). Let the meat rest for at least 3 minutes before serving.
3. Once the cooking time is complete, verify the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C). Turn off the slow cooker and allow the meat to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. Ladle the stew into bowls and serve while hot.

Contains: peanuts, soy

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

450

Protein

32 g

Carbohydrates

18 g

Fat

28 g

Fiber

3 g

Sugar

8 g

Sodium

650 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.