Slow Cooker Five-Spice Char Siu Pork for Tender Results Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper color and more intense flavor, you can sear the pork chunks in a hot pan with a little oil before placing them in the slow cooker. This extra step adds a layer of complexity and helps lock in the juices, though it is optional. If you choose to sear, ensure the pan is very hot and work in batches to avoid steaming the meat.

If you find the sauce is too thin after the pork is cooked, carefully remove the meat and set it aside. Pour the remaining liquid into a small saucepan and boil it over medium-high heat until it reduces to your desired consistency.

This creates a concentrated glaze that you can brush over the pork just before serving to add an extra layer of shine and flavor.

Variations

• Spicy Char Siu: Add one tablespoon of chili paste or a few dried red chili flakes to the soy-honey mixture before pouring it over the pork for a pleasant kick of heat.
• Ginger-Infused Pork: Add two tablespoons of freshly grated ginger along with the garlic to introduce a bright, zesty note that cuts through the richness of the pork shoulder.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure the pork is cooled properly before refrigerating to maintain quality.

Freezer

Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of water, or in the microwave until warmed through.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Ensure the pork is cooled to room temperature within two hours of cooking before placing it in the fridge to maintain food safety standards.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked pork in a heavy-duty freezer bag or container for up to two months, ensuring you remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

This dish is excellent for making ahead as the flavors continue to meld in the refrigerator. You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before and keep it in the fridge, then simply place it in the base and start the cooking process in the morning.

If cooking from cold, add an extra 30 minutes to the total cooking time to account for the temperature change.

Serving ideas

Serve the char siu pork sliced or shredded over a bed of steamed jasmine rice. Garnish with thinly sliced scallions or toasted sesame seeds to add a fresh crunch and a nice contrast to the rich, savory meat. A side of stir-fried bok choy or steamed broccoli works perfectly to round out the meal with some vibrant color and texture.

Alternatively, use the shredded pork as a filling for steamed buns or in a warm noodle bowl. The versatility of the sweet and savory glaze makes it a great component for various dishes.

Consider serving it with a side of pickled ginger or quick-pickled cucumbers to provide a sharp, acidic counterpoint to the richness of the slow-cooked pork.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Five-Spice Char Siu Pork for Tender Results

Prep 10 minCook 6 hRest 10 minTotal 6 h 20 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 2 lb pork shoulder, cut into chunks
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp five-spice powder
• 1/2 cup soy-honey mixture

Instructions

1. Place the pork shoulder chunks into the bottom of the slow cooker. Ensure the pieces are distributed evenly to allow for uniform cooking throughout the process.
2. Scatter the minced garlic over the pork, then sprinkle the five-spice powder evenly across the meat to ensure every piece is coated in the aromatic blend.
3. Pour the soy-honey mixture over the pork. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the meat is tender and cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Let the meat rest for at least 3 minutes before serving.
4. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and let it rest for at least 3 minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute for a better texture.

Contains: gluten, soy

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

380

Protein

32 g

Carbohydrates

15 g

Fat

21 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

12 g

Sodium

750 mg

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