Easy Slow Cooker Satay Pork Recipe for a Simple Weeknight Dinner

Discover a delicious Easy Slow Cooker Satay Pork Recipe perfect for a simple weeknight dinner. Enjoy tender, flavorful pork with minimal effort!

Preparing dinner during a busy week can often feel overwhelming. But with the right recipe, it can actually be a breeze. One standout option is the Slow Cooker Satay Pork. This dish combines rich, savory flavors with minimal hands-on time, ensuring that you can whip up a meal your whole family will enjoy. Let’s see how you can create this delicious dish effortlessly.

Ingredients You'll Need

To make the Slow Cooker Satay Pork, gather the following ingredients:

• Pork shoulder (about 2 to 3 pounds): This cut is perfect for slow cooking and becomes incredibly tender.

• Satay sauce: You can buy a pre-made bottle or create your own from peanut butter, soy sauce, coconut milk, and spices.

• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic adds depth to the flavor.

• Ginger (1 inch, grated): This warm spice beautifully complements the pork.

• Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): A touch of sweetness balances out savory flavors.

• Lime juice (from 1 lime): Fresh lime juice adds brightness and acidity.

• Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing overall flavor.

• Cilantro (for garnish): Fresh herbs elevate the dish just before serving.

  
  

Preparing Your Pork

Start by trimming any excess fat off the pork shoulder. Trimming not only creates a leaner dish but also helps the seasoning penetrate the meat better, leading to deeper flavors.

Next, cut the pork into large chunks. This makes it easier to fit in the slow cooker and promotes even cooking.

After cutting, generously season the pork with salt and pepper. This step is crucial for building flavor from the very beginning.

Making the Satay Sauce

Whether you use a store-bought satay sauce or make your own, this part is simple and quick.

For a homemade version, combine the following in a bowl:

• 1 cup of peanut butter

• ¼ cup soy sauce

• 1 cup coconut milk

• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons of lime juice

• 3 cloves of minced garlic

• 1 inch of grated ginger

  
  

Whisk the ingredients together until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning based on your preference.

Cooking in the Slow Cooker

Time to cook!

Place the pork chunks at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the satay sauce over the pork, making sure each piece is well coated.

A tempting slow cooker filled with satay pork ready to be served.

Cover and set the slow cooker on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. Choosing the low setting when you can will yield more tender and flavorful meat.

Preparing the Side Dishes

While the pork cooks, think about which sides to serve. Popular options include:

• Jasmine rice: Its mild flavor pairs perfectly with the spicy and creamy satay.

• Steamed or sautéed vegetables: Broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas add a fresh crunch and vibrant color to your plate.

• Cucumber salad: A simple cucumber salad with a sprinkle of vinegar can help balance the rich flavors of the satay.

  
  

Checking for Doneness

About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, check the pork. It should be tender and pull apart easily with two forks. If it doesn’t shred easily, allow it additional cooking time.

Taste the sauce and adjust the flavors if needed by adding more salt, lime juice, or sweetness.

Serving Your Satay Pork

Once cooked to perfection, shred the pork directly in the slow cooker using two forks. Mix everything together to ensure the sauce evenly coats the meat.

To serve, plate the satay pork over jasmine rice and drizzle with extra satay sauce. Garnish with chopped cilantro for fresh flavor and color.

Delicious satay pork served on a plate with fluffy jasmine rice.

Enjoying Your Meal

This Easy Slow Cooker Satay Pork recipe is an excellent choice for hectic weeknight dinners when you don't want to sacrifice taste for convenience. The tender, flavorful meat combined with the creamy satay sauce and versatile sides ensures satisfaction all around.

With just a small amount of prep time, you can enjoy a healthy, delicious meal that your family will love. Plus, any leftovers make for a fantastic lunch the next day.

Try out this slow cooker recipe and elevate your weeknight dinners. Happy cooking!