Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure! This Five Spice Pulled Pork recipe is not just a meal—it's a journey through bold Chinese-inspired flavors that will make your taste buds dance with excitement. Imagine tender, succulent pork that literally falls apart, infused with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic five spice blend that will transport you straight to the heart of authentic Chinese cuisine. Whether you're hosting a weekend barbecue or craving a comforting meal, this recipe promises to be your new go-to crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork shoulder
- 2 tablespoons five spice powder
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- Buns for serving
- Coleslaw for topping
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Gather 2 lbs of pork shoulder, 2 tablespoons of five spice powder, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon of minced ginger. You will also need buns for serving and coleslaw for topping.
- In a small bowl, combine the five spice powder, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved and the ingredients are fully combined, creating a marinade for the pork.
- Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker. Pour the marinade mixture over the pork, ensuring it is well-coated. If possible, massage the marinade into the meat for enhanced flavor.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low heat. Allow the pork to cook for approximately 8 hours, or until it is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork. This slow cooking process will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Once the pork is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for a few minutes before shredding it with two forks. The meat should be tender and fall apart easily.
- While shredding the pork, you can also prepare your buns and coleslaw. Toast the buns lightly if desired for added texture.
- To assemble your pulled pork sandwiches, place a generous portion of the shredded pork onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with a scoop of coleslaw for crunch and freshness.
- Finish by placing the top half of the bun over the coleslaw. Serve the pulled pork sandwiches warm, and enjoy this delicious Chinese-inspired dish with your family and friends!
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Always use pork shoulder (also called pork butt) for the most tender and flavorful pulled pork. Its high fat content ensures juicy, melt-in-your-mouth results.
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: If possible, let the pork marinate in the spice mixture for 2-4 hours before cooking to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat.
- Low and Slow is the Way to Go: Cooking on low heat for 8 hours ensures the meat becomes incredibly tender and allows the spices to develop a rich, complex flavor profile.
- Don't Skip the Resting Time: Let the meat rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to help it retain its moisture when shredding.
- Customize Your Toppings: While coleslaw is traditional, feel free to experiment with pickled vegetables, green onions, or a drizzle of extra sauce to make the dish your own.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This recipe freezes beautifully! Store leftover pulled pork in airtight containers for up to 3 months for quick future meals.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 120mg
