Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of tender, perfectly seasoned pork and vibrant vegetables, all without spending hours slaving over a hot stove. This Easy Healthy Slow Cooker Pork Lo Mein is your ticket to a delicious, nutritious meal that practically cooks itself! Whether you're a busy professional, a parent juggling multiple tasks, or simply someone who loves mouthwatering meals with minimal effort, this recipe is about to become your new weeknight superhero.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork tenderloin
- 8 oz lo mein noodles
- 2 cups mixed vegetables
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Slice the pork tenderloin into thin strips, about 1/2 inch thick. This will help the pork cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced pork, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced ginger, and minced garlic. Toss everything together until the pork is well coated in the marinade. Allow it to marinate for about 10 minutes while you prepare the slow cooker.
- While the pork is marinating, prepare your mixed vegetables. You can use fresh or frozen mixed vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, and snap peas. If using fresh vegetables, wash and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
- After the pork has marinated, transfer it to the slow cooker. Add the mixed vegetables on top of the pork, spreading them out evenly.
- Pour any remaining marinade from the bowl over the pork and vegetables in the slow cooker. This will enhance the flavor as everything cooks together.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4 hours. This slow cooking method will ensure that the pork becomes tender and infused with the flavors of the marinade and vegetables.
- About 30 minutes before the cooking time is complete, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the lo mein noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 4-5 minutes, until they are al dente.
- Once the noodles are cooked, drain them and set aside. When the slow cooker timer goes off, check that the pork is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
- To serve, add the cooked lo mein noodles to the slow cooker and gently toss everything together, mixing the pork, vegetables, and noodles. This will allow the noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Dish out the pork lo mein veggie mixture into bowls and enjoy your easy, healthy meal! You can garnish with additional sesame seeds or sliced green onions if desired.
Tips
- Meat Prep Matters: Slice your pork tenderloin against the grain and as uniformly as possible to ensure even cooking and maximum tenderness.
- Marinade Magic: Don't rush the marinating process. Those 10 minutes allow the pork to absorb all the delicious flavors of soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic.
- Vegetable Variety: Feel free to customize your mixed vegetables based on what's in season or what you have on hand. Just aim for a colorful, nutritious mix.
- Noodle Timing: Cook your lo mein noodles just before serving to prevent them from becoming mushy. Al dente is the way to go!
- Sauce Sensation: If you want extra flavor, consider adding a splash of rice vinegar or a teaspoon of honey to your marinade for depth and complexity.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day leftovers.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 65mg
