Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Pork: An Easy & Flavorful Weeknight Meal

Are you craving the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen? Look no further! This Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Pork recipe is your answer. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, requires minimal hands-on time, and delivers a deeply satisfying, flavorful meal that the whole family will love. The slow cooker works its magic, transforming a relatively inexpensive cut of pork into tender, succulent perfection, infused with a rich and creamy peanut sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. Say goodbye to takeout and hello to a healthy and delicious homemade Thai feast!

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is a winner for several reasons:

* **Effortless Cooking:** The slow cooker does all the work. Simply combine the ingredients, set it, and forget it. Come home to a ready-to-eat meal.
* **Intense Flavor:** The slow cooking process allows the pork to absorb the delicious Thai peanut sauce, resulting in a depth of flavor you can’t achieve with quicker cooking methods.
* **Tender and Juicy Pork:** The low and slow cooking breaks down the tough connective tissues in the pork, making it incredibly tender and moist.
* **Customizable Spice Level:** You can easily adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes to control the heat level to your liking.
* **Versatile Serving Options:** Serve this Thai Peanut Pork over rice, noodles, quinoa, or even in lettuce wraps. It’s a versatile dish that can be adapted to your dietary needs and preferences.
* **Freezable:** Leftovers can be easily frozen for a quick and easy meal on a busy weeknight.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather these ingredients:

* **Pork Shoulder (Boston Butt):** 3-4 pounds. Pork shoulder is ideal because it’s a relatively inexpensive cut with plenty of marbling, which renders down during the slow cooking process, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish. You can also use pork loin, but be mindful that it tends to be leaner and can dry out more easily, so reduce the cooking time slightly.
* **Soy Sauce:** 1/2 cup. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish. Tamari can be used as a gluten-free alternative.
* **Peanut Butter:** 1 cup. Creamy peanut butter is preferred for its smooth texture, but crunchy peanut butter can also be used for added texture. Natural peanut butter is a healthier option, but be sure to stir it well before measuring.
* **Chicken Broth:** 1 cup. Low-sodium chicken broth adds moisture and depth of flavor. Vegetable broth can be used as a vegetarian alternative.
* **Rice Vinegar:** 1/4 cup. Rice vinegar adds a tangy acidity that balances the richness of the peanut butter.
* **Brown Sugar:** 2 tablespoons. Brown sugar adds sweetness and helps to caramelize the pork.
* **Lime Juice:** 2 tablespoons. Freshly squeezed lime juice adds brightness and acidity. Bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch, but fresh is always best.
* **Sesame Oil:** 1 tablespoon. Sesame oil adds a nutty aroma and flavor.
* **Ginger:** 1 tablespoon, minced. Fresh ginger adds a warm and spicy flavor. Ginger paste can be used as a convenient alternative.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor. Garlic powder can be used as a substitute, but fresh is always best.
* **Chili Garlic Sauce:** 1-2 teaspoons, or to taste. Chili garlic sauce adds heat and complexity. Sriracha can be used as a substitute.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4-1/2 teaspoon, or to taste (optional). For extra heat.
* **Cornstarch:** 2 tablespoons. For thickening the sauce.
* **Water:** 2 tablespoons. To mix with the cornstarch.
* **Toppings (optional):** Chopped peanuts, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, sesame seeds, lime wedges.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Pork:

**Step 1: Prepare the Pork**

* Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder, but leave some fat for flavor and moisture. Cut the pork into 2-3 inch chunks. This helps it cook faster and allows the sauce to penetrate more thoroughly.

**Step 2: Make the Peanut Sauce**

* In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, peanut butter, chicken broth, rice vinegar, brown sugar, lime juice, sesame oil, minced ginger, minced garlic, chili garlic sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until the peanut butter is fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth.

**Step 3: Combine and Cook**

* Place the pork chunks in the slow cooker. Pour the peanut sauce over the pork, ensuring that all the pieces are coated. Stir to combine.
* Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is very tender and easily shreds with a fork. Cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker.

**Step 4: Shred the Pork**

* Once the pork is cooked through, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker. This will help it absorb even more of the delicious sauce.

**Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)**

* If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry.
* Turn the slow cooker to high. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker and stir to combine.
* Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!**

* Serve the Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Pork hot over rice, noodles, quinoa, or in lettuce wraps.
* Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as chopped peanuts, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and lime wedges.

## Tips for Success

* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooked pork can become dry. Check the pork for tenderness after the minimum cooking time and adjust accordingly.
* **Adjust the Spice Level:** Taste the sauce before adding the pork and adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes to your liking.
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will impact the flavor of the dish. Use good-quality peanut butter, soy sauce, and chicken broth.
* **Sear the Pork (Optional):** For extra flavor, you can sear the pork in a hot skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. This will create a nice crust and add depth of flavor.
* **Degrease the Sauce (Optional):** After cooking, you may notice some excess fat on the surface of the sauce. You can skim this off with a spoon or use a fat separator.
* **Add Vegetables (Optional):** Add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or broccoli during the last hour of cooking for added nutrients and flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

This Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Pork is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

* **Over Rice:** Serve over steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a classic and satisfying meal.
* **With Noodles:** Toss with cooked rice noodles or lo mein noodles for a delicious and easy noodle dish.
* **In Lettuce Wraps:** Serve in crisp lettuce cups for a light and healthy option.
* **In Tacos or Burritos:** Use the pork as a filling for tacos or burritos for a fusion-inspired meal.
* **With Quinoa:** Serve over cooked quinoa for a protein-packed and healthy meal.
* **As a Sandwich Filling:** Use the shredded pork as a filling for sandwiches or sliders.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Chicken:** Substitute the pork shoulder with chicken thighs for a leaner option. Reduce the cooking time accordingly.
* **Tofu:** For a vegetarian option, use firm or extra-firm tofu. Press the tofu to remove excess water and cut it into cubes. Add the tofu to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking to prevent it from becoming too soft.
* **Vegetables:** Add your favorite vegetables to the slow cooker, such as bell peppers, onions, carrots, broccoli, or snap peas. Add them during the last hour of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
* **Different Nut Butters:** Experiment with different nut butters, such as almond butter or cashew butter, for a unique flavor profile.
* **Coconut Milk:** Substitute some of the chicken broth with coconut milk for a richer and creamier sauce.
* **Spicy Peanut Sauce:** Add more chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes for a spicier sauce. You can also add a chopped jalapeno pepper for extra heat.

## Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

* **Make Ahead:** The peanut sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also prep the pork by trimming it and cutting it into chunks. Store the pork in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
* **Storage:** Leftover Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freezing:** The cooked pork can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Allow the pork to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Reheating Instructions

* **Stovetop:** Reheat the pork in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to prevent it from drying out.
* **Microwave:** Reheat the pork in the microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Stir occasionally.
* **Slow Cooker:** Reheat the pork in the slow cooker on low for 1-2 hours, or until heated through.

## Recipe Card

Here’s a printable recipe card for your convenience:

[Recipe Card Placeholder – You would typically insert a formatted recipe card here, perhaps generated by a WordPress plugin, including a summary of ingredients, instructions, nutritional information, etc.]

## Nutrition Information (Approximate)

* Serving Size: 1 cup
* Calories: Approximately 400-500 (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Fat: 25-35g
* Saturated Fat: 8-12g
* Cholesterol: 80-100mg
* Sodium: 800-1000mg (depending on soy sauce used)
* Carbohydrates: 15-25g
* Fiber: 2-4g
* Sugar: 8-12g
* Protein: 25-35g

*Please note that the nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.*

## Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Pork recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights. The tender pork, rich peanut sauce, and customizable spice level make it a dish that everyone will enjoy. So, ditch the takeout menu and give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!

Enjoy this delicious and easy recipe. Let me know in the comments how it turned out for you, and if you added your personal touch to it. Happy Cooking!