I can’t contain my excitement because today I’m sharing one of my all-time favorite recipes: Asian Pulled Pork! Not only is it a vibrant burst of flavor, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare thanks to my trusty Instant Pot. I remember the first time I made this dish; the aromas filled my kitchen, and I was practically drooling by the time it was finished! This is the kind of recipe that gets everyone gathered around the table, each bite as juicy and tangy as the last.
What makes this recipe special for me is the way it marries the comfort of pulled pork with the deliciousness of Asian flavors. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights or even for meal prepping for the week ahead. Plus, it’s a great way to impress your friends at a casual dinner or game night! So, let’s dive into what makes this dish tick.
What’s in Asian Pulled Pork?
Pork Shoulder: The star of the show! This cut is perfect for slow cooking as it breaks down nicely into tender, juicy shreds. I usually go for 2 to 3 pounds, which serves a crowd and provides leftovers (if you’re lucky!).
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: This adds a savory depth to the sauce and keeps things from getting too salty. I recommend a low-sodium option to control the flavor.
Rice Vinegar: This tangy ingredient adds a lovely brightness to the dish. If you haven’t tried rice vinegar yet, you’re in for a treat!
Hoisin Sauce: It’s like a sweet, umami bomb! This sauce is thick and rich, giving the pulled pork a sticky glaze that is simply irresistible.
Soy Sauce: This is optional, and if you’re aiming for a gluten-free dish, coconut aminos is a fantastic substitute that still offers great flavor.
Brown Sugar: Just a little sweetness to balance the savory and tangy notes in the sauce. You can adjust this to your taste!
Garlic and Ginger: The dynamic duo! These two set the foundation for the aromatic flavor profile. Fresh is best, but you can use jarred if that’s what you have on hand.
Sesame Oil: Just a teaspoon adds a lot of character. The nutty flavor is the cherry on top of this delicious mixture.
Black Pepper: To elevate all the other flavors. Because who doesn’t love a little kick?
Green Onions and Sesame Seeds: These are optional garnishes, but I highly recommend them for that extra burst of freshness and crunch. They not only make your dish beautiful but also enhance the flavor!
Is Asian Pulled Pork Good for You?
Let’s be real: pulled pork isn’t exactly a health food, but it can definitely fit into a balanced diet!
Pork Shoulder: While it’s a fatty cut, it’s rich in protein, making it a great option for a hearty meal. Just be mindful of portion sizes.
Broth and Vinegar: The use of low-sodium broth and vinegar not only keeps the sodium levels lower but also enhances the flavors without adding excessive calories.
Brown Sugar: Remember, moderation is key. If you’re wanting to cut back on sugar, you can always adjust the amount or substitute it with a natural sweetener.
In moderation, this dish can be a great treat. Pair it with wholesome sides like vegetables or brown rice to add nutrients!
Ingredients
– 2 to 3 pounds pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
– 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
– 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
– 1/4 cup soy sauce (optional, for a gluten-free version, use coconut aminos)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 teaspoons ginger, grated
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
– Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
This recipe serves about 6 people, perfect for a small gathering or a week’s worth of tasty lunches!
How to Make Asian Pulled Pork?
1. **Prepare the Pork**: Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut it into 4 large chunks. This helps the cooking process and makes it easy to handle.
2. **Make the Sauce**: In a mixing bowl, combine chicken broth, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, soy sauce (or coconut aminos), brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
3. **Sear the Pork**: Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Once hot, add the pork chunks and sear until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. You may want to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding.
4. **Pressure Cook**: Remove the pork from the Instant Pot and pour the sauce over the remaining juices in the pot, scraping any brown bits. Return the pork to the pot, ensuring it is immersed in the sauce.
5. **Seal and Cook**: Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 60 minutes. Once the time is up, let the pressure release naturally for about 10-15 minutes before carefully turning the valve to release any remaining pressure.
6. **Shred the Pork**: Remove the pork from the pot and use two forks to shred the meat. Return the shredded pork to the pot and stir to coat it in the sauce.
7. **Serve**: Serve the Asian pulled pork hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for that extra flair. It’s divine over steamed rice, in a sandwich or even in crisp lettuce wraps. Enjoy every bite!
Garnish Galore!
Feel free to get creative! Want a little heat? Add some sliced jalapeños. Looking for an extra crunch? Toss in some sliced cucumbers or radishes. You can also serve it with an array of sauces on the side for guests to customize their plates.
I hope you try this recipe because it really is a crowd-pleaser that will leave your kitchen smelling heavenly. Can’t wait to hear what you think—happy cooking!
