Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Slow Cooker Korean BBQ Pork?
It is a sweet and savory dish featuring tender pork slow-cooked in a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic.
What cut of pork is best for this recipe?
While the recipe specifies 1 1/2 lbs of pork cut into chunks, pork shoulder or pork butt is ideal for slow cooking and easy shredding.
How long does it take to cook the pork?
The pork should be cooked on low heat for 8 hours until it is tender enough to shred.
Can I cook this dish on high heat instead?
Although low heat is recommended for 8 hours to ensure tenderness, you can typically cook it on high for about 4-5 hours.
What are the main ingredients for the sauce?
The sauce consists of soy sauce, brown sugar, water, minced garlic, and chili pepper flakes.
Is this Korean BBQ pork recipe spicy?
The recipe calls for 1-2 tablespoons of chili pepper flakes, which provides a moderate heat that can be adjusted to your preference.
How do I shred the pork once it's cooked?
Carefully remove the meat from the slow cooker and use two forks to pull the tender pork apart into shreds.
What should I serve with this pork?
It is best served over a bed of steamed rice, with the leftover sauce drizzled over the top.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 22.5 grams of protein in each of the four servings.
How much fat does this dish contain?
One serving contains 11.25 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is the brown sugar measured packed?
Yes, the 3/4 cup of brown sugar should be packed for the correct measurement.
How much garlic is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 4 cloves of garlic, minced.
Can I substitute the brown sugar?
You can use honey or maple syrup as a substitute, though the flavor profile will vary slightly.
Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
To make it gluten-free, substitute the soy sauce with tamari or liquid aminos.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to provide 4 servings.
Should I brown the pork before putting it in the slow cooker?
The instructions do not require browning, but searing the pork chunks first can add extra depth of flavor.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Yes, onions, carrots, or bell peppers can be added, though they may become very soft over the 8-hour cook time.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover shredded pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can this Korean BBQ pork be frozen?
Yes, the cooked and shredded pork can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
How do I reheat the leftovers?
Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop with a little extra sauce or water to keep the meat moist.
What kind of rice goes best with this dish?
Short-grain white rice or jasmine rice are excellent choices to complement the sweet and savory sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely, the pork holds up well and the flavors often deepen after sitting in the sauce overnight.
Can I use frozen pork?
It is recommended to thaw the pork completely before slow cooking to ensure it reaches a safe temperature quickly.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, the sweet profile of the brown sugar usually appeals to children, though you may want to reduce the chili flakes.
How much water is added to the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of water to be mixed with the sauce ingredients.
Do I need to stir the pork while it cooks?
No, you can leave the lid on and let the slow cooker do the work without stirring for the full 8 hours.
Can I use beef instead of pork?
Yes, a beef chuck roast cut into chunks would work very well with these same sauce ingredients.
How much soy sauce is in the recipe?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of soy sauce.