This Sweet and Spicy Pork Shoulder with Sesame Cucumbers is a perfect blend of flavors and textures that’s sure to impress. The tender, slow-cooked pork, combined with a sweet and spicy sauce, pairs beautifully with the refreshing crunch of sesame cucumbers. This dish is ideal for a family meal or even entertaining guests—its balance of savory, spicy, and sweet notes will have everyone asking for seconds!
Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Total Time: 8-10 hours (hands-off slow cooking)
Rating: 5 from 32 votes
Ingredients
For the Pork Shoulder:
- 1 (3 to 4 pound) pork shoulder
- Salt and pepper to season
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup loosely packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chili garlic paste
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- Toasted sesame oil, for drizzling
For the Sesame Cucumbers:
- 1 seedless cucumber, thinly sliced (using a mandolin for uniform slices is recommended)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic paste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
1. Prepare and Sear the Pork Shoulder:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
- Season the pork shoulder generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
- Once the skillet is hot, place the seasoned pork shoulder in the skillet. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until golden brown, about 1 to 2 minutes per side. This step helps to lock in the flavors and give the pork a beautiful caramelized crust. Once seared, turn off the heat.
2. Slow Cook the Pork:
- In the bottom of your slow cooker, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, chili garlic paste, and hoisin sauce to create the sweet and spicy braising liquid.
- Carefully place the seared pork shoulder into the slow cooker, making sure it’s well coated in the sauce.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or until the pork is tender and falls apart easily with a fork.
- Once the pork is done, use a fork to shred it, discarding any bones or excess fat. Toss the shredded pork in the remaining chili garlic mixture to ensure it’s fully coated in flavor.
3. Prepare the Sesame Cucumbers:
- Place the thinly sliced cucumbers in a medium-sized bowl.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and chili garlic paste.
- Pour the dressing over the cucumber slices and toss well to coat.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and sprinkle the sesame seeds over the top. Toss once more to distribute the sesame seeds evenly.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the shredded pork shoulder over jasmine rice or your favorite steamed rice.
- Drizzle the pork with a little toasted sesame oil for added flavor, and serve with a side of the prepared sesame cucumbers.
- For extra heat, add a bit more chili garlic paste on the side, and garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro if desired.
Tips and Variations
- Adjusting Heat Levels: The chili garlic paste adds a spicy kick to this dish. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili garlic paste or omit it from the cucumber salad.
- Alternative Protein Options: While pork shoulder is ideal for this recipe due to its fat content and tenderness, you can substitute it with beef chuck roast or chicken thighs if desired.
- Make it a Bowl: For a more substantial meal, serve the pork and cucumbers in a bowl along with rice, steamed vegetables, and a drizzle of sriracha or additional chili garlic paste for added heat.
- Storage: Store leftover pork and cucumbers separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The pork will stay fresh for up to 3 days, while the cucumbers are best enjoyed within 1-2 days for maximum crispness.
- Freezing: The shredded pork can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Sweet and Spicy Pork Shoulder with Sesame Cucumbers offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures. The slow-cooked pork is juicy and tender, with a balanced sweet-spicy glaze that complements the refreshing sesame cucumbers perfectly. It’s a fantastic dish for busy days because the slow cooker does most of the work, allowing you to prepare a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort. Whether you’re enjoying it as a weeknight dinner or serving it at a gathering, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy!