Friday, March 30, 2012

Asian-Style Pork Sliders with Slaw

Asian flavors are a family favorite here. They can really transform any typical American meal, like with the Asian Style Meatballs. Here, I took a typical pulled pork and jump kicked it onto a whole new level. You will be addicted after one bite. My whole family smashed these, and I gotta say - I wasn't expecting the kids to be down to eat the slaw. Obviously, the pairing of the flavors was so amazing that they didn't even notice there was vegetables in there.


I wanted to note that in all my Asian inspired dishes I don't use Chinese 5 Spice. My husband has a licorice flavor aversion, which is a bit disappointing, but easily worked around. Instead, I use every other spice that is part of it - Ginger, Cinnamon and Ground Clove. Yes, that's only 3 spices of the 5 - the other 2 are Anise and Fennel. If you happen to love Chinese 5 Spice, I'd say throw in a couple teaspoons and you'll be good. But, I will say minced ginger can make a big difference.


Anyway, we will be enjoying these for lunch for the next couple days - it does make a big batch, but trust me, you won't be bummed about the leftovers. These would also make the perfect picnic or BBQ food. Enjoy!


Asian-Style Pork Sliders with Slaw




Ingredients:
  • 3 Pound Pork Roast (butt or shoulder)
  • 1/4 Teaspoon Cinnamon
  • 1 Teaspoon Minced Ginger
  • 1/4 Teaspoon Ground Clove
  • 1/2 Cup Soy Sauce
  • 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar (I like the hint of molasses flavor, you could just use honey if you are trying to avoid sugar)
  • 1 Tablespoon Honey
  • 1 Tablespoon Chili Paste (you can find Sambal Oelek at your grocery store in the "ethnic aisle" or you can substitute Red Pepper Flakes or even Hot Sauce for the kick in a pinch)
  • 1 Tablespoon Hoisin Sauce
  • 2 Tablespoons Ketchup (I know, I know - I tried to do it without, but it's just not saucy at all then, and I like it saucy, you could leave it out for stronger flavors, or add more, depending if you like it extra shlopppy or not :)
Directions:
  1. Cut pork into manageable chunks and place in slow cooker
  2. Add all ingredients, toss and cook on low for 6-8 hours (if you are questioning the ketchup - you can easily save it to the last minute, have a taste and assess what you want)
  3. Using a fork, pull the read of the pork apart and mix thoroughly
  4. When I don't have that much time, I'll do it on high for 4 hours, but add 1/2 a can of coke - yes, coke, to break the pork down, if you do that, skip the brown sugar, honey and maybe even ketchup
Asian-Style Slaw

Ingredients:
  • 2 Cups Pre-Prepared Coleslaw Mix
  • 1 Cup Pre-Prepared Broccoli Slaw Mix
  • 1/4 Cup EVOO
  • 1/4 Cup Orange Muscat Champagne Vinegar (Trader Joe's! Or just Rice Wine Vinegar and a 1/2 Tablespoon of Frozen Orange Juice)
  • Dash of Soy Sauce
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Minced Ginger
  • 1 Tablespoon White Sugar
  • Salt and Pepper
Directions:
  1. Whisk together all ingredients, other than the slaw mix
  2. Toss in the slaw mix

3 comments:

  1. Thank you! They really are. We've been eating leftovers for lunch every day since, and we're not usually keen on leftovers :)

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  2. Hi I’m Heather! Please email me when you get a chance! I have a question about your blog. HeatherVonsj(at)gmail(dot)com

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