I remember the first time I tried Korean BBQ. The explosion of flavors—sweet, savory, and spicy—was unlike anything I’d ever had. I immediately knew I wanted to recreate those bold flavors at home, but in a way that was easy and approachable for weeknight dinners. That's how this Slow Cooker Korean BBQ Pulled Pork recipe was born.
This recipe is all about convenience without compromising on flavor. The slow cooker does most of the work, transforming an inexpensive cut of pork into a tender, flavorful masterpiece. Imagine coming home after a long day to the irresistible aroma of Korean BBQ wafting through your kitchen. Is there anything better? I think not! This recipe is perfect for meal prepping, gatherings, or just a cozy night in. One of my cousins tried it last month and said it’s now her go-to recipe for parties. I think you will love it too!
What does this mean for you? It means you're about to embark on a culinary adventure that's both simple and incredibly rewarding. With just a handful of ingredients and a little patience, you can create a dish that rivals your favorite Korean BBQ restaurant. So, grab your slow cooker and let’s get started!
Required Equipments
- Slow Cooker
- Large Bowl
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Fork
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Slow Cooker Korean BBQ Pulled Pork: Frequently Asked Questions
Slow Cooker Korean BBQ Pulled Pork
This Slow Cooker Korean BBQ Pulled Pork recipe brings the irresistible flavors of Korean BBQ to your home with minimal effort. Tender pork, slow-cooked in a sweet, savory, and spicy sauce, perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or rice bowls.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 6 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 540 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Prep the Pork: Trim any excess fat from the pork butt roast. This helps to ensure that the pork is flavorful without being overly greasy.
- Make the Rub: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed. This rub will give the pork a delicious base flavor.
- Rub the Pork: Generously rub the spice mixture all over the pork butt roast, making sure to coat every surface. Massage the rub into the meat for a minute or two to help it adhere. Don't skimp on this step! This is where a lot of the flavor comes from.
- Sear the Pork (Optional): Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of vegetable oil. Sear the pork on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Searing adds a nice caramelized crust, enhancing the flavor. This step is optional but highly recommended. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; sear in batches if necessary.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, gochujang (Korean chili paste), rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Make sure everything is well combined for a smooth sauce.
- Slow Cook: Place the rubbed (and seared, if you chose to sear) pork butt roast into the slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce over the pork, ensuring it's well coated. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours. I usually go for low and slow; it really helps the pork become incredibly tender.
- Shred the Pork: Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. The pork should be so tender that it falls apart easily.
- Return to Sauce: After shredding, return the pork to the slow cooker and toss it with the sauce. This allows the pork to soak up all that delicious flavor. Let it simmer in the sauce for another 30 minutes on low. This step is crucial for getting that perfect, saucy pulled pork.
- Serve: Serve the slow cooker Korean BBQ pulled pork on buns, sliders, tacos, or over rice. Garnish with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and a drizzle of extra sauce, if desired. Consider serving it with some kimchi or quick pickled cucumbers for some extra crunch and tang. Enjoy every bite!
📝 Notes
- For extra flavor, sear the pork butt roast on all sides before placing it in the slow cooker.
- Adjust the amount of gochujang to your spice preference.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 30 g
Fat: 25 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 2 g
Calcium: 50 mg
