The aroma of tender, slow-cooked pork wafting through your home is like a warm hug on a chilly day. Imagine sinking your teeth into a crispy baguette filled with juicy pulled pork, crunchy pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs. That’s the magic of Slow Cooker Vietnamese Pulled Pork Banh Mi—a dish that brings together complex flavors and textures in one delightful bite.
Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends, this mouthwatering recipe will leave everyone asking for seconds. Get ready for an adventure in taste that promises to be as fun to make as it is to eat!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Slow Cooker Vietnamese Pulled Pork Banh Mi is incredibly easy to prepare and requires minimal hands-on time
- The flavor profile is a beautiful blend of savory, sweet, and tangy that will tantalize your taste buds
- Visually stunning with vibrant colors from fresh herbs and pickled veggies, it’s sure to impress at any meal
- Versatile enough for lunch or dinner, this dish is perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Vietnamese Pulled Pork Banh Mi
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless Pork Shoulder: This cut is ideal for slow cooking as it becomes tender and juicy over time.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic adds depth and flavor; don’t skimp on this aromatic wonder!
Fish Sauce: A staple in Vietnamese cuisine, it brings umami richness that elevates the dish.
Sugar: Brown sugar balances the savory elements with sweetness; it’s like the cherry on top!
Pickled Carrots and Daikon Radish: These add crunch and tanginess; you can find them pre-made or easily make your own.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds brightness; feel free to adjust based on your herb preferences.
For the Sauce:
Sriracha: Spice things up with Sriracha; add according to your heat tolerance!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Slow Cooker Vietnamese Pulled Pork Banh Mi
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Pork
Start by trimming excess fat from the boneless pork shoulder. Cut it into large chunks for even cooking. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Mix the Marinade
In a bowl, combine minced garlic, fish sauce, brown sugar, and a splash of water. Stir until well combined; this marinade is going to infuse amazing flavor into the pork.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Pork
Place the seasoned pork into your slow cooker and pour the marinade over it. Cover and cook on low for about six hours or until the pork shreds easily with a fork.
Step 4: Prepare Pickled Vegetables
While your pork cooks, mix vinegar, sugar, and salt in another bowl. Add julienned carrots and daikon radish. Let them sit for at least an hour—this step adds zing!
Step 5: Assemble Your Banh Mi
Once the pork is ready, shred it using two forks right inside the slow cooker (hello, easy cleanup). Grab your baguettes! Layer shredded pork generously on each half, followed by pickled veggies and fresh cilantro.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Transfer everything onto plates or serve buffet-style so everyone can build their own masterpiece! Drizzle some Sriracha if you’re feeling adventurous.
Now sit back and enjoy that first heavenly bite of your creation! The combination of flavors will transport you straight to Vietnam—no plane ticket required!
You Must Know
- Slow Cooker Vietnamese Pulled Pork Banh Mi offers a delightful fusion of flavors and textures
- This dish is perfect for busy weeknights and can easily impress your guests
- With the right ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering meal that’s both satisfying and memorable
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the pork to lock in those juicy flavors, then toss it into the slow cooker. While that magic happens, prepare your pickled vegetables and sauce. Finally, assemble your banh mi right before serving for maximum crunch!
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the pork for chicken or tofu if you’re seeking a lighter option. Add extra spices like five-spice powder or chilies for heat. You can also customize your veggies based on what’s fresh and available!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Slow Cooker Vietnamese Pulled Pork Banh Mi components separately in airtight containers. To reheat, warm the pork gently in the microwave or stovetop and crisp up the bread in the oven for that fresh-baked taste.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For tender pulled pork, cook it low and slow—aim for at least six hours on low heat
- Don’t skip the pickling step; it adds necessary acidity and crunch!
- Always taste as you go to adjust seasoning perfectly
It was a rainy Sunday afternoon when I first made these Slow Cooker Vietnamese Pulled Pork Banh Mi sandwiches. My friends couldn’t stop raving about them, claiming they were better than anything they’d tasted at restaurants!
FAQs:
What ingredients are needed for Slow Cooker Vietnamese Pulled Pork Banh Mi?
To make Slow Cooker Vietnamese Pulled Pork Banh Mi, you will need pork shoulder, garlic, shallots, soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and spices like five-spice powder. For the pickled vegetables, gather carrots, daikon radish, vinegar, and sugar. Don’t forget the baguette and fresh herbs like cilantro and jalapeños to complete your banh mi. This blend of flavors will ensure a deliciously authentic taste that is sure to impress.
How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Vietnamese Pulled Pork?
Cooking Slow Cooker Vietnamese Pulled Pork typically requires about 8 hours on low heat or 4 hours on high heat in the slow cooker. This long cooking time allows the pork to become tender and absorb all the flavorful seasonings. After cooking, shred the pork with forks and mix it with the juices for extra flavor before assembling your banh mi sandwiches.
Can I prepare the pickled vegetables ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pickled vegetables ahead of time for your Slow Cooker Vietnamese Pulled Pork Banh Mi. In fact, making them at least a few hours in advance allows them to develop deeper flavors. Simply combine sliced carrots and daikon in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and salt. Store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble your sandwiches. This step adds an essential crunch and tanginess to your dish.
What sides pair well with Slow Cooker Vietnamese Pulled Pork Banh Mi?
Slow Cooker Vietnamese Pulled Pork Banh Mi pairs wonderfully with sides like crispy spring rolls or a light cucumber salad. You can also serve it alongside rice or noodle dishes for a more filling meal. A refreshing drink such as iced tea or a Vietnamese coffee complements this flavorful sandwich perfectly. These options enhance the overall dining experience while keeping everything on theme.
Conclusion for Slow Cooker Vietnamese Pulled Pork Banh Mi:
In conclusion, making Slow Cooker Vietnamese Pulled Pork Banh Mi is a delightful way to bring vibrant flavors into your kitchen. The tender pulled pork infused with spices creates a savory base for this classic sandwich. The addition of pickled vegetables offers freshness and crunch that elevates each bite. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this dish is perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners. Enjoying this banh mi will certainly satisfy your cravings for delicious Vietnamese cuisine!
Slow Cooker Vietnamese Pulled Pork Banh Mi
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Slow Cooker Vietnamese Pulled Pork Banh Mi is a delicious fusion of flavors that transports your taste buds to Vietnam. This dish features tender, slow-cooked pork nestled in a crispy baguette, complemented by tangy pickled vegetables and fresh cilantro. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this simple-to-prepare recipe guarantees mouthwatering results that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless pork shoulder
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup fish sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup pickled carrots and daikon radish
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 baguette
- Sriracha (to taste)
Instructions
- Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut it into large chunks. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, mix garlic, fish sauce, brown sugar, and a splash of water to create the marinade. Pour it over the pork in a slow cooker.
- Cook on low for about 6 hours until the pork is tender and shreds easily.
- Prepare pickled vegetables by combining vinegar, sugar, and salt in a bowl with julienned carrots and daikon; let sit for at least an hour.
- Shred the cooked pork inside the slow cooker using two forks. Assemble the banh mi by layering shredded pork, pickled veggies, and cilantro in halved baguettes.
- Serve immediately with Sriracha if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich (about 200g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
