Slow Cooker Sticky Chinese Ground Pork

• •1.5 lb Ground pork (lean or regular)
• •1 piece Yellow onion (finely chopped)
• •4 cloves Garlic (minced)
• •1 tbsp Fresh ginger (grated)
• •0.5 cup Soy sauce
• •0.3 cup Hoisin sauce
• •2 tbsp Brown sugar (packed)
• •1 tbsp Rice vinegar
• •1 tsp Sesame oil
• •0.5 cup Water or chicken broth
• •2 tbsp Cornstarch
• •2 tbsp Cold water
• •3 stalks Green onions (sliced, for garnish)
• •1 tsp Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish (optional))
• •4 cup Cooked rice (for serving)

Instructions

1. 1

   In a large skillet or pot, brown the ground pork over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.

2. 2

   Add the chopped yellow onion to the skillet with the pork and cook for 3-5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. 3

   Transfer the pork and onion mixture to your slow cooker.

4. 4

   In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and 1/2 cup water (or chicken broth). Pour this sauce over the pork in the slow cooker.

5. 5

   Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is very tender and the flavors have melded.

6. 6

   About 20-30 minutes before serving, prepare a cornstarch slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together the 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth.

7. 7

   Stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker. Cook on HIGH for another 20-30 minutes, uncovered, until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally.

8. 8

   Serve the sticky Chinese ground pork hot over steamed rice, garnished with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds, if desired.

Chef's Tips

• 💡For a spicier kick, add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes with the sauce ingredients in step 4.
• 💡This dish is also excellent served in lettuce cups for a lower-carb option, or stuffed into steamed buns.
• 💡Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and reheat beautifully.