Easy Slow Cooker Pork Curry

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Easy Slow Cooker Pork Curry

Craving a flavorful and satisfying curry without spending hours in the kitchen? Look no further than this easy slow cooker pork curry recipe! This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, allowing you to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the work, tenderizing the pork and infusing it with rich, aromatic spices.

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Why Slow Cooker Pork Curry is a Game Changer

Slow cookers are culinary magic. They transform tough cuts of meat into incredibly tender and flavorful meals. Pork, especially cuts like shoulder or butt, benefits tremendously from slow cooking. The low and slow heat breaks down the connective tissues, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Beyond tenderness, the slow cooker allows the spices in the curry to meld together beautifully, creating a depth of flavor that is simply unmatched. This recipe is easy to adapt to your preferences. You can adjust the spice level, add different vegetables, or use a variety of pork cuts. The slow cooker is forgiving and allows for flexibility in ingredients and timing.

The Convenience Factor

The best part about slow cooker pork curry is the convenience. Simply combine the ingredients in the morning, turn on the slow cooker, and come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal. No more stressing about dinner after a long day! The hands-off approach makes it ideal for busy individuals and families.

Choosing Your Pork and Curry Paste

The success of your slow cooker pork curry hinges on selecting the right pork cut and curry paste.

Pork Selection: Fat is Your Friend

For the most tender and flavorful results, opt for cuts of pork that have some fat marbling. Pork shoulder (also known as pork butt) is an excellent choice. It’s relatively inexpensive and becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked. Pork loin is another option, but it can be drier, so consider adding a bit more liquid to the slow cooker. Avoid using very lean cuts like pork tenderloin, as they can become tough during the long cooking process. Aim for pieces that are roughly 1-2 inches in size. This allows for even cooking and better absorption of the curry flavors.

Curry Paste: The Flavor Foundation

Curry paste is the heart and soul of this dish, providing a complex blend of spices and aromatics. Red, yellow, and green curry pastes are all suitable for this recipe. Red curry paste tends to be the spiciest, while yellow is the mildest and green falls somewhere in between. Choose a curry paste that suits your preferred level of heat. High-quality curry pastes contain a wide range of ingredients, including chili peppers, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, galangal, coriander, cumin, and turmeric. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even make your own curry paste from scratch. Store-bought curry pastes are a convenient option. Look for brands with authentic ingredients and a vibrant flavor profile.

The Perfect Slow Cooker Pork Curry Recipe

This recipe uses common ingredients and simple steps to create a delicious and satisfying curry.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons curry paste (red, yellow, or green, depending on preference)
  • 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Cooked rice, for serving
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Sear the Pork (Optional): While not essential, searing the pork adds depth of flavor. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork in batches until browned on all sides.

2. Combine Ingredients: In the slow cooker, combine the pork, onion, garlic, ginger, curry paste, coconut milk, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, red bell pepper, fish sauce (if using), soy sauce, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.

3. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is very tender.

4. Add Peas: Stir in the frozen peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.

5. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, curry paste, or fish sauce to taste.

6. Serve: Serve hot over cooked rice, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Tips for Success

  • Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker: Overcrowding can prevent the pork from cooking evenly. If necessary, cook the curry in batches.
  • Adjust the liquid: If the curry appears too thick, add a little more broth. If it’s too thin, remove the lid during the last hour of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
  • Spice it up (or down): Adjust the amount of curry paste to suit your spice preference.
  • Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, or sweet potatoes. Add them at the beginning of the cooking process along with the other ingredients.
  • Make it ahead: Slow cooker pork curry is even better the next day! The flavors meld together even more as it sits.
  • Thicken the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the curry during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Variations and Adaptations

This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients.

Vegetable Power

Add a variety of vegetables to boost the nutritional value and flavor of your curry. Some great options include:

  • Potatoes (cut into 1-inch cubes)
  • Carrots (sliced)
  • Sweet potatoes (cut into 1-inch cubes)
  • Cauliflower florets
  • Broccoli florets
  • Spinach (add during the last 15 minutes of cooking)
  • Green beans

Different Proteins

While this recipe calls for pork, you can easily substitute other proteins, such as:

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  • Chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch pieces)
  • Beef chuck (cut into 1-inch cubes)
  • Lamb shoulder (cut into 1-inch cubes)

Customize the Flavor Profile

  • Add lime juice: A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end brightens up the flavors.
  • Use different spices: Experiment with adding other spices, such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, or garam masala.
  • Add peanut butter: A tablespoon or two of peanut butter adds richness and nutty flavor.
  • Use different types of chili peppers: Add a chopped chili pepper or a pinch of chili flakes for extra heat.
  • Stir in some yogurt or sour cream: This adds creaminess and tanginess.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve over rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
  • Serve with naan bread or roti
  • Serve with quinoa or couscous
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro, chopped peanuts, or a dollop of yogurt

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Can I use frozen pork?
Yes, but thaw it completely before adding it to the slow cooker.
  • Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the Instant Pot. Sear the pork using the sauté function, then add the remaining ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 25-30 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
  • Can I freeze leftover pork curry?
Yes, allow the curry to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • How long does slow cooker pork curry last in the refrigerator?
Leftover pork curry will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • What if my curry is too spicy?
Add a dollop of yogurt or sour cream to help cool down the heat. You can also add a little bit of sugar or honey to balance the flavors.
  • Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the pork with chickpeas, lentils, or tofu. You may also want to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • Why is my pork dry?
Make sure you're using a cut of pork with good marbling, like pork shoulder. Also, ensure there's enough liquid in the slow cooker. If the pork is still dry, try reducing the cooking time.

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