Experience Authentic Thai Flavors at Home: The Ultimate Slow Cooker Thai Pork with Peanut Sauce

Embark on a culinary journey right from your kitchen with our incredibly easy and satisfying Slow Cooker Thai Pork with Peanut Sauce. If you’re looking to expand your recipe repertoire beyond your usual comfort zone and introduce exotic, vibrant flavors to your family’s dinner table, this dish is an absolute must-try. Inspired by the rich and aromatic cuisine of Thailand, this recipe brings a touch of Southeast Asia into your home with minimal effort.

Effortless Weeknight Delight: Slow Cooker Thai Pork with Peanut Sauce

My love for traveling to Thailand runs deep, and I’d jump on a plane back there in a heartbeat if I could. The food, the culture, the incredible hospitality – it all leaves a lasting impression. While a trip to Thailand might not always be on the cards, recreating its distinctive flavors in my own kitchen is a fantastic way to relive those memories and enjoy truly delicious food. This Slow Cooker Thai Pork with Peanut Sauce does exactly that, capturing the essence of Thai cuisine in a convenient, comforting meal.

One of the best aspects of this slow cooker pork recipe is its “dump and go” simplicity. You literally combine all the ingredients in your crockpot, set it, and forget it. There’s no need for constant stirring, sautéing, or hovering over the stove. Just the delightful anticipation as the aroma of savory pork and rich peanut sauce fills your home, building an appetite that’s hard to ignore. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave a homemade meal without the stress of complicated preparation.

The beauty of slow cooking lies in its ability to transform simple ingredients into a dish bursting with deep, complex flavors and incredibly tender meat. The low and slow cooking process allows the pork to gently braise in the aromatic peanut sauce, absorbing all the wonderful spices and seasonings until it’s fall-apart tender. The result is a succulent, flavorful pork dish that tastes like you spent hours slaving in the kitchen, when in reality, your slow cooker did all the hard work.

The gentle heat from red pepper flakes gives this Thai pork a subtle kick, but you have complete control over the spice level. If you prefer a milder flavor, simply reduce the amount of red pepper flakes, or omit them entirely for a family-friendly dish. For those who love heat, feel free to add a little extra. This adaptability makes it a versatile recipe that can be tailored to suit any palate.

Unlocking the Flavors: Key Ingredients for Thai Peanut Pork

Crafting the perfect Slow Cooker Thai Pork with Peanut Sauce relies on a harmonious blend of ingredients that deliver that signature Thai taste. Here’s a closer look at what makes this dish so special:

• Boneless Pork Loin: This cut is ideal for slow cooking as it becomes incredibly tender and absorbs flavors beautifully without drying out. You can also use pork shoulder for a richer, fattier result, though cooking times might vary slightly.
• Red Bell Peppers: Diced red bell peppers add a wonderful sweetness, a vibrant pop of color, and a slight crunch to the finished dish. They also contribute essential vitamins and a fresh counterpoint to the rich sauce.
• Teriyaki Sauce: While often associated with Japanese cuisine, teriyaki sauce provides a sweet and savory base that complements the other Thai-inspired ingredients. Look for a good quality teriyaki for the best flavor.
• Rice Vinegar: Essential for balancing the richness of the peanut sauce, rice vinegar adds a touch of acidity and tang, brightening the overall flavor profile.
• Red Pepper Flakes: These deliver the characteristic warmth and gentle heat of Thai cuisine. Adjust the quantity to match your preferred spice level.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh minced garlic is indispensable for building a robust aromatic foundation. It adds depth and pungency that marries wonderfully with the other savory components.
• Peanut Butter: The star of our rich and creamy peanut sauce! Whether you choose creamy or crunchy peanut butter is entirely up to your textural preference. Creamy will yield a smoother sauce, while crunchy will add a little extra bite. Make sure to use natural peanut butter if possible, as it tends to have less added sugar and oils.

Serving Suggestions for Your Thai Pork

Once your Slow Cooker Thai Pork with Peanut Sauce is ready, the serving possibilities are endless, allowing you to create a complete and satisfying meal. The most classic pairing is with fluffy white rice, which perfectly soaks up the delicious peanut sauce. For an extra layer of flavor and texture, consider serving it with Thai fried rice, transforming your meal into an even more indulgent experience.

If you’re looking for an alternative to rice, rice noodles make an excellent choice, offering a different textural element that is equally adept at carrying the rich sauce. For a lighter meal, you could even serve the shredded pork over a bed of steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro, chopped peanuts, or a squeeze of lime juice just before serving can elevate the dish further, adding bright, fresh notes that complement the savory and spicy flavors. Don’t forget a side of steamed green beans or a simple cucumber salad to complete your Thai-inspired feast.

Slow Cooker Crock Pot Thai Pork with Peanut Sauce Recipe

This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimum fuss, perfect for those days when you need a delicious meal ready and waiting for you.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 7 hours

Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 402 kcal

Author: Tammilee Tips

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless pork loin
• 2 red bell peppers, diced
• ½ cup teriyaki sauce
• 2 Tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Red Pepper chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2-3 Tablespoons peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients (boneless pork loin, diced red bell peppers, teriyaki sauce, rice vinegar, red pepper chili flakes, minced garlic, and peanut butter) in a crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 7-9 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the pork is incredibly tender and easily shredded.
3. Once cooked, remove the pork and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir to coat thoroughly with the peanut sauce.
4. Serve warm over white rice, Thai fried rice, or rice noodles. Garnish with fresh cilantro and chopped peanuts if desired.

Kitchen Tools

• Slow cooker

Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving

• Calories 402
• Calories from Fat 117
• % Daily Value*
• Fat 13g (20%)
• Saturated Fat 3g (19%)
• Cholesterol 142mg (47%)
• Sodium 1538mg (67%)
• Potassium 1125mg (32%)
• Carbohydrates 11g (4%)
• Fiber 1g (4%)
• Sugar 8g (9%)
• Protein 55g (110%)
• Vitamin A 2010IU (40%)
• Vitamin C 76.6mg (93%)
• Calcium 32mg (3%)
• Iron 2.3mg (13%)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

More Delicious Slow Cooker Recipes to Explore

The slow cooker is a true kitchen hero, making it easy to create comforting and flavorful meals with minimal effort. If you loved this Thai Pork recipe, you’ll certainly enjoy exploring other “dump and go” options that deliver maximum taste for minimal work. Here are some of our favorite slow cooker recipes that we highly recommend trying:

• Crock Pot Thai Chicken Stew Recipe: Dive deeper into Thai flavors with this hearty and aromatic stew, perfect for a cozy evening.
• Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken: A family favorite, this recipe makes weeknight dinners a breeze with its sweet and savory glaze.
• Mexican Pulled Pork: Tender, flavorful pulled pork simmered in rich Mexican spices, perfect for tacos, burritos, or sandwiches.
• Creamy Rosemary Pork Recipe: A comforting and elegant dish with tender pork in a luscious rosemary-infused cream sauce.
• Chile Verde Pork Recipe: A vibrant and zesty pork dish simmered in a tangy green chili sauce, offering a delightful kick.

Beyond these, don’t miss our extensive collections of copycat recipes, irresistible dessert recipes, and more fantastic Crock Pot Recipes for every occasion.

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This Slow Cooker Thai Pork with Peanut Sauce is more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to explore global flavors from the comfort of your home, all while simplifying your cooking routine. Its rich, savory, and slightly spicy profile is sure to become a new favorite. Give it a try tonight and let your slow cooker do the magic!

Recipe originally shared on November 27, 2017. Updated October 2020.