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If you’re anything like me, I love making a big batch of flavorful, nutrient dense protein to have in the fridge for a few days. I tend to eat mostly protein, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates like potatoes or legumes for the majority of my dinners and that’s mostly what you’ll see here. I allow dairy, and sometimes gluten, but only when it’s really worth it. I simply feel better that way.
I’m always looking for different ways to prepare and serve some of my favorite slow-cooked meats to keep things interesting, it’s a challenge I quite like. I enjoy playing around with flavors from different regions and representative of various cultures.
This dish is based off of the classic Vietnamese sandwich Banh Mi, where a baguette hosts flavorful meat and pickled vegetables in the perfect savory, tangy complimentary way. I’ve taken these flavors and applied them to dinner, and what you’ve got is a really flavorful, easy, Whole 30 compliant and paleo dinner.
A batch of this spiced, tender pork comes in so handy, it can be repurposed from your dinner into anything from tacos, to a salad, or even a nutrient dense breakfast. It’s a gift that keeps on giving, and as a busy mom of two I so appreciate that. Doesn’t everyone?
How To Make My Slow Cooker Banh Mi Bowls
- Make the pickled vegetables the day before, or at least the morning before, by slicing the carrot and cucumber into thin discs and mix with salt in a glass jar. Cover with vinegar and place in the fridge to serve with the pork.
- Heat a large pan over medium high heat.
- Cover the pork shoulder generously with salt and rub with olive oil.
- When pan is hot, sear the pork for 3-5 minutes on all sides until deeply browned all over. Remove from heat.
- In slow cooker, add all of the sauce ingredients and whisk briefly to distribute. Place the pork on top of the sauce and cook on high for 5-6 hours until meat is very tender and begins to fall apart.
- When done, remove meat and set aside. Using a spoon, skim extra fat off of the cooking liquid, then add the meat back in and shred with two forks.
- Serve meat in shallow bowls topped with sliced scallions and along side pickled vegetables and white or cauliflower rice.
Yes! The pickled veggies can be made the day before, or at least a few hours in advance, for the best flavor. Just slice the carrot and cucumber, add salt, cover with vinegar, and store in the fridge until serving.
Searing isn’t mandatory, but it enhances the flavor and adds a beautiful color to the pork. It’s worth the extra few minutes, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and still have a delicious result.
Boneless pork shoulder or butt is ideal because it’s tender and flavorful when slow-cooked. If needed, pork loin can work, but it may be a bit leaner and slightly less tender.
If you prefer to cook the pork on low heat, cook for about 8-9 hours instead of 5-6. The goal is to cook it until the pork is fall-apart tender.
Yes! Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative, or you can use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching salt intake.
These are great with white rice, jasmine rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for an extra burst of flavor.
Store any leftover pork, cooking liquid, and pickled veggies in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. They should keep well for 3-4 days.
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a good substitute and will cook in about 4-5 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low.
Yes! You can use the sauté function to sear the pork, then pressure cook on high for about 60-70 minutes with a natural pressure release. Shred and follow the same steps for serving.
You can reduce or omit the Kosher salt on the pork and start with a smaller amount of fish sauce, as it’s also quite salty. You can always add more later to taste!
Slow Cooker Banh Mi Bowls
Ingredients
- 3-4 pounds boneless pork shoulder or butt 3 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1/4 cup coconut aminos or soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 teaspoons Chinese five spice powder
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- Kosher salt
- 3-4 scallions, for serving
Quick pickled veg:
- 1 carrot
- 1/2 English cucumber
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Vinegar, Apple cider, white, rice wine… almost any kind other than balsamic!
Instructions
- Make the pickled vegetables the day before, or at least the morning before, by slicing the carrot and cucumber into thin discs and mix with salt in a glass jar. Cover with vinegar and place in the fridge to serve with the pork.
- Heat a large pan over medium high heat.
- Cover the pork shoulder generously with salt and rub with olive oil.
- When pan is hot, sear the pork for 3-5 minutes on all sides until deeply browned all over. Remove from heat. In slow cooker, add all of the sauce ingredients and whisk briefly to distribute. Place the pork on top of the sauce and cook on high for 5-6 hours until meat is very tender and begins to fall apart.
- When done, remove meat and set aside. Using a spoon, skim extra fat off of the cooking liquid, then add the meat back in and shred with two forks.
- Serve meat in shallow bowls topped with sliced scallions and along side pickled vegetables and white or cauliflower rice.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I love a rice bowl, but this is a whole other level – delicious!
Thank you, Helena!
Enjoy,
Kat.