Effortless Slow Cooker Oriental Pork Soup: A Flavorful Crock Pot Recipe for Cozy Evenings
As the whispers of spring begin to fill the air, many of us feel that familiar urge for a “Spring Purge.” Even if Mother Nature sometimes misses the memo, sending us chilly breezes instead of warm sunshine, the desire to declutter and refresh our homes remains strong. My recent spring cleaning adventure led me to a rather nostalgic corner of my kitchen: the cookbook cupboard.
This particular cupboard is a treasure trove, filled with stacks of old cookbooks, countless magazine recipe clippings, and handwritten notes passed down through generations. For years, I’ve held onto these culinary relics, convinced that “someday” I’d revisit every single recipe. However, with the advent of the internet and platforms like Pinterest, those physical collections rarely see the light of day. They sit, gathering dust, charming but ultimately unused.
This year, I decided it was time for a serious declutter. The mission: meticulously go through each cookbook and magazine, extract only the recipes I genuinely intend to make, file them digitally or in a dedicated binder, and finally, part ways with the bulky originals. It was a daunting task, filled with sentimental glances at old photos and forgotten culinary trends. I even unearthed a magazine with coupons that had expired in December of 1992 – a truly astonishing testament to how long some of these gems had been tucked away!
Amidst this archaeological dig, I stumbled upon a true classic: an old edition of “Betty Crocker’s Busy Day Crock Pot Meals Cookbook.” This find was particularly exciting, as I’m always on the lookout for easy, comforting, and flavorful slow cooker recipes that simplify mealtime without compromising on taste. The concept of “busy day” cooking resonates deeply with my own philosophy in the kitchen; who doesn’t love a meal that practically cooks itself?
Flipping through its worn pages, a recipe for Oriental Pork Soup caught my eye. It promised a hearty, aromatic, and deeply satisfying meal with minimal effort – perfect for those days when you crave something warm and nourishing but are short on time. What truly appealed to me was its use of simple ingredients, many of which I already had on hand. This is the beauty of classic recipes; they often rely on staples that are readily available and versatile.
While the original recipe called for ground pork and fresh ginger root, I made a couple of minor adjustments based on what was in my pantry. I opted for thinly sliced pork chops, which I find add a lovely texture and substance to the soup, and used convenient ginger paste instead of grating fresh ginger. These small tweaks didn’t detract from the essence of the dish but rather adapted it to my current kitchen inventory, proving that even classic recipes can be flexible and accommodating to a modern lifestyle. The result was a rich, savory, and incredibly comforting slow cooker pork soup, bursting with delicious Asian-inspired flavors that warmed us from the inside out.
This rediscovery reminded me that sometimes, the best new recipes are actually old favorites waiting to be unearthed. And for busy weeknights, a crock pot recipe like this Oriental Pork Soup is an absolute game-changer. It allows you to prepare a wholesome meal with minimal hands-on time, letting your slow cooker do all the hard work while you go about your day. The aroma that fills your home as it simmers is an added bonus, promising a delightful dinner ahead.
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Print Recipe
Oriental Pork Soup
Ingredients
- 2 pork chops sliced thinly
- 1 cup julienne strips of carrots I used shredded carrots in a bag
- 1 clove minced garlic or 1 teaspoon garlic puree
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste
- 1/4 cup soy sauce I used reduced sodium
- 32 ounces chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1/8 -1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 medium green onions sliced (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 cup fresh mushrooms sliced
- 1 cup bean sprouts
Instructions
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Cook meat over medium heat in a small amount of oil for about 10 minutes, or until evenly browned.
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Drain any excess fat.
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Add all ingredients EXCEPT mushrooms and bean sprouts, to your crock pot.
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Cover and cook on low for 7 hours.
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Stir in mushrooms and bean sprouts, cover and cook on low for one hour more.
Nutrition
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Pork Soup
There’s something uniquely satisfying about a slow cooker meal, and this Oriental Pork Soup truly exemplifies why. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a solution for busy schedules and a promise of a comforting, flavorful dinner. Here’s why this slow cooker pork soup is a must-try:
- Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: The beauty of the crock pot lies in its “set it and forget it” convenience. After a quick browning of the pork and combining the ingredients, your slow cooker does all the work, slowly infusing the broth with deep, complex flavors from the ginger, garlic, and soy sauce.
- Tender, Juicy Pork: Long, slow cooking is perfect for transforming pork chops into incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth pieces that absorb all the delicious Asian-inspired broth.
- Wholesome and Nutritious: Packed with vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, green onions, and bean sprouts, this soup is a nourishing meal in itself. It’s also relatively light, making it a great option for a healthy dinner.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe yields 6 servings, making it ideal for leftovers. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day. Pack it for lunch or enjoy it for another easy dinner.
- Customizable: While delicious as written, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to add other vegetables like snow peas, bok choy, or bamboo shoots. You can also adjust the spice level with a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Tips for the Best Oriental Pork Soup
To ensure your slow cooker pork soup is nothing short of spectacular, consider these tips:
- Browning the Pork: Don’t skip the initial browning step. While it adds a few minutes to your prep, searing the pork creates a richer flavor base through the Maillard reaction, contributing significantly to the depth of the soup.
- Ginger Paste vs. Fresh Ginger: If you do have fresh ginger root on hand, about 1 inch grated or finely minced can be used in place of the ginger paste. Both work wonderfully, so use whichever is most convenient for you.
- Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce: I recommend using reduced sodium soy sauce to better control the overall saltiness of the soup. You can always add more salt to taste at the end, but you can’t take it away!
- Adding Delicate Vegetables: Mushrooms and bean sprouts are added towards the end of the cooking process to ensure they retain their texture and don’t become overly soft or mushy. If you plan to add other quick-cooking vegetables like spinach or baby bok choy, add them during this last hour of cooking as well.
- Serving Suggestions: This hearty Oriental Pork Soup is fantastic on its own. However, for a more complete meal, serve it over a bed of steamed white rice or brown rice, with a side of crispy egg rolls or fresh spring rolls. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of sesame oil just before serving can elevate the flavors even further.
Embracing the Slow Cooker Revolution
The slow cooker, or crock pot, has earned its place as a cherished kitchen appliance for a reason. In our fast-paced lives, it offers a welcome reprieve, allowing us to prepare nutritious, home-cooked meals without being chained to the stove. From hearty stews and chilis to succulent roasts and, of course, delightful soups like this Oriental Pork Soup, the possibilities are endless.
This particular recipe for Oriental Pork Soup from an old Betty Crocker cookbook proves that some culinary wisdom is timeless. It’s a reminder that good food doesn’t have to be complicated or require exotic ingredients. Often, it’s about combining simple, wholesome components and letting time and gentle heat do their magic.
Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, this Asian-inspired pork soup is a fantastic addition to your recipe rotation. It’s the kind of comforting food that brings warmth and satisfaction, perfect for chilly evenings or simply when you need a little culinary hug. So, next time you’re looking for an effortless yet incredibly flavorful meal, reach for your crock pot and give this delicious Oriental Pork Soup a try. Your taste buds, and your busy schedule, will thank you.
Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below! We love hearing how these recipes turn out for you. And if you have your own tips or variations for this easy pork soup, feel free to share them with our community.