This easy slow cooker apricot pork recipe combines tender pork shoulder with a sweet and tangy apricot glaze, making it a perfect dish for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the pork to become incredibly juicy and tender without much hands-on effort.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds (900g) pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into large chunks
- 1 cup apricot preserves (jam)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for mild heat)
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce)
- 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry, optional)
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat the pork shoulder chunks dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and black pepper.
- Place the sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker to create a flavor base.
- Arrange the pork pieces on top of the onions and garlic.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together apricot preserves, chicken broth, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using) until smooth.
- Pour the apricot mixture evenly over the pork in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours, or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds.
- Once cooked, remove the pork pieces and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir to coat with the sauce.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry, then stir it into the slow cooker. Turn the slow cooker to HIGH and cook uncovered for an additional 15–20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions before serving.
Tips
- Meat choice: Pork shoulder is ideal for slow cooking due to its fat content and tenderness, but pork butt works just as well if you can’t find shoulder.
- Apricot preserves: Use good quality apricot jam or preserves for the best flavor. If you like less sweetness, reduce the amount slightly and balance with extra vinegar or soy sauce.
- Thickening sauce: Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry if you want a thicker glaze. Add it at the end and cook uncovered to avoid a watery sauce.
- Storage: Cool leftovers completely before refrigerating. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
This apricot pork pairs wonderfully with simple, comforting sides. Serve it over steamed white rice or fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a lighter option, try it alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad. It also works well as a filling for soft tortillas or sandwich buns, topped with coleslaw for a tasty pulled pork-style sandwich.
Variations
To customize this recipe, you can experiment with different fruit preserves such as peach or mango for a different sweet-tart profile. Adding a splash of orange juice or pineapple juice to the sauce can brighten the flavor. For a smoky touch, stir in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or use liquid smoke sparingly. If you want a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño in the slow cooker.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover apricot pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. For longer storage, freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain food safety and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?
Yes, while pork shoulder is preferred for its fat content and tenderness, pork butt or even pork loin can be used. Pork loin is leaner and will cook faster but may not be as tender or juicy after slow cooking.
Do I need to brown the pork before slow cooking?
Browning the pork in a hot skillet before adding it to the slow cooker is optional but recommended for extra flavor and better texture. It adds a caramelized depth to the dish but you can skip it if short on time.
How can I make the sauce less sweet?
If you find the apricot preserves too sweet, reduce the amount slightly or add more vinegar or soy sauce to balance it. Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving can also brighten and cut sweetness.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker?
Yes, this recipe adapts well to a pressure cooker. Cook the pork on high pressure for about 45 minutes with natural release, then shred and thicken the sauce using the sauté function and cornstarch slurry.
Is this dish gluten-free?
The recipe can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Check your apricot preserves and other ingredients to ensure they do not contain gluten additives.
What sides go best with apricot pork?
Classic pairings include rice, mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh green salad. For a more casual meal, use the pork as a sandwich filling with coleslaw or pickled vegetables.
This slow cooker apricot pork is a versatile, hands-off dish that delivers impressive flavor and tender meat every time. Its balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes makes it a crowd-pleaser and a great addition to your recipe rotation.
Related
- Jamie Oliver Nut Roast Recipe Using a Slow Cooker for Easy Meals
- Jamie Oliver Nut Roast Recipe with Gluten Free Ingredients
- Nut Roast Recipe Without Mushrooms Jamie Oliver Style