Crockpot Asian Pork

I'm on a crock pot kick? Can you tell?  This stuff is fantastic over rice, over noodles, by itself.  I love it.  


Asian Pork (From SkinnyTaste)
2 lb lean boneless pork sirloin roast (aka pork center rib roast, pork center loin roast)
kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper
Non-stick oil spray 
1 cup low-sodium fat-free chicken broth
1/2 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
3 tbsp sugar
1 tsp hot sesame oil   (or use sesame oil + pinch red pepper flakes)
1/2 tsp Chinese five spice 
3 cloves crushed garlic
1 tbsp fresh grated ginger root
For topping:
1/4 cup chopped scallions
1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Directions:

Season pork on all side with salt and fresh cracked pepper. Heat a skillet on medium-high heat, spray with a little oil and brown the pork on all sides for about 7 - 8 minutes.  In the crock pot, combine the broth, soy sauce, balsamic, sugar, sesame oil, Chinese five spice, garlic and ginger; add the pork and set the slow cooker to 8 hours on low. Shred the pork using two forks.  If adding baby spinach,add at the end and cover a few minutes until it wilts. Top with green onions and cilantro.  P.S.  The cilantro makes this OUTSTANDING. 

Crockpot Pesto Chicken

I'm posting this mostly for my benefit. I took a normal recipe and made it into a crock pot recipe, and I need to write down the method so I can make it work again.

You can use Lawry's Garlic and Herb Marinade or make your own, which is what I opted for.

Marinade (from Allrecipes)

• 1/3 cup water
• 1/3 cup vinegar
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian-style seasoning
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Mix everything together and add to your favorite meat. 

Pour marinade, 1/2 cup pesto on chicken.  At this point you can throw it into a ziploc bag and put it into the freezer until you want to cook it, or you throw it in the crock pot or on the grill.  Whatever is easiest.  Cook 8 hrs on low or 4 hours on high.  Serve over pasta.  

Cafe Rio Sweet Pork

This recipe is from Real Mom Kitchen. When I make it, I put half in the fridge and half in the freezer. It lasts us for days.  We make quesadillas, burritos and tacos with it.

Pork Roast: marinade over night in a can of coke. (Not diet)

Put it in a crock pot with coke in the morning and cook until very tender (about 8 hours on low). Drain off any liquid after cooking.

Add:
1 can enchilada sauce (red)
2 cloves minced garlic
1 small can diced chilies
1 c. brown sugar
Cook for 30 minutes to 1 hour.