How to Make Slow Cooker Pork Chops and Rice
Craving a simple yet hearty dinner? Slow Cooker Pork Chops and Rice is a delicious dish that's sure to satisfy. Next, we'll show you how to make it.
Benefits of Making Pork Chops and Rice in a Slow Cooker
Tender Meat: The slow cooker locks in the pork chop's moisture, making the meat incredibly tender and juicy, never dry or tough.
Precise Temperature Control: The slow cooker provides even, low-temperature heating, ensuring the pork chops are perfectly cooked without becoming overdone, keeping the meat tender.
Fluffy Rice: The slow cooker allows the rice to absorb the flavors of the mushroom water and chicken broth, making each grain soft and non-sticky.
Rich Flavor: All ingredients meld together in the slow cooker, with the savory pork chops and aromatic rice creating a complex and delicious flavor profile.
Convenient and Effortless: Simply add the ingredients to the slow cooker, set the timer, and relax. It's a time-saver that requires minimal effort, making it both easy and worry-free.
Ingredients Needed and Substitutions
Main Ingredients:
Pork Chops: Marinate with light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, cooking wine, and black pepper to enhance the flavor of the meat.
Rice: Soak the rice for 30 minutes to make the grains plumper, ideal for slow cooking.
Accessories:
Small Pumpkin: Choose fresh small pumpkins, remove the seeds, and cut into chunks. The sweet taste pairs wonderfully with the mushrooms.
Dried Shiitake Mushrooms: Soak and chop the mushrooms to add a rich aroma and flavor.
Green Onions: Slice into sections, sauté them first to bring out their fragrance, and then add them to the dish.
Seasonings:
Light Soy Sauce: Enhances the freshness, added at the end to enrich the overall flavor.
Dark Soy Sauce: Adds color and depth to the dish.
Cooking Wine: Helps remove any undesirable smell and enhances the taste.
Black Pepper: Adds a hint of spiciness to the dish.
Salt: Adjust the amount to taste, enhancing the overall flavor.
Substitutes:
Pork Chops: You can substitute with other meats like chicken breast or steak.
Shiitake Mushrooms: Fresh shiitake mushrooms or other types of dried mushrooms can be used as substitutes.
Pumpkin: Carrots, beets, or potatoes can offer different textures and flavors.
INGREDIENTS
Main Ingredients
-
·200g pork chops
-
·150g rice
Additional Ingredients
-
·1 small pumpkin
-
·20g green onions
-
·30g dried shiitake mushrooms
Seasonings
-
·15ml light soy sauce
-
·10ml dark soy sauce
-
·15ml cooking wine
-
·2g black pepper
-
·5g salt
COOKING STEP
Step 1
Marinate the pork chops with soy sauce (light and dark), cooking wine, and black pepper for 30 minutes. Then cut them into strips and set aside.
Step 2
Slice the small pumpkin, remove the seeds, and cut it into chunks.
Step 3
Soak the dried mushrooms, chop them finely, and set aside. Keep the mushroom soaking water for later.
Step 4
Spray some oil in a pan, then sauté the chopped spring onions until fragrant.
Step 5
Add the mushrooms and pumpkin to the pan, stir-fry briefly.
Step 6
Pour in half of the mushroom soaking water, cover, and cook for 2 minutes.
Step 7
Add the soaked rice, lower the heat, add salt, and pour in the rest of the mushroom water.
Step 8
Make sure the water level is slightly higher than the rice, then place the pork chops on top.
Step 9
Cook on low heat for 9 minutes, then turn off the heat and let it sit for 10 minutes.
Step 10
Open the lid and sprinkle with chopped spring onions.
Step 11
Finally, add a spoonful of soy sauce and stir everything well before serving.
More recipes worth trying
Delicious Glass Noodles with Braised Pork Ribs Recipe
Authentic and Hearty Chinese Braised Pork Trotters
Slow Cooker Coca Cola Pot Roast Recipe
Shopping Tips
Pork loin as a substitute for pork chops: Pork loin is lean and tender, making it a great option for those who prefer lower-fat cuts. While it may have a slightly different texture than pork chops, it still absorbs the broth well and will turn out delicious.
Cutting your own meat to save money: You can buy a whole piece of pork loin and cut it into chops yourself, which saves you money. Just be mindful of the thickness to ensure a good texture when cooking.
Recipe Tips
Marinating time: For the best flavor, marinate the pork chops for at least 30 minutes. If time allows, marinate for up to an hour for an even richer taste.
Utilizing mushroom water: The mushroom soaking liquid not only enhances the flavor but also helps keep the rice fluffy. Don’t forget to save it and add a little more into the rice for extra depth.
Using a slow cooker: When using a slow cooker, control the time carefully. Pork chops will not dry out even after a long cooking time; instead, they become even more tender. Set it on low heat and cook for a few hours – the result will be amazing!
Cooking rice: After adding the mushroom water, ensure the water level is slightly above the rice. This will result in fluffier rice that absorbs more flavor.
Recipe Variations
Using different broths: In addition to mushroom water and chicken broth, you can try beef bone broth, tomato soup, or vegetable broth to bring different layers of flavor to the dish.
Adding other vegetables: Besides pumpkin and mushrooms, try adding carrots, potatoes, or broccoli. These vegetables will not only add color but also offer a variety of textures and flavors.
Switching up the meat: If you prefer not to use pork chops, consider using chicken breast, beef, or even lamb. Each meat will bring its own unique flavor to the dish.
Rice alternatives: For a healthier option, replace white rice with brown rice, quinoa, or millet. They have a different texture but will still absorb the broth and taste delicious.
Adding spices: To enrich the flavor, try adding herbs like rosemary, thyme, or cumin. These spices will give your dish a unique and aromatic twist.
FAQs:
For the best taste, it’s recommended to eat it as soon as possible to avoid storing it for too long.
If using a pan, add a small amount of water and cover with a lid to help keep the rice moist.
Other grains like quinoa or black rice can also be used as alternatives. However, I recommend cooking them separately first and then adding them to the dish. This way, you can ensure the texture and consistency are just right.
If you like, you can also try adding some fresh vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, etc. Just chop them into small pieces and sauté them before adding the rice. Wait until the vegetables are cooked through before moving to the next step. This will enhance the flavor!
REVIEWS
