Go Back

Pressure Cooker Spicy Pork Shoulder

This Pressure Cooker Spicy Pork Shoulder recipe provides a quick yet flavorful way to prepare tender, juicy pork coated in a zesty chile-infused barbecue sauce with a subtle sweetness. Whether you opt for a pressure cooker or a slow cooker, this dish offers a balance of savory and spicy notes that will please any palate. The preparation involves searing the pork, simmering it in the flavorful sauce, and pairing it with refreshing sesame-pickled cucumbers to complete the dish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 40 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 6 People
Course: crockpot recipes, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Pork
  • 5 cloves garlic grated or minced
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
  • 1 tablespoon Korean chile flakes gochugaru, or a preferred alternative like Maras, Aleppo, or crushed red pepper
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt or more as needed
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 5 pounds boneless pork shoulder cut into two or three pieces
  • For the Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon peanut oil
  • 4 cloves garlic grated or minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh ginger grated
  • ⅓ cup gochujang Korean chile paste, or a similar chili paste such as Sriracha
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons mirin
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Asian fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • For the Sesame Pickled Cucumbers
  • 6 Persian cucumbers thinly sliced (approximately 4 cups)
  • 1½ tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ¼ cup red onion thinly sliced
  • 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
  • For Serving
  • Cooked rice or toasted slider rolls
  • Kimchi optional

Method
 

  1. Step 1
  2. To begin preparing the pork, combine the garlic, brown sugar, chile flakes, salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture over the pork pieces evenly. If time permits, cover and refrigerate for 1 hour up to 24 hours to enhance the flavor. If you're pressed for time, proceed directly to the next steps.
  3. Step 2
  4. Set the electric pressure cooker to sauté mode or use a large skillet to brown the pork. Brown each piece for about 2 minutes per side until nicely seared. Once seared, add ¾ cup of water to the pot (or deglaze the skillet, then transfer everything to the pot), cover the pressure cooker, and cook on high pressure for 90 minutes. Alternatively, use a slow cooker for 5 to 7 hours until the pork becomes tender.
  5. Step 3
  6. While the pork is cooking, prepare the sauce by heating peanut oil in a small pot over medium heat. Add the grated garlic and ginger, sautéing for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Then, incorporate the remaining sauce ingredients, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for 1 to 2 minutes until it thickens slightly. Set aside to cool. You may prepare this sauce up to one week in advance, storing it in the refrigerator.
  7. Step 4
  8. Once the pork has finished cooking, manually release the pressure. Let the pork cool until it's manageable, then shred it into bite-sized pieces. The pork can be prepared up to this point and stored for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
  9. Step 5
  10. While the pork cools, strain the cooking liquid, removing any excess fat. To make this easier, you can chill the liquid, and then scoop off the solidified fat with a spoon. Set the strained liquid aside for later.
  11. Step 6
  12. Prepare the sesame-pickled cucumbers by combining all ingredients except the sesame seeds in a small bowl. Toss the cucumbers and let them sit for at least 20 minutes, stirring once or twice. Before serving, stir in the sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
  13. Step 7
  14. When ready to serve, preheat the broiler. Toss the shredded pork with the prepared sauce and add 1 to 2 tablespoons of the reserved cooking liquid. You want the pork to be evenly coated but not too runny. Spread the pork mixture onto a rimmed baking sheet and broil for 2 to 3 minutes, until the top crisps and chars in places.
  15. Step 8
  16. Serve the pork over a bed of rice or on toasted slider rolls. Top with the sesame pickled cucumbers and, if desired, a side of kimchi for a perfect complement to the dish.

Notes

If you prefer to use a slow cooker, cook the pork for 5 to 7 hours on high for tender, flavorful results.