This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork is a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece that combines sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in every bite. Tender pork, infused with a sticky honey garlic glaze, practically falls apart after just 4 hours of hands-off cooking. The caramelized edges and juicy interior create a perfect balance of textures, while the aromatic blend of garlic, soy sauce, and honey fills your kitchen with irresistible warmth.
With only 10 minutes of prep, this dish is a lifesaver for busy days, delivering restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Packed with 52g of protein and a hint of natural sweetness, it’s a wholesome yet indulgent meal that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Serve it over rice or with steamed veggies for a complete, satisfying dinner that feels like a hug in a bowl.
What You’ll Need
- 3 pounds pork roast (boneless or bone-in, depending on preference)
- ½ cup honey (substitute with maple syrup for a different flavor)
- ¼ cup soy sauce (use low-sodium if preferred)
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic (or 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped)
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger)
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening the sauce)
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork
- Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, and ground ginger until well combined.
- Cook the pork: Place the pork roast into the slow cooker and pour the marinade mixture over the top, ensuring the pork is evenly coated. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours or on low for 4-6 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Thicken the sauce: Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and set aside. Pour the remaining marinade from the slow cooker into a medium saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium heat and slowly stir in the cornstarch. Let the sauce simmer for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Shred and serve: Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and pour the thickened sauce over the top, tossing to coat the pork evenly. Serve warm and enjoy!
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Serve it over steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Add a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli or carrots for a balanced meal. For a fresh touch, top with chopped green onions or sesame seeds.
Make It Your Own: Recipe Variations
Customize this recipe to suit your taste! Swap the pork for chicken thighs or beef chuck roast for a different protein. If you prefer a spicier kick, add 1 teaspoon of chili flakes or sriracha to the marinade. For a tangier flavor, substitute apple cider vinegar for lime juice. The possibilities are endless!
Save Time: Prep-Ahead Tips
To make this recipe even easier, prepare the marinade the night before and store it in the fridge. Simply pour it over the pork in the morning and let the slow cooker do the work. You can also double the marinade and freeze half for future use—just thaw and you’re ready to go!
Keep It Fresh: Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pork in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months—perfect for meal prep!
Slow Cooker Success: Equipment Guidance
For best results, use a 4-6 quart slow cooker to ensure even cooking. If your slow cooker tends to cook hotter, check the pork at the 3-hour mark to prevent overcooking. A meat thermometer is handy to confirm the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safe eating.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork
Equipment
- slow cooker
Ingredients
- 3 pounds pork roast
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 Tablespoon Worcester sauce
- 1 Tablespoon lime juice
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 Tablespoons corn starch
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lime juice, garlic and ginger.
- Place pork into slow cooker and pour mixture over top.
- Cook on high for about 3 hours, or on low 4-6.
- After cooking, remove pork from slow cooker. Pour marinade from slow cooker into medium sauce pan.
- Place marinade over medium heat, and slowly stir in cornstarch. Let it simmer for about 4 minutes, or until sauce begins to thicken.
- Shred pork, and return it to the slow cooker. Pour sauce over top coating all the pork.