The arrival of spring often inspires a sense of renewal, not just outdoors but within our homes as well. While Mother Nature might still be deciding if she’s ready to usher in warmer temperatures, I’ve been fully committed to my annual “Spring Purge” indoors. This year, my mission led me to a rather nostalgic corner of my kitchen: the cookbook cupboard.
For years, this cupboard has been a treasure trove, filled with an assortment of culinary delights. Among them are countless little magazine-style cookbooks, collected from ages ago. Each one holds a special place, filled with recipes I’ve always intended to try “someday.” Yet, with the incredible convenience of the internet and platforms like Pinterest, these physical relics rarely get dug out and dusted off anymore. It’s a familiar dilemma for many home cooks: holding onto cherished physical resources while gravitating towards digital accessibility.
This spring, I resolved to tackle this sentimental accumulation. My goal was simple: go through each magazine, extract the recipes that truly captured my interest, file them digitally or in a more organized physical binder, and finally, let go of the bulky magazines themselves. It was a commitment to practical decluttering, aiming to free up space and streamline my cooking inspiration.
During this meticulous process, I stumbled upon a true blast from the past. Tucked within the pages of one of these decades-old magazines was a sheet of coupons, proudly displaying an expiration date of December 1992. (Gasp!) It was a humorous and somewhat shocking reminder of just how long some of these culinary gems had been patiently waiting in my cupboard, a testament to the enduring appeal of physical media and the passage of time.
My decluttering efforts paid off in more ways than one. The once-packed cupboard breathed a sigh of relief, and even the neighboring cabinet benefited from the newfound space. But the real reward was the discovery of a true culinary classic: an Oriental Pork Soup recipe, nestled in a very old edition of a Betty Crocker’s Busy Day Crock Pot Meals Cookbook. It was a serendipitous find, promising a hearty and flavorful meal with minimal fuss, exactly what busy weeknights call for.
While the original recipe was a fantastic starting point, I made a couple of minor adjustments to suit my pantry and preferences. Instead of ground pork, I opted for thinly sliced pork chops, which I find add a more substantial bite and appealing texture to the soup. Additionally, I swapped out fresh ginger root for ginger paste, a convenient staple I always keep on hand. These small tweaks enhanced the overall experience without compromising the authentic flavors of this delightful slow cooker soup.
This Oriental Pork Soup isn’t just another meal; it’s a testament to the timeless appeal of comforting, slow-cooked dishes. It’s the kind of recipe that brings warmth and satisfying aromas to your kitchen, making it feel like home. With its rich broth, tender pork, and vibrant vegetables, this soup is destined to become a staple in your meal rotation, proving that sometimes the best recipes are those rediscovered from the past.
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Heartwarming Oriental Pork Soup (Slow Cooker Recipe)
Discover the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly easy Oriental Pork Soup, designed for your crock pot. It’s a delicious and hassle-free meal that practically cooks itself, making it perfect for busy days.
15 mins
8 hrs
8 hrs 15 mins
Soup
Asian/American
Oriental Pork Soup, Slow Cooker Pork, Easy Asian Soup
6 servings
158 kcal
Michaela Kenkel
Ingredients for Your Crock Pot Oriental Pork Soup
- 2 pork chops, thinly sliced (pork loin or shoulder can also be used)
- 1 cup julienne strips of carrots (shredded carrots from a bag work perfectly for convenience)
- 1 clove minced garlic (or 1 teaspoon garlic puree for ease)
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste (a great alternative to fresh ginger root)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (reduced sodium is recommended for better control over saltiness)
- 32 ounces chicken broth (low sodium is also a good choice)
- 2 cups water
- 1/8 – 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to your taste)
- 4 medium green onions, sliced (approximately 1/2 cup, for garnish and flavor)
- 1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini mushrooms are ideal)
- 1 cup bean sprouts (for adding a delightful crunch at the end)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Oriental Pork Soup
- Prepare the Pork: In a skillet, cook the thinly sliced pork over medium heat with a small amount of oil for about 10 minutes, or until the pork is evenly browned. This step is crucial for developing rich flavor.
- Drain Excess Fat: Carefully drain any excess fat from the cooked pork. This helps keep the soup light and flavorful.
- Combine Ingredients (Initial): Transfer the browned pork to your crock pot. Add all other ingredients EXCEPT the sliced mushrooms and bean sprouts. Stir everything together gently to combine.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 7 hours. This long, slow cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the pork to become incredibly tender.
- Add Finishing Touches: After 7 hours, stir in the fresh mushrooms and bean sprouts. Cover the crock pot again and continue cooking on low for one more hour. This ensures the mushrooms cook through while the bean sprouts retain a slight crispness.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1 | Calories: 158kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 47mg | Sodium: 1258mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Oriental Pork Soup
This Oriental Pork Soup isn’t just a recipe; it’s a culinary experience designed for ease and maximum flavor. Here’s why it will quickly become a favorite in your home:
- Effortless Preparation: The beauty of a slow cooker meal lies in its simplicity. After a quick initial browning of the pork, you simply combine most of the ingredients and let your crock pot do all the heavy lifting. This makes it perfect for busy weekdays when you want a homemade meal without the fuss.
- Rich and Satisfying Flavors: The combination of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and tender pork creates a deeply umami-rich broth that is incredibly comforting and satisfying. It’s a harmonious blend of savory and aromatic notes that will awaken your taste buds.
- Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with lean protein from the pork and an abundance of fresh vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, and bean sprouts, this soup is a nutritious choice. It’s a light yet filling meal that supports a balanced diet.
- Versatile and Customizable: While the recipe is fantastic as written, it’s also highly adaptable. You can easily swap vegetables, adjust seasonings, or even experiment with different cuts of pork to suit your preferences.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup reheats beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prepping. Enjoy it for lunch throughout the week or freeze portions for quick, wholesome dinners whenever you need them.
Tips for Crafting the Perfect Oriental Pork Soup
Achieving a consistently delicious slow cooker Oriental Pork Soup is simple with a few helpful tips:
- Pork Selection: While thinly sliced pork chops work wonderfully, feel free to use pork loin or even pork shoulder, cut into small, bite-sized pieces. The key is to ensure uniform sizing for even cooking and tender results.
- Browning the Pork: Don’t skip the initial browning step! This caramelizes the meat, locking in flavor and creating a more robust foundation for your soup. It adds a depth that simply adding raw pork to the slow cooker won’t achieve.
- Ginger and Garlic: Freshly minced garlic and ginger paste offer a vibrant flavor. If you prefer fresh ginger root, grate about 1 teaspoon to match the paste’s potency.
- Soy Sauce Variety: Using a reduced-sodium soy sauce gives you more control over the overall saltiness of the soup. You can always add a splash more at the end if needed. Consider using tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Vegetable Variations: This soup is a great way to use up leftover vegetables. Feel free to add shredded cabbage, bok choy, snow peas, or bamboo shoots during the last hour of cooking for added texture and nutrients.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes with the initial ingredients, or serve with a drizzle of sriracha or chili oil.
- Garnishes Galore: Beyond green onions, consider a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, a handful of fresh cilantro, or even some crispy fried noodles for extra texture and visual appeal.
Serving Suggestions for Your Asian-Inspired Meal
This Oriental Pork Soup is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few complementary dishes to create a more elaborate spread:
- Steamed Rice: A classic pairing, a side of fluffy white or brown rice is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.
- Noodles: For a heartier meal, add cooked rice noodles or ramen noodles directly into individual bowls before ladling in the hot soup.
- Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls: Crispy egg rolls or fresh spring rolls make an excellent appetizer or side, adding a delightful crunch and complementing the Asian flavors.
- Crusty Bread: While perhaps not traditionally Asian, a piece of crusty bread can be wonderful for dipping into the savory broth.
- Simple Salad: A light, refreshing green salad with a ginger-sesame dressing can balance the richness of the soup.
Storage and Reheating Made Easy
One of the best things about slow cooker soups is how well they store and reheat, making them ideal for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers:
- Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: This soup freezes beautifully. Portion individual servings into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through. If the soup seems too thick after refrigeration or freezing, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oriental Pork Soup
Here are some common questions about making and enjoying this delicious slow cooker soup:
Q: Can I use different types of meat for this soup?
A: Absolutely! While pork is traditional for this recipe, you could easily substitute chicken (chicken breast or thighs, cut into cubes) or even beef (stew beef or thinly sliced steak). Adjust cooking times accordingly; chicken might cook a bit faster.
Q: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A: Yes! To make it vegetarian, omit the pork and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or tofu (added in the last hour) for protein and substance.
Q: What if I don’t have a slow cooker? Can I make it on the stovetop?
A: You can! After browning the pork, combine all ingredients (except mushrooms and bean sprouts) in a large pot or Dutch oven. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 1-2 hours, or until the pork is tender. Add mushrooms and bean sprouts for the last 15-20 minutes of cooking. This won’t achieve the same depth of flavor as a slow cooker but will still be delicious.
Q: How can I adjust the saltiness of the soup?
A: The soy sauce is the main source of sodium. Using reduced-sodium soy sauce and low-sodium chicken broth is a great starting point. Taste the soup before serving and add more soy sauce or a pinch of salt if needed. You can also dilute it slightly with water or unsalted broth if it’s too salty.
Q: Can I add noodles directly to the slow cooker?
A: It’s generally not recommended to add delicate noodles like ramen or rice noodles directly to the slow cooker for the full cooking time, as they can become mushy. It’s best to cook them separately and add them to individual bowls just before serving. However, heartier egg noodles could potentially be added during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
There’s a unique charm in uncovering recipes from bygone eras, especially when they prove to be just as relevant and delicious today as they were decades ago. This Oriental Pork Soup, unearthed from the pages of an old Betty Crocker cookbook during my spring cleaning, is a testament to timeless comfort food. Its ease of preparation and rich, savory flavor profile make it a standout dish that’s perfect for any occasion, especially when you need a hearty, hands-off meal.
So, the next time you embark on a decluttering mission, take a moment to sift through those old cookbooks. You never know what culinary treasures await, ready to be revitalized and shared with a new generation. Enjoy the process, savor the flavors, and let this slow cooker Oriental Pork Soup bring warmth and joy to your table.