Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Soy Shredded Pork Wraps

5 from 1 vote

Aug 31, 2016, Updated Mar 23, 2024

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A little sweet and a little spicy – these slow cooker sweet chili soy shredded pork wraps are simple and delicious family favorite meal! Use in burritos or lettuce wraps, or as a salad topping.

shredded pork with green bell pepper in a tortilla

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At Sweet C’s, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. My goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.

Easy Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Soy Shredded Pork Wraps
How to Make Slow Cooker Chili Soy Pork Wraps
Tips and Tricks for Making Spicy ASian Pork Wraps
FAQS
What to Enjoy with Slow Cooker Shredded Pork Wraps
Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Soy Shredded Pork Wraps Recipe

Easy Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Soy Shredded Pork Wraps

I love short ribs – they are the perfect pork cut to toss in a slow cooker, set, and come back to a delicious meal just waiting to be added to burritos, wraps, and salads. It’s my ultimate dinner cheat – I LOVE making shredded pork!

We’re constantly being pulled in a million different directions, and I’ll admit that makes me feel crazy when I need to be preparing dinner so we can have a nice, smooth night when everyone is home from school and work. This recipe is so quick and easy!

Slow cooker sweet chili soy shredded pork wraps are a fusion of tender, slow-cooked pork shoulder, marinated in a rich blend of sweet chili and soy sauce, creating a melt-in-your-mouth filling wrapped in soft tortillas. The sweet and spicy flavors of the pork are perfectly balanced, offering a satisfying and complex taste experience that is both comforting and exciting. These wraps are ideal for a casual family dinner or as a crowd-pleasing option for gatherings, where the aromatic and savory wraps can be customized with a variety of fresh toppings and sides.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chili Soy Pork Wraps

First assemble the following ingredients:

Pork short ribs (1 lbs) – Renowned for their rich marbling and deep flavor, pork short ribs become irresistibly tender and succulent when slow-cooked, making them a hearty base for the wraps.
Salt and Pepper – Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the pork and vegetables, providing a simple yet crucial foundation for the dish’s overall taste profile.
Bell peppers (2) – Bell peppers add a sweet, slightly tangy crunch to the wraps, introducing a pop of color and a fresh, vibrant contrast to the savory pork.
Onion (1) – The onion softens and caramelizes during slow cooking, contributing a depth of sweetness and aroma that infuses the pork with a subtle, savory complexity.
Soy sauce (1/4 cup) – Soy sauce brings a salty, umami-rich dimension to the dish, deepening the flavor profile and complementing the sweet notes of the chili sauce.
Sweet chili sauce (1/4 cup) – Sweet chili sauce offers a delightful balance of sweetness and mild spice, coating the pork with a glossy, flavor-packed glaze that tantalizes the taste buds.
Garlic powder (2 tbsp) – Garlic powder adds a concentrated burst of savory warmth, enhancing the meat’s richness and pairing well with the sweet and spicy elements.
Cumin (1 tsp) – Ground cumin lends an earthy, slightly smoky nuance to the dish, adding a layer of complexity that echoes traditional spices found in many global cuisines.
Ginger (1 tsp) – Powdered ginger introduces a zesty, piquant kick that cuts through the richness of the pork, brightening the dish with its distinctive, aromatic warmth.
Sweet peppers, snap peas, green onions, sesame seeds, tortillas and lettuce cups – these are for serving, use as you like.

Use this Method

Brown Meat. In a large heavy pan, brown both sides of ribs on high heat. Generously salt and pepper ribs. When browned, remove from heat.

Add Veggies and Slow Cook. Add diced onions and peppers to slow cooker. Add browned ribs to slow cooker. Add soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, and spices. Cook on high for 4 hours, until meat is fall-apart tender. If ribs had any bones, remove from slow cooker.

Finish. Shred meat. Garnish with sesame seeds, sliced sweet peppers, green onions, or whatever is desired. Scoop into flatbread, tortilla, or lettuce cup – OR onto a salad. Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for Making Spicy ASian Pork Wraps

Choose the Right Cut: Opt for pork shoulder (also known as pork butt), as its fat content makes it ideal for slow cooking, resulting in tender, flavorful meat.

Marinate for Depth: Marinate the pork in the sweet chili and soy sauce mixture overnight to deepen the flavors and tenderize the meat before slow cooking.

Low and Slow: Cook the pork on a low setting in your slow cooker for 6-8 hours to ensure it becomes perfectly tender and easy to shred.

Balance the Flavors: Adjust the sweetness, saltiness, and heat by adding more or less sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or a splash of lime juice to achieve your desired flavor balance.

Crisp Finish: For added texture, briefly broil the shredded pork in the oven until some edges start to caramelize and crisp up, then toss it back into the cooking juices for extra flavor.

Fresh Toppings: Serve with a variety of fresh toppings like sliced avocado, cilantro, diced onions, or shredded cabbage to add crunch and freshness to each wrap.

Custom Sauces: Offer a range of sauces on the side, such as extra sweet chili sauce, sriracha, or a creamy lime aioli, so guests can customize their wrap to their taste.

Warm the Wraps: Lightly warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel to make them more pliable and prevent tearing when wrapping.

Let It Rest: After cooking, let the pork rest in its juices for a bit before shredding to ensure it absorbs maximum flavor.

Use Leftovers Creatively: Any leftover pork can be used in salads, tacos, or as a flavorful addition to fried rice or noodles, offering versatility for meals throughout the week.

FAQS

What cut of pork is best for shredded pork wraps?

Pork shoulder (or pork butt) is ideal for shredded pork wraps due to its fat content and connective tissue, which break down during slow cooking to create tender, flavorful meat.

Can I cook the pork on high instead of low in the slow cooker?

While you can cook the pork on high, it’s recommended to use the low setting for 6-8 hours to achieve the most tender texture. Cooking on high typically takes about half the time but may result in slightly less tender meat.

How can I prevent the pork from drying out?

Ensure there’s enough liquid in the slow cooker to keep the environment moist and cook the pork on low. Also, avoid opening the lid frequently, as this releases heat and moisture.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the pork ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat gently with a bit of added liquid to prevent drying out.

How do I know when the pork is ready to be shredded?

The pork is ready when it’s very tender and easily falls apart when prodded with a fork. If it’s not shredding easily, it may need more cooking time.

Are there alternatives to sweet chili sauce if I prefer less sweetness?

For less sweetness, you can reduce the sweet chili sauce and substitute part of it with additional soy sauce, a bit of vinegar, and a touch of chili flakes or hot sauce for heat.

What are some gluten-free alternatives for the wraps?

For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free tortillas, lettuce wraps, or serve the pork over a bed of rice or quinoa.

How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny after cooking?

Transfer the liquid to a saucepan and simmer it on the stove until reduced to your desired consistency. You can also mix in a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) and heat until thickened.

Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker with the pork?

Yes, adding vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or carrots can add flavor and texture to the dish. Add them at the beginning of cooking for softer veggies or towards the end for more crunch.

How can I add a smoky flavor to the pork?

For a smoky flavor, add a dash of liquid smoke to the marinade, or use smoked paprika as part of your seasoning blend.

Sweet chili sauce wraps with shredded pork.

What to Enjoy with Slow Cooker Shredded Pork Wraps

Crunchy Coleslaw: Adds a refreshing crunch and a tangy contrast to the rich, savory flavors of the pork wraps, balancing the overall taste experience.

Steamed Jasmine Rice: Its subtle floral aroma and soft, sticky texture make it a perfect base to soak up the juicy, flavorful pork, providing a comforting and filling complement.

Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness and crispy texture contrast beautifully with the tender pork, adding a delightful crunch and a vibrant color to the plate. Try these baked sweet potato chips!

Asian-inspired Cucumber Salad: The cool, crisp freshness of the cucumber, often dressed in a light vinegar or sesame oil dressing, cuts through the richness of the pork, refreshing the palate between bites.

Avocado and Mango Salsa: The creamy texture of avocado and the sweet, tangy flavor of mango add a tropical twist, offering a creamy and fruity counterpoint to the spicy and savory notes of the wraps. Try this recipe!

Stir-fried Vegetables with Garlic and Sesame: The slight char and crunch from the stir-fried veggies, along with the aromatic flavors of garlic and sesame, add a nutritious and flavorful side that complements the soft pork wraps.

Spicy Kimchi: The fermented, spicy kick of kimchi introduces a complex layer of flavors and a burst of heat, which enhances the depth of the sweet chili soy pork, adding a probiotic boost as well.

Fresh Spring Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce: These offer a light and herby contrast to the rich pork, with the creamy, nutty dipping sauce providing a sweet and savory element that ties the meal together.

Creamy Sriracha Mayo: A dollop of this spicy, creamy sauce can be drizzled over the pork wraps to add a spicy kick and a smooth texture, elevating the flavors and adding a customizable heat level.

Chilled Noodle Salad with Sesame Dressing: The cold, slippery noodles dressed in a nutty, slightly sweet sesame sauce offer a refreshing and light side dish, providing a palate-cleansing contrast to the warm, hearty wraps. Try this Asian miso dressing!

Try these other slow cooker recipes: