Slow Cooker Banh Mi Pork

I'm obsessed with banh mi–little Vietnamese sandwiches packed with savory pork, pickled veggies, and a creamy mayonnaise-based spread.

Unfortunately, there isn't a Vietnamese restaurant close to me, so I set out to recreate a banh mi-style meal at home using the slow cooker. The meat is cooked with jalapeno, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar to infuse it with tons of flavor.

The combination of spices, sauces, and peppers gives the meat a deep, rich, and seriously delicious taste. From there, you can serve it up however you like. I went for a banh mi-style taco rather than using French bread (because...tacos), served up with some quick pickled carrots, jalapeno, and a squirt of Sriracha. So, so good.

Before You Get Started

Here are a few things to note before making this recipe:

• Pork: I use pork tenderloin for this recipe since it's leaner and lower in calories, but you can use pork shoulder for more flavor!
• Versatile: This pulled pork pairs perfectly with all types of sides, like rice, greens, veggies, and even baguettes.
• Don't like pork? I like mine with pork, but I've certainly had Banh Mi's with chicken, steak, and even shrimp. If you're feeling really adventurous, you can try a combo of pate, pork, and even meatballs. Sometimes, people like to make them the way they began — with cold cuts (and sometimes that pork pate sneaks in there, too).

Ingredients and Substitutions

Here's a brief list of what you'll need:

• Pork tenderloin: You can also use pork shoulder if you prefer a more flavorful cut, but the dish is still great with tenderloin!
• Jalapeno: Adds a bit of heat. You can remove the seeds and membrane for less heat if you like.
• Fresh ginger: Freshly grated is best, but you can use powdered ginger if that's all you have!
• Garlic cloves: You can mince fresh garlic or use pre-minced garlic.
• Low-sodium soy sauce: Adds a depth of umami flavor. You can swap it with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.
• Rice vinegar: White vinegar will also work.
• Brown sugar: Adds a bit of sweetness. Light or dark brown sugar works!
• Toppings: Shredded carrots, sliced cucumber, and fresh cilantro.

How to Make Banh Mi in a Crock Pot

The slow cooker does all the work in this easy recipe!

Step One: Prepare the Pork

Place the pork tenderloin in your slow cooker.

Pro tip: While not necessary, searing the pork in a hot pan before adding it to the slow cooker will help lock in more flavor and give it a deliciously crispy edge.

Step Two: Make the Flavorful Sauce

In a separate bowl, mix together jalapeno, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar.

Step Three: Combine and Cook

Pour the sauce over the pork, then cover and cook on low until the pork is tender.

Step Four: Serve

Once cooked, shred the pork and serve it with shredded carrots, cucumber slices, and fresh cilantro. Enjoy your delicious, easy meal!

What do you serve with Banh Mi Pork?

I like to stay on theme when serving Banh Mi — it makes my decision to make my own Vietnamese food and forgo the carryout even more worthwhile.

• Slaw: I love a good slaw. Nothing tops this Asian Peanut Slaw for a good side — or put it right on top of your Bahn Mi because why not? We also love Asian Kale Apple Slaw!
• Noodles: Asian Zucchini Noodles are a great, low-carb side that I love to make quite often. If you want more carbs, I suggest pairing this pulled pork with this Healthy Chow Mein or making Asian Noodle Bowls!
• Veggies: Crispy Asian Brussels Sprouts are a great way to satisfy that need for something crunchy while also giving your body some good-for-you nutrients.
• Cabbage slaw: Serve this Banh Mi Pork with some homemade cabbage slaw like the one served with this Chorizo Spiced Pork.
• Banh mi sandwich: Plop the pulled pork on top of sliced baguettes with pickled vegetables for an authentic Vietnamese dish!
• Bowls: Make a huge rice bowl with white rice, brown rice, or any other type of grain you like! You can even go low-carb and make Cauliflower Fried Rice! Pile on the toppings for a filling meal.
• Salad: Pile some pulled pork on top of a bed of greens and drizzle with some sriracha mayo! Top it with sliced cucumber, carrots, and cilantro.