Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Thai Chili Pulled Pork?
It is a slow-cooked pork dish featuring pork tenderloin shredded and tossed in a sweet and spicy Thai chili sauce, served with a tangy broccoli slaw.
How long does it take to cook in a slow cooker?
The pork should be cooked on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours until it is tender enough to shred with a fork.
Can I use a different cut of meat besides pork tenderloin?
Yes, you can use pork shoulder or butt for a richer flavor, though tenderloin is leaner and used in this specific recipe.
What are the ingredients for the crunchy broccoli slaw?
The slaw consists of broccoli slaw mix, Italian salad dressing mix, fresh cilantro, and rice vinegar.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The core ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels on your Thai chili sauce and Italian dressing mix to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
How should I serve this pulled pork?
You can serve it on its own, inside taco shells, wrapped in tortillas, or as a sandwich on rolls.
What kind of Thai chili sauce is recommended?
Wildtree Sweet and Spicy Thai Chili Sauce is specifically recommended for this recipe.
How do I shred the pork?
Once the pork is tender, remove it from the slow cooker and use two forks to pull the meat apart into shreds before returning it to the sauce.
What is the purpose of adding water to the slow cooker?
A 1/4 cup of water is added to create steam, which helps keep the pork moist and tender during the long cooking process.
Can I use frozen pork tenderloin?
It is best to thaw the pork completely before placing it in the slow cooker to ensure even cooking and food safety.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
What is the protein content of this dish?
This recipe provides about 33.3g of protein per serving.
Can I make the slaw ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the slaw a few hours in advance to let the flavors meld, though it is best served fresh for maximum crunch.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The spice level depends on the specific Thai chili sauce used; it is generally a balance of sweet and spicy heat.
What can I substitute for rice vinegar in the slaw?
Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can be used as a substitute for rice vinegar if needed.
How do I store leftovers?
Store the pork and the slaw in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze the cooked pulled pork?
Yes, the cooked pork in sauce freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
How do I reheat the pork?
Reheat the pork in a microwave-safe dish or in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
The dish contains about 6.7g of fat per serving.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can cook the pork on high pressure for about 30-45 minutes with a natural release, though the slow cooker is the primary method described.
What makes the broccoli slaw crunchy?
Using a ready-to-use raw broccoli slaw mix and tossing it just before serving keeps the vegetables crisp.
Can I use fresh Italian dressing instead of the mix?
The recipe calls for the dry mix for concentrated flavor, but you can experiment with a small amount of liquid dressing if necessary.
Is there a lot of sugar in this recipe?
There are 5g of sugar per serving, mostly coming from the sweet Thai chili sauce.
What type of cilantro should I use?
Use 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped cilantro for the best aromatic flavor in the slaw.
Can I add other vegetables to the slaw?
Yes, shredded carrots or red cabbage would make great additions to the broccoli slaw.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely, the pork can be cooked in large batches and used for various meals throughout the week.
What size slow cooker do I need?
A standard 4 to 6-quart slow cooker is perfect for 2 lbs of pork tenderloin.
How much fiber is in the recipe?
There is approximately 1g of fiber per serving.
Can I use chicken breast instead of pork?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breast, but reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent the meat from becoming too dry.
What makes this a 'Thai' style dish?
The use of sweet and spicy Thai chili sauce and rice vinegar provides the signature flavor profile of Thai cuisine.