When it comes to weeknight meals, convenience is key. That’s why we love our slow cookers – they allow us to prepare a delicious meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor. And when you combine that convenience with the bold flavors and aromas of Asia, you get a culinary match made in heaven. In this article, we’ll be sharing 18 mouthwatering Asian-inspired recipes that can be cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. From spicy Korean tacos to rich and creamy Indonesian curries, these dishes are sure to become new favorites.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a busy home cook, these recipes are designed to be easy to make and packed with flavor. So why wait? Let’s dive into the world of Asian slow cooker recipes and discover a whole new realm of delicious possibilities!
Slow Cooker Korean Beef Tacos
A fusion twist on traditional tacos, this recipe combines the bold flavors of Korea with the comfort of a slow cooker.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef short ribs or flank steak
– 1/4 cup Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Sliced radishes, lime wedges, cilantro, and sriracha (optional)
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, whisk together Gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
2. Add the beef and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
3. Shred the beef with two forks and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
5. Assemble tacos by spooning the beef onto a tortilla, topping with green onions, and serving with radishes, lime wedges, cilantro, and sriracha (if using).
Cook Time: 4-8 hours
Thai Peanut Chicken Slow Cooker Stew
Thai Peanut Chicken Slow Cooker Stew
Vietnamese Lemongrass Pork Curry
This flavorful and aromatic curry is a popular Vietnamese dish that combines the tender flavors of pork with the freshness of lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised and chopped
– 2 kaffir lime leaves
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup fish sauce
– 1/4 cup coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons curry powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add pork, cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, garlic, ginger, fish sauce, coconut milk, curry powder, and cumin. Cook for 1 minute.
3. Add chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until pork is tender.
4. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Slow Cooker Chinese Five-Spice Ribs
Experience the bold flavors of China with this easy and aromatic slow cooker recipe. Tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs are infused with a blend of five-spice powder, soy sauce, brown sugar, and more.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef or pork ribs
– 1/4 cup Chinese five-spice powder
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine ribs, five-spice powder, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, onion, and garlic.
2. Pour in chicken broth until the ribs are covered.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Remove from heat and let rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Japanese Honey Soy Chicken Thighs
Experience the sweet and savory flavors of Japan with this simple yet impressive dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of the vegetable oil.
3. Add garlic and ginger; whisk until well combined.
4. Place chicken thighs in a large bowl and pour the marinade over them. Toss to coat evenly.
5. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
6. Remove from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Cook on baking sheet lined with parchment paper for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Crockpot Indonesian Coconut Curry
Experience the rich flavors of Indonesia with this aromatic curry that’s perfect for a busy day. This Crockpot recipe simmers all-day to infuse the tender chicken and vegetables in a creamy coconut milk sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 1 tablespoon curry powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Add chicken, onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the Crockpot.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together coconut milk, curry powder, cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the ingredients in the Crockpot.
3. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (Low) or 3-4 hours (High)
Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef with Green Onions
A flavorful and savory dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, this slow cooker recipe combines tender beef with the pungency of green onions.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef (sirloin or flank steak), sliced into thin strips
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground ginger
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine beef strips, soy sauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
2. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
3. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in green onions.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 4-8 hours
Filipino Chicken Adobo (Crockpot Version)
A classic Filipino dish, Adobo is a flavorful and aromatic stew made with chicken, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and bay leaves. This Crockpot version makes it easy to prepare and cook while busy with other tasks.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup vinegar (apple cider or white)
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 bay leaves
– 1 tsp ground black pepper
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In the Crockpot, combine chicken, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves, and black pepper.
2. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (LOW) or 3-4 hours (HIGH)
Enjoy your delicious and easy Crockpot Filipino Chicken Adobo!
Malaysian Rendang Beef in the Slow Cooker
A classic Malaysian dish gets a slow cooker makeover, resulting in tender and flavorful beef in a rich coconut-based rendang sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef brisket or chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon coriander powder
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
– 1 cup water
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine beef cubes, onions, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and cayenne pepper.
2. Pour in coconut milk and water. Season with salt.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Slow Cooker Vietnamese Pho-Inspired Noodle Soup
Experience the bold flavors of Vietnam with this comforting and easy-to-make noodle soup, inspired by traditional pho.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef or chicken broth
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 star anise
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 8 ounces rice noodles
– 1/4 cup fish sauce
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine broth, onion, garlic, ginger, star anise, and cinnamon stick.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. About 30 minutes before serving, cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. Stir in fish sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Divide cooked noodles among bowls. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Korean Spicy Pork Shoulder (Slow Cooker Dakgalbi)
A classic Korean dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor, this slow-cooked pork shoulder is marinated in a spicy gochujang-based sauce. Perfect for a chilly evening or a weekend meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs pork shoulder, boneless
– 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground ginger
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
2. Add the pork shoulder and pour in the marinade. Mix well to coat the meat evenly.
3. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the water and adjust the seasoning if needed.
5. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with steamed rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 4-8 hours
Slow Cooker Thai Yellow Curry with Tofu
A flavorful and aromatic curry that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal prep time, making it a great option for busy nights.
Ingredients:
– 1 block of firm tofu, drained and cut into small cubes
– 2 tablespoons of yellow curry paste
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 can of coconut milk
– 1 cup of vegetable broth
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add the tofu, onion, garlic, curry paste, coconut milk, vegetable broth, and cumin to a slow cooker.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Chinese Black Bean Garlic Spareribs (Crockpot Style)
This recipe combines the rich flavors of black beans, garlic, and soy sauce to create tender and savory spare ribs. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a party appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds pork spare ribs
– 1/4 cup black bean sauce (such as Lee Kum Kee)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together black bean sauce, garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Place spare ribs in the crockpot and pour the sauce mixture over them.
3. Add chicken broth to the crockpot.
4. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
5. Remove spare ribs from the crockpot and brush with additional black bean sauce (if desired).
6. Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-8 hours
Slow Cooker Indonesian Satay Chicken Skewers
Slow Cooker Indonesian Satay Chicken Skewers
A flavorful and aromatic twist on traditional chicken skewers, these slow-cooked bites are infused with the bold flavors of Indonesia.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup coconut milk
– 2 tbsp peanut butter
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp lime juice
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 20 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, whisk together coconut milk, peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, ginger, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the slow cooker and stir until coated with the satay mixture.
3. Thread the marinated chicken onto the prepared bamboo skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Place the skewers in the slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Japanese Miso-Glazed Eggplant (Slow Cooker Recipe)
Elevate your dinner game with this sweet and savory slow cooker recipe, featuring tender eggplant glazed with a rich Japanese-inspired miso sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1-inch thick rounds
– 2 tablespoons white miso paste
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sake (or dry sherry)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1/4 cup water
– Sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, whisk together miso paste, soy sauce, sake, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
2. Add the sliced eggplant to the slow cooker and pour in the glaze.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Crockpot Vietnamese Caramelized Fish Claypot
This recipe brings together the bold flavors of Vietnam and the convenience of a slow cooker to create a rich and flavorful fish dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb firm white fish (such as tilapia or cod), cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 1 cup Vietnamese caramel sauce (see note)
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic, onion, and fish; cook until fish is opaque.
2. Transfer mixture to Crockpot. Add caramel sauce, soy sauce, sugar, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
4. Garnish with cilantro leaves before serving.
Note: Vietnamese caramel sauce can be found at most Asian markets or online. If you cannot find it, substitute with a mixture of equal parts water and brown sugar, dissolved and simmered until thickened.
Slow Cooker Singaporean Chili Crab Dip
A flavorful and aromatic dip that combines the richness of crab meat with the spicy kick of chili peppers, perfect for snacking or serving at your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb jumbo lump crab meat
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1/4 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add all ingredients to a slow cooker. Stir until well combined.
2. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours.
3. Serve warm with crackers, chips, or vegetables.
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours (low) or 1-2 hours (high)
Enjoy your delicious and easy-to-make Slow Cooker Singaporean Chili Crab Dip!
Cambodian Ginger Lime Chicken (Slow Cooker Style)
Savor the flavors of Cambodia with this aromatic and tangy chicken dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. This slow cooker recipe combines the warm spices of ginger and galangal with the brightness of lime juice, resulting in a mouthwatering meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 inches fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
– 1 tablespoon grated galangal (or substitute with fresh turmeric)
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup coconut milk
– 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
– 1 teaspoon brown sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine sliced ginger, galangal, lime juice, coconut milk, fish sauce (if using), and brown sugar.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker, making sure they’re coated with the marinade.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves before serving.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Summary
Get ready to spice up your weeknights with these 18 delicious Asian-inspired slow cooker recipes! From Korean Beef Tacos and Thai Peanut Chicken Stew, to Vietnamese Lemongrass Pork Curry and Japanese Honey Soy Chicken Thighs, there’s something for every palate. Explore the flavors of Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Cambodia, Singapore, and more in this comprehensive collection of crockpot recipes. Perfect for busy home cooks looking for a quick and easy dinner solution, these mouthwatering dishes are sure to satisfy your cravings.
