746041265 122106038187367591 3546257181100795084 n

Slow Cooker Braised Cabbage with Pork Belly

by

Slow Cooker Braised Cabbage with Pork Belly

Description

Slow Cooker Braised Cabbage with Pork Belly is a comforting one-pot meal featuring tender, slow-cooked pork belly and sweet, buttery cabbage infused with garlic, onions, herbs, and a rich savory broth. As the ingredients cook low and slow, the pork becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender while the cabbage absorbs all the flavorful juices. This hearty dish is perfect for cool evenings, family dinners, or meal prep, and pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, steamed rice, crusty bread, or buttered noodles.

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6–8 hours (Low) or 3–4 hours (High)
  • Total Time: About 6½–8½ hours

Servings

  • Serves: 6

Ingredients

For the Pork

  • 2 pounds pork belly, cut into 2-inch cubes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Vegetables

  • 1 medium green cabbage, cut into wedges or thick chunks
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced

Braising Liquid

  • 1½ cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 2 bay leaves

Optional Garnish

  • Fresh parsley
  • Green onions
  • Cracked black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Season the Pork

Season pork belly with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.

Step 2: Brown the Pork

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Brown the pork belly on all sides for 5–7 minutes.

Transfer to the slow cooker.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

Layer onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and cabbage around and over the pork.

Step 4: Mix the Braising Liquid

In a bowl combine:

  • Chicken broth
  • Soy sauce
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Brown sugar
  • Thyme
  • Rosemary

Pour over everything.

Add bay leaves.

Step 5: Slow Cook

Cook:

  • LOW: 6–8 hours
  • HIGH: 3–4 hours

The pork should be fork-tender and the cabbage silky soft.

Step 6: Finish

Remove bay leaves.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Sprinkle with parsley or green onions before serving.

Serving Suggestions

  • Creamy mashed potatoes
  • White rice
  • Buttered egg noodles
  • Rustic bread
  • Roasted potatoes
  • Polenta

Recipe Notes

  • Browning the pork first creates deeper flavor.
  • Green cabbage works best because it holds its texture.
  • Napa cabbage can be substituted for a softer result.
  • Add mushrooms for additional earthy flavor.
  • For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter before serving.
  • The broth is excellent spooned over potatoes or rice.

Tips

  • Trim excess skin if the pork belly is extremely fatty.
  • Don’t overfill the slow cooker.
  • Keep cabbage in large chunks so it doesn’t disappear during cooking.
  • Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving.
  • Refrigerate overnight for even better flavor the next day.
  • Skim excess fat from the cooking liquid if desired.

Variations

Asian Style

Use ginger, sesame oil, and star anise.

German Style

Add caraway seeds and finish with whole-grain mustard.

Irish Style

Include potatoes and leeks.

Spicy Version

Add chili flakes, cayenne, or sliced jalapeños.

Low-Carb Version

Replace carrots with mushrooms or turnips.

Storage

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

  • Calories: 610
  • Protein: 23 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Sugars: 7 g
  • Fat: 50 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 82 mg
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Potassium: 680 mg
  • Vitamin A: 60% DV
  • Vitamin C: 75% DV
  • Calcium: 8% DV
  • Iron: 12% DV

Nutrition values are estimates and will vary based on the specific ingredients used.

Health Benefits

  • High in Protein: Pork belly contributes protein that supports muscle maintenance and repair.
  • Rich in Vitamin C: Cabbage is an excellent source of vitamin C, supporting immune function and collagen production.
  • Good Source of Fiber: Cabbage and vegetables provide fiber to aid digestion and promote fullness.
  • Contains B Vitamins: Pork provides B vitamins important for energy metabolism and nervous system health.
  • Mineral-Rich: The vegetables contribute potassium and other essential minerals.
  • Comforting One-Pot Meal: Slow cooking develops deep flavor while keeping the ingredients tender and satisfying.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

1. Can I skip browning the pork belly?

Yes. Browning adds flavor and color, but the recipe will still cook successfully without it.

2. Can I use bacon instead of pork belly?

Yes, though the flavor will be smokier and the texture leaner. Thick-cut bacon works best.

3. What type of cabbage is best?

Green cabbage is ideal because it retains its structure during long cooking.

4. Can I make this ahead?

Yes. In fact, many people find the flavors improve after a day in the refrigerator.

5. Is this recipe keto-friendly?

It can be. Omit the brown sugar and reduce or replace the carrots with lower-carb vegetables.

6. Can I add potatoes?

Yes. Add chopped potatoes during the last 3–4 hours on Low so they become tender without overcooking.

7. How do I reduce the fat?

Chill the cooked dish, then remove the solidified fat from the surface before reheating.

8. Can I cook it on High instead of Low?

Yes. Cook on High for about 3–4 hours, though Low typically produces the most tender texture.

9. What herbs pair well with pork and cabbage?

Thyme, rosemary, sage, parsley, bay leaves, marjoram, and caraway all complement this dish.

10. What should I serve with it?

Mashed potatoes, rice, buttered noodles, crusty bread, roasted root vegetables, or a crisp green salad all pair well with this hearty braise.

Leave a Comment