Tender Slow Cooker Pork Dumplings Recipe Easy Homemade Dumplings with Roasted Garlic

Let me tell you, the scent of slow-cooked pork mingling with sweet, roasted garlic filling the kitchen is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. The first time I made these tender slow cooker pork dumplings, I was instantly hooked—the kind of moment where you pause, take a deep breath, and just smile because you know you’re onto something truly special. It was one of those cozy rainy weekends when I was knee-high to a grasshopper, fiddling in the kitchen trying to recreate a comforting dish my grandma used to make. Years ago, I stumbled upon this recipe while rummaging through an old family cookbook, and honestly, I wish I’d found it sooner.

My family couldn’t stop sneaking these dumplings off the cooling rack (and I can’t really blame them). There’s something dangerously easy about this recipe that provides pure, nostalgic comfort without the fuss of standing over a hot stove. You know what? These dumplings are perfect for potlucks, a sweet treat for your kids, or just brightening up your Pinterest cookie board with something savory and satisfying. After testing this recipe multiple times in the name of research, of course, it has become a staple for family gatherings and gifting to friends. It feels like a warm hug on a plate, and honestly, you’re going to want to bookmark this one.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Having cooked and tested these tender slow cooker pork dumplings with roasted garlic numerous times, I can say with confidence that this recipe is a winner. It’s not just another homemade dumpling recipe—it’s one that balances ease, flavor, and texture perfectly. Here’s why this dish stands out:

• Quick & Easy: Once prepped, the slow cooker does all the hard work. You can set it and forget it for 4-5 hours, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
• Simple Ingredients: No fancy or hard-to-find items here. Most ingredients are pantry staples or easy to grab at your local store.
• Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual potluck, these dumplings get rave reviews from kids and adults alike.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The tender pork combined with the mellow sweetness of roasted garlic creates a flavor combo that’s just irresistible.
• Unique Cooking Method: Using the slow cooker makes the pork dumplings extra tender and juicy—no delicate steaming required.

This recipe isn’t just good—it’s the kind that makes you close your eyes after the first bite and savor the moment. It’s comfort food reimagined: hands-off cooking with soul-soothing satisfaction. Perfect for impressing guests without stress, or turning a simple meal into something memorable and heartwarming.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This tender slow cooker pork dumplings recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to deliver bold flavor and satisfying texture without the fuss. Most of these are pantry staples, so you probably have them on hand already.

• For the Pork Filling:
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground pork (I prefer a slightly fatty blend for juiciness)
  • 4 cloves roasted garlic, mashed (the star ingredient—sweet and mellow)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use low-sodium if preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (adds depth and umami)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (toasty flavor boost)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper (substitute black if needed)
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped (for freshness)
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (brightens the filling)
• For the Dumpling Wrappers:
  • 30-35 store-bought dumpling wrappers (round or square, about 3 inches/7.5 cm diameter)
  • Additional flour or cornstarch for dusting (to prevent sticking)
• For the Slow Cooker Liquid Base:
  • 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth or stock (adds moisture and flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for seasoning the cooking liquid)
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (balances richness)

Pro tip: For the best texture, look for small-curd roasted garlic, which blends smoothly into the pork. If you want to keep things gluten-free, swap regular soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free dumpling wrappers or homemade rice paper wrappers.

Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker (at least 4-quart/3.8-liter capacity recommended)
• Mixing bowl (for combining the pork filling)
• Small bowl with water (to seal dumplings)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Pastry brush or spoon (to moisten dumpling edges)
• Steaming rack or trivet (optional, if you want to keep dumplings off the slow cooker base)
• Non-stick skillet (for optional pre-cooking or searing — I sometimes pan-fry a few for texture contrast)

If you don’t have a slow cooker, a heavy Dutch oven with a tight lid can work, but you’ll need to monitor the cooking more closely. For budget-friendly slow cookers, brands like Crock-Pot offer reliable models under $50 that do the trick perfectly.

Preparation Method

1. Roast the Garlic: If you don’t have pre-roasted garlic, wrap a head of garlic in foil and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 30-40 minutes until soft and golden. Let cool, then squeeze out the cloves and mash them with a fork. (Approx. 10 minutes prep)
2. Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine ground pork, mashed roasted garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, green onions, and grated ginger. Use your hands or a spoon to mix until well combined and sticky. This helps the filling hold together in the dumplings. (5 minutes)
3. Prepare Dumpling Wrappers: Lay out your dumpling wrappers on a clean, floured surface to prevent sticking. Keep them covered with a damp towel to avoid drying out. (2 minutes)
4. Form the Dumplings: Place about 1 tablespoon (15 g) of filling in the center of each wrapper. Dip your finger in water and moisten the edges of the wrapper. Fold in half and pinch the edges together to seal tightly. You can pleat the edges if you want a traditional look, but honestly, a simple seal works just fine. (15-20 minutes)
5. Prepare Slow Cooker Base: Pour chicken broth, soy sauce, and rice vinegar into the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine. (2 minutes)
6. Arrange Dumplings: Place the dumplings in the slow cooker, standing upright if possible and slightly apart to prevent sticking. If your slow cooker is small, you may need to cook in batches. (5 minutes)
7. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until pork is fully cooked and dumplings are tender. Avoid opening the lid too often to keep the temperature steady. (Cook time)
8. Check and Serve: Carefully remove dumplings with a slotted spoon. They should be tender and juicy, with the broth infused with roasted garlic flavor. Serve warm with soy sauce or your favorite dipping sauce. (2 minutes)

Note: If the dumplings stick to the bottom, gently loosen with a silicone spatula. You can save the cooking liquid as a flavorful broth for soups or dipping. This recipe’s hands-off method means you can prep in the morning and come home to a bowl of pure comfort.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Honestly, slow cooking dumplings might sound unusual, but it’s a game changer for tender pork with deep flavor. Here are a few tips from my kitchen experiments:

• Don’t Overfill the Wrappers: Using too much filling makes sealing tricky and can cause leaks during cooking. Keep it to about 1 tablespoon per wrapper.
• Seal Dumplings Well: Make sure edges are moistened and pressed firmly. I sometimes double-check with a gentle squeeze to avoid opening in the cooker.
• Use Fatty Pork: A slightly fattier pork blend keeps the filling juicy and tender during the long cook time.
• Layering For Even Cooking: If your slow cooker is small, layering dumplings might make them stick together. Instead, cook in batches or use a steaming rack to raise them slightly.
• Don’t Peek Too Often: Each lid lift drops the temperature and adds to cooking time. Trust the slow cooker; it’s doing its magic.
• Optional Pre-Sear: For a bit of extra texture, I sometimes pan-fry the dumplings for 1-2 minutes per side before slow cooking. This adds a lovely contrast but isn’t necessary.

Cooking dumplings in the slow cooker allows multitasking—you can prep in the morning, run errands, and come back to a hot, comforting meal. Just remember to test one dumpling for doneness before serving everyone.

Variations & Adaptations

This tender slow cooker pork dumplings recipe is super flexible—here are some ways to make it your own:

• Vegetarian Version: Swap pork for finely chopped mushrooms, tofu, or a mix of grated vegetables like carrots and cabbage. Add a splash of soy sauce and a bit of toasted sesame oil for flavor depth.
• Spicy Kick: Stir in 1 teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or finely chopped fresh chili to the pork mixture for a little heat that wakes up your taste buds.
• Seafood Twist: Replace pork with chopped shrimp or crab meat mixed with the same seasonings for a delicate seafood dumpling.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free dumpling wrappers made from rice or tapioca flour, and swap soy sauce for tamari to keep it gluten-free.
• Cooking Method Adaptation: Prefer traditional steaming? Place dumplings in a bamboo steamer lined with cabbage leaves and steam for 10-12 minutes. They won’t be slow cooker tender but still delicious!

One variation I tried recently was mixing half pork and half finely ground chicken for a lighter texture. It worked surprisingly well and kept the dumplings tender and flavorful.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These tender slow cooker pork dumplings are best served warm, straight from the slow cooker. I like to present them in a shallow bowl with a drizzle of the cooking broth and a sprinkle of chopped green onions for color.

Pair them with a side of steamed jasmine rice or a crisp Asian slaw to balance the richness. For drinks, a light jasmine tea or a chilled Asian lager complements the flavors perfectly.

To store, let dumplings cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze dumplings on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in a steamer or microwave, adding a splash of water to keep them moist.

Flavors tend to deepen after a day in the fridge, making leftovers even more delightful. Just be sure to reheat gently to avoid drying out the tender pork.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Each serving of these slow cooker pork dumplings (about 6 dumplings) contains roughly 280 calories, 18 grams of protein, 15 grams of fat, and 18 grams of carbohydrates. The protein-packed filling makes it a satisfying meal that keeps hunger at bay.

Roasted garlic is not just flavor magic—it’s known for its antioxidant properties and immune-boosting benefits. Using lean ground pork provides essential B vitamins and minerals like zinc and iron.

This recipe can easily be adapted for low-carb diets by skipping the wrappers or using low-carb alternatives. It’s a balanced and wholesome dish that feeds both body and soul.

Conclusion

There you have it—tender slow cooker pork dumplings with roasted garlic that are as easy as they are delicious. This recipe captures the essence of comfort food without the usual fuss, letting your slow cooker do the heavy lifting while you enjoy the cozy aromas filling your home. Feel free to tweak the fillings and seasonings to suit your taste buds; after all, cooking is all about making dishes your own.

Personally, I love how this recipe brings back warm memories while fitting neatly into my busy life. If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how your dumplings turned out or any creative spins you put on it. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends who appreciate simple, tasty cooking!

Happy cooking, and may your kitchen always smell like roasted garlic and slow-cooked goodness!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze the pork dumplings before cooking?

Yes! Freeze the assembled dumplings on a parchment-lined tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Cook them directly from frozen, adding extra time to the slow cooker.

What if I don’t have roasted garlic on hand?

You can quickly roast garlic yourself by wrapping a head in foil and baking at 400°F (200°C) for 30-40 minutes. Alternatively, use garlic powder, but fresh roasted garlic gives the best flavor.

Can I use homemade dumpling wrappers?

Absolutely! Homemade wrappers add a lovely touch. Just be sure they’re rolled thin and dusted well with flour to prevent sticking.

How do I prevent dumplings from sticking together in the slow cooker?

Make sure dumplings are arranged with space between them. You can also layer them with parchment paper or use a steaming rack to keep them separated.

Can I make this recipe in a regular pot instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, but you’ll need to simmer gently on low heat for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, ensuring the broth doesn’t boil vigorously to avoid breaking the dumplings.

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