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1
Season the pork pieces with salt.
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2
In a small bowl, stir together the mirin, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, onion, and jalapeno, if using.
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3
This step is optional: Put a flameproof slow cooker insert on the stovetop over medium-high heat, then add the oil and warm until hot.
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4
(Or, use a frying pan for this step.)
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5
Working in batches if necessary to avoid crowding, add the pork pieces and sear them on the first side, without moving them, until well browned, 3 to 4 minutes.
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6
Turn the pieces and sear on the second side until well browned, 3 to 4 minutes longer.
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7
Transfer the insert to the slow cooker and pour the mirin-soy mixture over the pork.
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8
If youve skipped the browning step, put the pork in the slow cooker and pour in the mirin-soy mixture.
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9
Toss to coat the pork evenly with the mixture.
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10
Cover and cook on the low-heat setting for 8 hours.
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11
About 1 hour before the pork is ready, stir in the kale.
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12
The pork should be very tender and the kale should be tender.
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13
Transfer the pork to a cutting board.
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14
Break the pork into large chunks, discarding any large pieces of fat.
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15
Using a large spoon, skim off and discard any fat from the surface of the cooking liquid.
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16
Return the meat to the slow cooker and stir gently to combine.
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17
Spoon the pork, kale, and cooking liquid onto cooked soba or other noodles, arranged on a warmed platter or individual plates.
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18
Serve right away.
