How To Cook Pork Roast In A Crock Pot

can I cook pork roast on high in crock pot

Cooking pork roast in a crock pot is an easy way to make a delicious and tender meal. With a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a flavoursome dish that's perfect for busy days or a post-holiday meal. You can cook pork roast on high in a crock pot, and in this article, we'll explore the different ways to do this, as well as some tips and tricks for a mouth-watering roast.

Characteristics Values
Cook time on high 4-7 hours
Cook time on low 6-10 hours
Meat temperature 145°F (63°C) or 170°F
Meat texture Tender, juicy, fall-apart
Meat type Pork shoulder, butt, loin, tenderloin
Meat weight 4-8 pounds
Prep time 20 minutes
Ingredients 5-6
Seasoning Salt, garlic, onion, paprika, thyme, brown sugar, pepper, rosemary
Liquid Broth, water, apple cider, red wine, soy sauce, chicken stock, beef stock, balsamic vinegar
Vegetables Onions, potatoes, carrots, celery, peas
Leftovers 3-4 days

cycookery

Prep and seasoning

To prepare your pork roast for the crock pot, start by patting the meat dry with a paper towel. If your roast has a fat cap, place the fat side facing up to create a more juicy and flavoursome pork.

Next, prepare your seasoning. You can use a dry brine of good-quality sea salt, or mix together salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, and brown sugar. You could also add rosemary, cumin, chilli powder, or orange to your seasoning mix. Rub your chosen seasoning blend all over the pork.

At this point, you can sear the pork on medium-high heat in olive oil before slow cooking. This helps to lock in flavour and create a nice crust on the outside of the meat.

Now, you're ready to place the pork in the crock pot. If you're adding vegetables, such as onions, potatoes, carrots, or celery, place these in the bottom of the crock pot first. Then, add the seasoned roast on top. Pour broth, juice, or another liquid around the roast. You can use chicken broth, beef broth, pineapple juice, or balsamic vinegar.

Finally, cover and cook on high for 6-7 hours or on low for 8-10 hours. The meat is ready when it pulls apart easily with a fork. An instant-read thermometer can also be used to check the internal temperature, which should be at least 145°F (63°C) or 190°F for the best results.

Glass Pan Pizza: Is it Possible?

You may want to see also

cycookery

Cooking time and temperature

Cooking a pork roast in a crock pot is a great way to make a delicious and tender meal with minimal effort. The cooking time and temperature will depend on the size of your roast and your crock pot's settings, but here is a general guide:

Cooking Temperature:

If your crock pot has variable temperature settings, you can choose between cooking your pork roast on "High" or "Low". Cooking on high will yield similar results to cooking on low but in a shorter amount of time.

Cooking Time:

For a standard-sized pork roast, the cooking time will vary depending on the chosen temperature setting.

  • High Setting: Cook the pork roast on high for 5-7 hours. The meat should be slightly pink in the centre and have an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C). If you want to be sure that the meat is cooked through, you can leave it for up to 8 hours on high.
  • Low Setting: Cooking the pork roast on low will take longer, around 8-9 hours. This longer cook time allows the flavours to develop and the meat to become very tender. The internal temperature should reach 190°F for the best results.

It's important to note that these cooking times are estimates and may vary slightly depending on your crock pot's performance and the size of your pork roast. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the roast to ensure it is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Greasing Bread Pans: To Do or Not to Do?

You may want to see also

cycookery

Browning the meat

To brown the meat, start by patting the pork shoulder dry with a paper towel. Place a large cast-iron skillet or another heavy pan on the stovetop and turn the heat up to medium-high. While the skillet heats up, prepare the pork rub. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix the spices well, then rub the mixture all over the pork shoulder.

Next, add some olive oil to the hot skillet. Swirl the oil around to coat the bottom of the pan. Place the pork shoulder in the skillet and sear it on medium-high heat. Sear the meat until all sides are nicely browned, which will give the roast a nice crust and help lock in flavour.

Once the meat is browned, you can proceed to the next steps of the crock pot pork roast recipe, such as placing the meat in the crock pot, adding liquid and seasonings, and cooking it until tender.

Making Friends with Shado-Pan Assault

You may want to see also

cycookery

Making gravy

Yes, you can cook a pork roast on high in a crock pot. Cooking on high is a good option when you need a faster preparation. However, cooking on low allows the connective tissue in the pork to break down more gradually, creating a more tender texture.

To make gravy for your pork roast, you'll typically use the leftover liquid from the crock pot. This liquid can be turned into a gravy by mixing it with a slurry of cornstarch and water. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Slurry

In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to form a slurry. The exact quantities can vary depending on the recipe and the desired thickness of the gravy. For example, some recipes call for 1 tablespoon of water mixed with 1 ½ tablespoons of cornstarch, while others suggest 2 tablespoons of each.

Step 2: Heat the Liquid

  • Transfer the desired amount of liquid from the crock pot to a saucepan. The amount of liquid used will depend on how much gravy you want to make and the desired thickness. Typically, recipes suggest transferring around 1 ½ to 2 cups of liquid.
  • Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the liquid to a simmer or boil.

Step 3: Add the Slurry

Slowly add the cornstarch slurry to the simmering or boiling liquid, whisking constantly. This step ensures that the cornstarch is properly incorporated into the liquid without forming lumps.

Step 4: Thicken the Gravy

Continue whisking the mixture as it simmers. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for a few minutes until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. This process usually takes around 2 to 3 minutes, but it can vary depending on the quantity of liquid and the heat level.

Step 5: Season and Serve

  • Once the gravy has thickened, remove it from the heat. Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste, or add other seasonings like soy sauce for extra flavour.
  • Serve the gravy alongside your pork roast and vegetables. Drizzle it over mashed potatoes or use it as a dipping sauce.

Remember, the gravy can be made on the stovetop after your pork roast is done cooking in the crock pot. This allows you to control the thickness and flavour of your gravy, ensuring a perfect finish to your meal.

Finding your AO Code: PAN and PIN

You may want to see also

cycookery

Storing leftovers

To store your leftovers, let the cooked pork come to room temperature. Then, place the pork in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. The leftovers will keep well for 3 to 5 days.

If you want to freeze your leftovers, it is recommended to store the pork in an airtight container or freezer bag and consume it within 1 month to 6 months. However, note that freezing carrots or potatoes is not ideal as they tend to become mushy when thawed.

When reheating your leftovers, it is best to use the oven or the slow cooker instead of the microwave to prevent the pork from drying out. Don't forget to save the juices and reheat them along with the pork to keep it moist and flavourful.

Frequently asked questions

Cooking times may vary depending on the weight of the pork roast and the type of crock pot used. However, a good estimate is to cook the pork roast on high for 6 hours or on low for 8-9 hours.

Boneless pork shoulder or pork butt is great for a tender, juicy pork roast. Leaner cuts like boneless pork loins or pork tenderloin can become dry.

You can add vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and onions to make a complete meal. For seasoning, you can mix salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika pepper, thyme, and brown sugar in a small bowl, and then rub the pork roast with the seasoning blend.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment