Ella Walter
Slow cooker pork and sauerkraut is a classic, tasty, and affordable dish that is believed to bring good luck and prosperity when served on New Year's Day. The tender pork pairs perfectly with the tangy sauerkraut, and the dish is incredibly easy to make and delicious to eat. The crock pot is an ideal method for cooking less expensive portions of meat to make them more tender and tasty than by other forms of cookery. The best cuts of pork for slow cooking are those that contain more fat and tougher proteins, such as pork shoulder roast, which benefit from the long and low heat cooking.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prep time | 15 minutes |
| Cook time | 8-10 hours on low, 4-5 hours on high |
| Total time | 8 hours, 15 minutes |
| Ingredients | Pork shoulder roast, potatoes, sauerkraut, apple, onion, water, butter, salt, pepper, chicken broth, apple juice, brown sugar, cumin, caraway seeds, garlic, thyme, Dijon mustard |
| Best cuts of pork | Pork shoulder roast, pork butt, picnic shoulder, Boston butt |
| Pairs well with | Mashed potatoes, roasted broccoli, cooked asparagus, fresh side salad, rolls |
| Occasion | New Year's Day |
| Culture | German, Eastern European, Polish, Pa Dutch |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cut of pork
When it comes to cooking pork in a crock pot, choosing the right cut of meat is essential to achieving the desired tenderness and juiciness. The best cuts of pork for slow cooking are those that contain more fat and tougher proteins, which benefit from the long and low heat cooking process. Here are some options to consider:
Pork Shoulder Roast
The pork shoulder roast, also known as pork butt, picnic shoulder, or Boston butt, is an excellent choice for crock pot cooking. This cut has a good amount of fat marbling, which helps keep the meat moist and juicy during the long cooking time. It also has a rich flavour and tends to become tender and fall apart easily when slow-cooked.
Pork Loin
The pork loin is another popular choice for crock pot pork and sauerkraut. It is best when braised over a long period, allowing the tenders in the meat to break down and resulting in tender and juicy meat. Pork loin goes well with the tanginess of sauerkraut, especially when balanced with a bit of sweetness from apples or brown sugar.
Country-Style Ribs
Country-style ribs, which can be bone-in or boneless, are also suitable for this dish. They have a good amount of fat and connective tissue, making them ideal for slow cooking. Country-style ribs tend to become tender and fall off the bone when cooked for an extended period, making them a delicious option for crock pot pork and sauerkraut.
Pork Chops
Pork chops can also be used for this recipe, as they benefit from the slow cooking process. The low and steady heat helps tenderise the meat, making it juicy and flavourful. Pork chops pair well with the tangy sauerkraut and can be served with a variety of sides.
When selecting the pork cut, it is important to consider the size of the crock pot and the number of servings needed. Adjust the amount of sauerkraut and other ingredients accordingly. Additionally, remember that moisture is essential when cooking pork in a slow cooker. Include liquids such as chicken broth or apple juice, or add liquid-producing vegetables like onions.
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Preparing the pork
When preparing the pork, it's important to choose the right cut of meat. The best cuts of pork for slow cooking are those that contain more fat and tougher proteins, which benefit from the long and low heat cooking. These include pork shoulder roast (pork butt, picnic shoulder, or Boston butt), pork loin, or country-style ribs.
Before placing the pork in the crock pot, it's a good idea to season it generously with salt and pepper on all sides. You can also sear the pork in a skillet first to lock in the juices and add some extra flavour. If you want to add a touch of sweetness to your dish, you can rub the pork with brown sugar before placing it in the crock pot.
Some recipes also suggest deglazing the pan with sauerkraut after browning the pork, which will add even more flavour to your dish. However, if you're using canned or bagged sauerkraut, be sure to drain and rinse it first to control the sodium and tanginess of the dish.
Once your pork is seasoned and seared to your liking, it's ready to be placed in the crock pot with the rest of the ingredients.
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Preparing the sauerkraut
Some recipes suggest searing the pork before adding it to the crockpot. To do this, heat oil in a large skillet and add the seasoned pork, searing each side. You can then add the potatoes, broth, sauerkraut, Dijon, garlic, and thyme to the slow cooker, stirring to mix well. Place the seared pork on top of the sauerkraut mixture and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours.
If you are not searing the pork, simply place the pork in the slow cooker and pour the sauerkraut and juice over the meat. Add water, butter cubes, salt, and black pepper, and cook on low for 8-10 hours. If you are adding potatoes, place them around the pork before pouring over the sauerkraut.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for pork and sauerkraut in a crock pot vary depending on the desired level of cooking. For a well-done meal, it is recommended to cook the pork on low heat for 8-10 hours or on high heat for 4-5 hours. The crock pot allows for even cooking, resulting in tender and juicy pork infused with the flavours of sauerkraut, onion, and apple.
The cooking time can be adjusted according to personal preference and the specific crock pot model. Some recipes suggest cooking the pork on low heat for exactly 8 hours, resulting in meat that falls off the bone. This shorter cooking time yields delicious results, with the meat tender and full of flavour.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the cut of pork used. For larger cuts of pork, such as a pork loin or pork shoulder roast, the recommended cooking time is towards the higher end of the range, around 8 to 10 hours on low heat. This extended cooking time ensures that the tougher proteins in these cuts are adequately broken down, resulting in tender and juicy meat.
Additionally, the cooking temperature and time can be adjusted to suit specific tastes and preferences. For those who prefer their pork with a slight pink hue, cooking on high heat for 4 hours or low heat for 6 hours may be sufficient. Adjusting the cooking time allows individuals to customise the dish to their desired level of doneness.
Furthermore, the addition of other ingredients, such as potatoes, can impact the overall cooking time. When adding potatoes, it is recommended to place them at the bottom of the crock pot and allow for a slightly longer cooking time to ensure they are thoroughly cooked. The presence of additional ingredients may require slight adjustments to the cooking duration to accommodate their cooking requirements.
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Serving suggestions
Slow cooker pork and sauerkraut is a flavourful dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. The tangy, briny flavours of the sauerkraut, onion, and apple infuse the tender pork with a juicy taste. Here are some serving suggestions to complement this delicious meal:
Potato Sides
Potatoes are a classic pairing with pork and sauerkraut. You can serve it with any type of potato dish, such as easy oven-roasted baby potatoes, mashed potatoes, or crispy Parmesan-roasted potatoes. If you prefer something more substantial, you can also make mashed potatoes with a side of homemade applesauce. For a heartier option, quartered potatoes can be added directly to the crockpot along with onions, infusing them with the delicious flavours of the dish.
Green Vegetables
To add some colour and nutrition to your plate, consider serving roasted broccoli or cooked asparagus on the side. These green vegetables provide a fresh contrast to the hearty pork and sauerkraut.
Salads
A fresh side salad can also be a great accompaniment to this dish. A simple salad with greens, vegetables, and a light dressing will refresh your palate between bites of the rich pork and sauerkraut.
Breads
Rolls or crusty bread can be a wonderful addition to the meal, providing a vehicle for soaking up the delicious juices of the dish.
Cheese
For an indulgent touch, try adding a slice of Swiss cheese, broiled on top of the pork. The melted cheese adds a creamy texture and savoury flavour that complements the tanginess of the sauerkraut.
These serving suggestions will enhance your crockpot pork and sauerkraut, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations to find your perfect flavour pairings!
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Frequently asked questions
The best cuts of pork for slow cooking are those that contain more fat and tougher proteins, which benefit from the long and low heat cooking. These include pork shoulder roast (pork butt, picnic shoulder, or Boston butt) and pork loin.
It is recommended to cook the pork and sauerkraut for 8-10 hours on a low setting or 4-5 hours on a high setting.
Aside from the pork and sauerkraut, you can add potatoes, onions, apples, apple juice or chicken stock, butter, salt, pepper, garlic, and brown sugar.
Pork and sauerkraut is often served with mashed potatoes, baby potatoes, or rolls. For a green side, you can add roasted broccoli, cooked asparagus, or a fresh side salad.
