Ella Walter
Slow-cooked pork chunks in a crockpot are a delicious and easy meal to make. The key to tender pork chunks is to choose thicker bone-in chops with a bit of fat throughout. Leaner cuts will not be as tender. The best pork chops for the crockpot include blade chops, shoulder chops, sirloin chops, or tenderloin chops. To cook, simply brown the pork in batches in a pan, make a sauce with ingredients like chicken broth, mushroom soup, and pork gravy mix, and then add the pork to the slow cooker with the sauce and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve over rice or mashed potatoes for a mouthwatering meal!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meat | Pork chops, preferably bone-in |
| Chop thickness | 3/4" to 1" thick |
| Chop weight | 8 oz each |
| Chop type | Blade, shoulder, sirloin, tenderloin, or rib chops |
| Marbling | Fat throughout |
| Brining | Optional, but provides flavor and insurance against overcooking |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, garlic, paprika, poultry seasoning, oregano, basil, Italian seasoning |
| Vegetables | Onions, carrots, celery, fennel, potatoes, apples, Asian pears, drained sauerkraut |
| Fruits | Apples, Asian pears, dried cranberries |
| Broth | Regular or low-sodium beef broth or stock, or chicken broth |
| Sauce ingredients | Mushroom, onion, hoisin, chili garlic sauce, rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar |
| Cook time | 2 to 8 hours |
| Temperature | Low |
| Serving suggestions | Rice, mashed potatoes, egg noodles, cornbread |
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What You'll Learn
Choose the right cut of pork
When cooking pork chunks in a crockpot, choosing the right cut of pork is essential to ensure tender and juicy results. Here are some factors to consider when selecting your pork:
Bone-In vs Boneless:
Opt for bone-in pork chops as they tend to have more flavour and produce a juicier outcome. Bone-in blade chops, shoulder chops, or sirloin chops are excellent choices for the crockpot. However, boneless pork chops can also be used, but ensure they have good marbling for the best tenderness.
Marbling and Fat Content:
Look for thicker chops with nice marbling throughout, which means there are thin lines of fat running through the meat. This fat will melt slowly during the long cooking process, keeping the meat moist and tender. Leaner cuts of pork may dry out and not yield the same juicy results.
Chop Thickness:
For crockpot cooking, thicker chops are preferable as they will hold up better during the slow cooking process. Aim for chops that are approximately 3/4 inch to 1 inch thick. Thinner chops may overcook and become dry.
Browning the Meat:
Consider browning the pork chunks in a skillet before adding them to the crockpot. This step adds flavour and helps retain moisture in the meat. Cook the pork chunks in batches to ensure they brown properly instead of steaming in an overcrowded pan.
Brining:
Brining pork chops is optional but can enhance their flavour and provide some protection against overcooking. To brine, submerge the chops in a solution of kosher salt and water for at least 15 minutes or up to 4 hours. Then, rinse and pat them dry before adding to the crockpot.
Remember, choosing the right cut of pork for your crockpot dish will greatly impact the final result, so take the time to select the best option available to you.
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Prepare the crock pot
To prepare the crock pot, start by spraying the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or lining it with a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup. You can also add an extra splash of cooking liquid to the pot to compensate for any liquid that may evaporate during the cooking process.
Next, prepare the vegetables and/or fruits that will form a layer on the bottom of the crock pot. You can use a variety of ingredients such as apples, Asian pears, onions, carrots, celery, fennel, potatoes, or drained sauerkraut. Chop or slice the ingredients to create an even layer. You can also add in some sliced or crushed garlic for extra flavor.
If you choose to brine your pork chops, combine 1/2 cup of kosher salt and 8 cups of water, stirring until the salt dissolves. Place the chops in a shallow baking dish and pour the brine over them, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes or up to 4 hours. After brining, rinse the chops under cool running water and pat them dry with paper towels before placing them in the crock pot.
Place the chops on top of the vegetables and fruits in the crock pot. It's okay to overlap the chops slightly, but avoid stacking them on top of each other. If you have any additional vegetables or ingredients, you can tuck them below the chops or scatter them on top.
Finally, pour the desired cooking liquid or sauce over the chops. You can use broth, chicken broth, or a combination of ingredients like hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar to create a flavorful sauce.
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Make the sauce
To make the sauce for sweet and spicy pork chunks, you'll need hoisin sauce, chili garlic sauce, rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and water. You can also add some red pepper flakes, green onions, or toasted sesame seeds for garnish.
Start by heating a large non-stick skillet to medium-high heat. Add about a teaspoon each of sesame and canola oil. Then, add your pork chunks in batches, browning them before adding them to your slow cooker. You don't want to crowd the pan, or the meat will steam instead of browning.
Once all your pork is browned and in the slow cooker, it's time to make the sauce. In a bowl, add two teaspoons of chili garlic sauce for a pretty spicy kick, or just one teaspoon if you prefer it milder. Then, add in two tablespoons of brown sugar, two tablespoons of hoisin sauce, two tablespoons of soy sauce, two tablespoons of rice vinegar, and two tablespoons of water. Toss in a clove of minced garlic, or more to taste. Whisk everything together until well combined.
Pour the sauce over the pork chunks in the slow cooker. Cook on high for around three hours or low for about six hours, depending on how much time you have. The longer, slower cook will result in more tender meat.
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Cooking times and temperatures
The cooking time for pork chunks in a crock pot varies depending on the desired level of doneness and the specific recipe. For example, the sweet and spicy pork recipe calls for cooking the pork chunks on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours. On the other hand, a recipe for crock pot pork chops with gravy recommends cooking on low for 6 to 8 hours.
Another recipe for slow cooker pork chops suggests cooking on high for 1 hour and 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). This recipe also mentions that the chops will be cooked through at 145°F and have a similar texture to chicken breast—tender but firm.
It's worth noting that the cooking time can also depend on the thickness of the pork chunks. For example, thicker chops may require a longer cooking time compared to thinner ones. Additionally, boneless pork chops may cook faster than bone-in chops.
When cooking pork chunks in a crock pot, it's important to ensure that the meat is cooked thoroughly without becoming overcooked and dry. One way to achieve this is by cooking the pork on low heat for a longer period, allowing the fats to melt into the meat and creating a tender and juicy result.
Furthermore, the cooking time can be influenced by the addition of other ingredients, such as vegetables or fruits, which may require a certain amount of time to cook through. In some cases, the pork chunks may be layered on top of these ingredients, allowing them to cook together and infuse their flavors.
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Serving suggestions
Slow-cooked pork chunks can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
Rice, Noodles, or Mashed Potatoes
Pork chunks cooked in a crockpot can be served over rice, mashed potatoes, or any kind of noodles. For example, egg noodles or elbow noodles. The gravy from the crockpot can be poured over the pork and the chosen base for extra flavour.
Breads and Wraps
Leftover pork chunks can be used as a filling for wraps or sandwiches, pairing well with fresh salad and herbs. For a more indulgent option, the pork can be served with cornbread muffins or olive bread with Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes.
Vegetables
Pork chunks can be served with a variety of vegetables, including carrots, potatoes, onions, and celery. These vegetables can be cooked in the crockpot alongside the pork, absorbing the flavours of the dish. Alternatively, green vegetables such as asparagus or eggplant can be served as a side dish.
Salads
A cold and crunchy salad can be served as a side dish to complement the hearty and cozy flavours of the pork chunks. For a fancier option, a fall-inspired salad with ingredients such as kale can be served during the holiday season.
Tacos and Sliders
Leftover pork chunks can be shredded and tossed with BBQ sauce to create pulled pork tacos or sliders. This is a great way to give new life to leftovers and create a quick and easy meal.
Soups
The tender pork chunks can be used as a base for soups, such as a chile verde recipe. Since the pork is already cooked, it can be added directly to the soup without the need for a long simmering time.
These serving suggestions offer a range of options to suit different tastes and occasions, from casual weeknight dinners to holiday meals.
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Frequently asked questions
For the best results, choose thick-cut bone-in pork chops with fat and great marbling. Look for a blade chop, shoulder chop, sirloin chop, or tenderloin chops.
You can use a combination of broth, mushrooms, onions, and garlic to make a mushroom gravy sauce. Alternatively, you can make a sweet and spicy sauce using hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chilli garlic sauce, brown sugar, and water.
Depending on the recipe, cooking pork chunks in a crock pot can take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours. For example, one recipe recommends cooking the pork chunks on high for 3 hours or low for 6, while another suggests cooking for 2 to 6 hours on low.
