Tillie Doyle
Cooking pork loin in a crock pot is a simple and tasty way to prepare this meat. It's a great option for a family meal, as it's lean and soft, making it easy to slice into bite-sized pieces or shred. You can also use a slow cooker, which will allow you to prep the pork loin in the morning and come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal in the evening. This recipe is also versatile, as it can be served with various sides such as mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or gravy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation time | 5-10 minutes |
| Cooking time | 2-7.5 hours on high; 4-11 hours on low |
| Temperature | 145°F |
| Resting time | 10 minutes |
| Ingredients | Pork loin, chicken broth, sliced onion, soy sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, cinnamon, apple, potatoes, carrots, rosemary, thyme |
| Equipment | Crock-pot, skillet, small bowl, whisk, meat thermometer |
| Recipe notes | Pork loin can be seared before placing in the crock-pot for added flavor and a crust |
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What You'll Learn
Prepping the pork loin
Next, you can choose to rub the pork loin with a mixture of spices. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can also add other spices of your choice, such as cinnamon or Italian seasoning. Rub this mixture all over the pork loin, ensuring it is evenly coated.
If you want to add extra moisture and flavour to the pork loin, you can create a sauce to pour over it. In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, and soy sauce. You can also add other ingredients such as apple juice or cinnamon for extra depth of flavour. Once the sauce is well combined, pour it over the pork loin, making sure it is fully coated.
For an even more flavourful dish, you can try stuffing the pork loin. Cut several slits in the meat and stuff them with sliced apples or other ingredients of your choice. This will add moisture and flavour to the pork loin as it cooks.
Finally, decide if you want to cook the pork loin fresh or frozen. If you choose to cook it frozen, you will need to increase the cooking time accordingly. If you want to add a rub to the meat, you will need to let the outer layer thaw for about an hour at room temperature before applying the spice mixture.
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Making the sauce
Firstly, you'll want to gather your ingredients. A great sauce to accompany pork loin can be made with honey, soy sauce, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and cinnamon. You can also add a little red wine to the sauce if you like. For a thicker sauce, you can add cornstarch and water.
You can whisk the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl, or even in the crock-pot itself if you want to save on washing up. If you're adding cornstarch, you'll need to whisk this with water in a separate bowl first, before adding it to the other sauce ingredients.
Once your sauce is mixed, you can pour it over the pork loin and vegetables (if using) in the crock-pot. Set your crock-pot to cook on high for 2-2.5 hours or low for 4 hours. If you're cooking a pork loin roast, you'll need to cook it for longer, around 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.
After cooking, remove the pork from the crock-pot and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving with the sauce.
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Cooking the pork loin
Next, prepare the crock pot. If you want to include vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, onions, or celery, cut them into uniform pieces and place them at the bottom of the crock pot. You can also add chicken broth, soy sauce, and sliced onions to the crock pot, stirring to combine.
Now, it's time to season the pork loin. You can make a rub by combining salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub this mixture all over the pork loin. Alternatively, whisk together a sauce made from honey, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and cinnamon, and pour it over the pork loin.
Place the pork loin into the crock pot, either directly or after searing or stuffing. If you seared the meat, you can also add the pan drippings to the crock pot for extra flavour. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The pork loin is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
Once the pork loin is cooked, remove it from the crock pot and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. If you want to make a gravy, whisk together cornstarch and water, then whisk this mixture into the liquid from the crock pot. Heat this over medium-high heat, bringing it to a boil and stirring frequently, until it thickens. Drizzle the gravy over the sliced pork loin and enjoy!
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Cooking vegetables
When cooking pork loin in a crock pot, it is recommended to add vegetables such as carrots, onions, and potatoes. These vegetables complement the meat well and can be cooked at the same time. Here is a step-by-step guide to cooking vegetables with your pork loin in a crock pot:
Preparing the Vegetables
First, prepare your vegetables by peeling and cutting them into even-sized chunks or slices. For potatoes, it is recommended to use waxy varieties such as Yukon Gold, red potatoes, or fingerlings, as they hold their shape better during slow cooking. Avoid russet potatoes, as they may become too soft. Cut the potatoes into halves or pieces about half the size of a golf ball. For carrots, peel and cut them into 1-inch pieces. You can also add other vegetables like celery, corn, or turnips for additional flavour and nutrition.
Layering the Vegetables and Meat
After preparing the vegetables, layer them at the bottom of the crock pot. You can also add a layer of onions to the bottom, as this adds flavour and prevents the meat from sticking to the pot. Place the pork loin on top of the vegetables, ensuring that the meat is not covered by the vegetables, as this may affect even cooking.
Cooking the Vegetables and Meat
Once the crock pot is layered, you can add your desired seasonings, sauces, or broths. Some popular choices include garlic, dijon mustard, soy sauce, apple butter, and honey-balsamic sauce. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 2-4 hours. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your crock pot and the amount of meat and vegetables. It is recommended to check the temperature of the meat with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches at least 145°F.
Serving
Once the vegetables are tender and the meat is cooked through, your meal is ready to be served. You can slice the pork loin and serve it alongside the vegetables and sauce. This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, a green salad, mashed potatoes, cornbread muffins, or rice.
Leftovers
Any leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. You can also freeze leftover pork loin and reheat it later for a quick and convenient meal.
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Storing and reheating
Storing your leftover pork loin is simple. Place it in an airtight container or zippered bag and store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. Just make sure to use an airtight container or freezer bag.
When it comes to reheating, there are several methods you can use, depending on your preference and the equipment you have available. Here are some options:
Stovetop
Using a frying pan is a great way to quickly reheat your pork loin. Heat a skillet on medium heat and add a touch of olive oil or butter. Sear the pork loin for about 30 seconds on each side. Lower the heat, cover the pan, and let it heat through for another 2 minutes or so.
Microwave
The microwave is the fastest method for reheating. Place the pork loin slices on a microwave-safe dish and cover them with a damp paper towel or a microwave splatter cover. Use a medium power setting and heat in short bursts of 10-20 seconds to avoid overcooking.
Slow Cooker
If you have more time, you can use your slow cooker to reheat the pork loin. This is a good option if you want to avoid drying out the meat.
Oven
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and wrap the pork loin tightly in foil. Place it in the oven until heated through, which usually takes about 30 minutes.
Remember, the key to successful reheating is to avoid overcooking or drying out the meat. So, work with your chosen method slowly and carefully, and always ensure your pork loin is piping hot before serving.
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking time depends on the weight of the pork loin. A four-pound boneless pork loin is usually done in about six hours when cooked on low. For a pork tenderloin, it should take about 2 to 2.5 hours on high.
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F.
You can serve pork loin with mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, gravy, or even use the leftovers to make sandwiches.
Boneless pork loin is a good option as it requires less preparation and cooks faster. However, pork loin with bones also works well in a crock pot as it benefits from slow cooking.
You can sear the pork loin on all sides in a skillet until golden brown to add flavor and create a beautiful crust. Then, create a rub with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder and apply it to the pork loin.
