Using a crockpot to cook pork loin is a brilliant technique for achieving tender, flavorful results with minimal hassle.
Begin by selecting the right combination of herbs and spices, such as rosemary and garlic, to enhance the pork’s natural taste.
Pair these with a sauce crafted from chicken broth and soy sauce to add depth.
The slow cooking process is key, as it guarantees the flavors meld beautifully.
Curious about the perfect serving tips and storage solutions?
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Crockpot
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Knife
- 1 Measuring cup
- 1 Spoon
Ingredients
- 3 pounds pork loin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking the slow-cooked pork loin in a crockpot, follow this timeline:
Timeline for Slow-Cooked Porkloin in Crockpot
Preparation Phase:
- Reading the Recipe: Allocate about 5 minutes to thoroughly read the recipe and gather all necessary ingredients and equipment.
- Prep Work (15 minutes):
- 0:00 – 5:00 minutes: Rub the pork loin with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- 5:00 – 10:00 minutes: Prepare the mixture by combining chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl.
- 10:00 – 15:00 minutes: Slice the onion and mince the garlic. Place the pork loin in the crockpot and pour the mixture over it. Add sliced onion and minced garlic around the pork.
Cooking Phase:
- Cook Time (6 hours):
- 0:00 – 6:00 hours: Set the crockpot to low heat and cook the pork loin. During this time, avoid opening the lid to maintain consistent cooking temperature.
Resting and Serving Phase:
- Resting Time (10 minutes):
- 6:00 – 6:10 hours: Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and let it rest on a cutting board for 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serving:
- 6:10 hours onward: Slice the pork and serve with the sauce from the crockpot. Optionally, prepare additional sides like vegetables or salad while the pork is resting.
Recipe Instructions
Rub the pork loin with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Place the pork loin in the crockpot.
In a small bowl, mix chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
Pour the mixture over the pork loin in the crockpot.
Add sliced onion and minced garlic around the pork loin.
Cover the crockpot and set it to low heat.
Cook for 6 hours until the pork is tender and fully cooked.
Remove the pork loin from the crockpot and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Serve the pork slices with the sauce from the crockpot.
Serving Tips
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a classic pairing with pork loin, absorbing the flavorful sauce beautifully.
- Steamed Vegetables: A side of steamed green beans or broccoli adds a fresh and healthy contrast to the rich pork dish.
- Rice Pilaf: The aromatic and fluffy rice pilaf complements the savory flavors of the pork and its sauce.
- Roasted Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots bring out the savory notes of the pork, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
- Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce, adding a comforting touch to the meal.
Storage
Store leftover slow-cooked pork loin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze in portioned sizes for up to 3 months.
Freezing
To freeze slow-cooked pork loin, cool it completely.
Slice it, and place portions in airtight containers.
Label with the date.
Store for up to three months for best quality.
Reheating
To reheat slow-cooked pork loin, slice it and warm gently in the oven at 300°F covered with foil.
Alternatively, use a microwave with a splash of broth to retain moisture.
Final Thoughts
Slow-cooked pork loin in a crockpot is a delicious and easy way to prepare a tender and flavorful main dish.
With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it, letting the crockpot do all the work for six hours.
This recipe serves six people, making it perfect for a family meal or gathering.
Remember to let the pork loin rest for 10 minutes after cooking to guarantee the juices redistribute, resulting in juicy slices.
For best results, avoid opening the crockpot lid during cooking, as this can release heat and extend the cooking time.
Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste and consider adding vegetables like carrots or potatoes to create a complete meal.
Enjoy the rich flavors and tender texture of this slow-cooked pork loin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Pork Tenderloin Instead of a Pork Loin?
You can use pork tenderloin instead of pork loin, but adjust the cooking time. Tenderloins cook faster due to their smaller size. Pair it with rosemary or thyme for enhanced flavor. Monitor closely to avoid overcooking.
How Do I Prevent the Pork From Drying Out?
To prevent pork from drying out, make sure you don’t overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, aiming for an internal temperature of 145°F. Keep the lid closed to retain moisture and flavor.
What Wine Pairs Well With Slow-Cooked Pork Loin?
You should pair a slow-cooked pork loin with a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a white like Chardonnay. These wines balance the savory flavors, enhancing the dish’s richness and complementing its seasoning profile. Enjoy!
Can I Make This Recipe Without Soy Sauce?
You can substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a similar umami flavor. For depth, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Make certain the balance of saltiness and sweetness aligns with the original recipe.
How Can I Adjust the Recipe for a Larger Pork Loin?
To adjust for a larger pork loin, increase all ingredients proportionally. Confirm even seasoning distribution by thoroughly rubbing spices. Extend cook time slightly, checking tenderness. Complement flavors with additional garlic and onion for depth.
Slow-Cooked Porkloin in Crockpot
Equipment
- 1 Crockpot
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Knife
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Spoon
Ingredients
- 3 pounds pork loin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 onion sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
Instructions
- Rub the pork loin with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Place the pork loin in the crockpot.
- In a small bowl, mix chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
- Pour the mixture over the pork loin in the crockpot.
- Add sliced onion and minced garlic around the pork loin.
- Cover the crockpot and set it to low heat.
- Cook for 6 hours until the pork is tender and fully cooked.
- Remove the pork loin from the crockpot and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve the pork slices with the sauce from the crockpot.
Notes
