For a fork-tender roasted pork loin, make use of your trusty slow cooker!
We all get into ruts. Whether it’s with the outfits we wear to work or the weekly errands we run, it happens. Even in cooking. This definitely happens to me, but once in a while, a recipe jumps out to remedy that. This slow-cooker pork loin recipe is one that recently broke the rut for me. This is one of those recipes I tend to make during the winter, but every time I do, I think, “Why don’t I make this more often?” My family gobbles it up, it’s super easy, and best of all, the slow cooker does the heavy lifting.
The low, slow heat of the slow cooker is perfect for roasting pork loin. The ceramic crock retains and distributes heat evenly so that the meat cooks to perfection and stays nice and tender. The steam that builds up over the long cooking time helps keep the pork moist as well.
You will love this slow-cooker pork loin recipe because it produces melt-in-your-mouth tender meat. The majority of the cook time is hands-off, and it is a versatile dish that the whole family will love. The sauce that the pork loin cooks in can be reduced to a tasty gravy if you like, or you can serve it plain. The savory, comforting flavors make this a wonderful dish for the chillier months, and because it’s so easy, it can be a weeknight dinner or a main for a bigger gathering.
Pork loin 101
If you haven’t cooked pork loin before, an explanation might be helpful before you head to the meat counter at your grocery store and see the wide variety of cuts available when it comes to pork loin. First, the loin is the midsection of the animal, going from the back of the shoulder to the back legs. Because it’s such a large area, you will see all kinds of cuts from the loin: loin chops, tenderloin, center loin, sirloin roasts, and crown roasts, just to name a few. What you want for this recipe is the center-cut loin roast. The tenderloin is too lean for this kind of cooking. The center-cut loin is a bit bigger and has some fat on it, which helps to keep the roast moist while it cooks.
How do I store leftovers?
Once cooled, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently in the microwave or in an oven at 325°F for 10 to 15 minutes.
Serving suggestions
My family loves slow-cooker pork loin with homemade mashed potatoes. If it’s a busy weeknight, I go with Microwave Mashed Potatoes; if it’s a special occasion, Loaded Mashed Potatoes are just right. When serving with mashed potatoes, go ahead and thicken the sauce accumulated in the bottom of your slow cooker as directed in step 10. It’s delicious ladled over the pork and mashed potatoes! For sides, something green goes well with this roast. Consider Easy Sautéed Broccoli or Roasted Brussels Sprouts. You can also go with a salad to add some crunch and some green. Try a Cranberry Salad with its mixed greens, dried cranberries, and feta cheese for a delicious side.
Slow-Cooker Pork Loin
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3-pound pork loin roast
- 2 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 onion sliced
- 3 cloves garlic chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the pork loin.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the pork loin for about 2-3 minutes on each side until browned.
- Place the sliced onion and chopped garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Place the browned pork loin on top of the onions and garlic.
- In a small bowl, mix the chicken broth, soy sauce, and honey. Pour this over the pork.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the pork is tender.
- Remove the pork from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Slice the pork and serve with the juices from the slow cooker.
- For a thicker sauce, pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water. Stir this into the saucepan and cook until the sauce thickens.
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