Cooking a pork loin in a crock pot, also known as a slow cooker, is a simple and delicious way to prepare a tender and flavorful meal. Here's a basic recipe to guide you through the process:
Ingredients:
- 2 to 3 pounds of pork loin
- 1 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or other herbs of your choice)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for searing, optional)
Instructions:
If desired, you can sear the pork loin before placing it in the slow cooker. Searing adds extra flavor to the meat. To sear, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the pork loin on all sides for about 2-3 minutes per side. This step is optional, and you can skip it if you prefer.
In a bowl, mix together the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt to create the marinade.
Place the pork loin in the slow cooker and pour the marinade over it. Make sure the pork loin is mostly submerged in the liquid.
Set the slow cooker to low heat for a longer cooking time or high heat for a shorter cooking time. Cooking times can vary depending on the size of the pork loin and your slow cooker's settings:
- Low heat: Cook for 6 to 8 hours.
- High heat: Cook for 3 to 4 hours.
Halfway through the cooking time, you can baste the pork loin with the juices from the bottom of the slow cooker to keep it moist and flavorful.
Test for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork loin. It should reach a minimum of 145°F (63°C). If it hasn't reached this temperature, continue cooking until it does.
Once the pork loin is cooked to your desired level of tenderness and doneness, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Optionally, you can thicken the cooking juices to make a delicious sauce. Pour the liquid into a saucepan and bring it to a simmer. In a separate small bowl, mix a couple of tablespoons of cornstarch with some water to create a slurry. Slowly add the slurry to the simmering liquid while stirring constantly until it thickens.
Serve the sliced pork loin with the sauce, along with your favorite side dishes such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. Enjoy your flavorful and tender slow-cooked pork loin!