Are you tired of overcooking or undercooking your pork roast in the crock pot? Cooking pork in a slow cooker can be a convenient and delicious way to prepare a meal, but it can be tricky to determine the right cooking time.
Fear not, because we have gathered some helpful tips and tricks to ensure your pork roast comes out perfectly every time.
In this article, we will explore how long to cook pork in crock pot per pound, as well as some easy and tasty recipes to try out.
So, grab your slow cooker and let’s get cooking!
How Long To Cook Pork In Crock Pot Per Pound?
The cooking time for pork in a crock pot is determined by its weight. The general rule of thumb is to cook the pork roast for 2 hours per pound on low heat, or 1 hour per pound on high heat, plus an additional hour.
For example, if you have a 3-pound pork roast, you should cook it on low heat for 6 hours or on high heat for 4 hours. It’s important to note that these are just guidelines and the actual cooking time may vary depending on your specific slow cooker and the size and shape of your pork roast.
To ensure that your pork roast is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The USDA recommends that pork should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F.
Once your pork roast has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Factors To Consider When Cooking Pork In Crock Pot
When cooking pork in a crock pot, there are several factors to consider that can affect the cooking time and the final result of your dish.
Firstly, it’s important to choose the right cut of pork for slow cooking. Pork butts and pork shoulders are ideal for slow cooking because they have more fat, which helps keep the meat moist and tender. Leaner cuts like pork tenderloin may dry out during the long cooking process.
Secondly, the size and shape of your pork roast can also affect the cooking time. A thicker roast will take longer to cook than a thinner one, and a bone-in roast may take longer than a boneless one.
Additionally, the amount of liquid you use in your crock pot can also impact the cooking time and the final result. Too much liquid can result in a watery sauce, while too little liquid can cause your meat to dry out. As a general rule, use about 1/2 to 1 cup of liquid per pound of meat.
Lastly, the temperature setting on your crock pot can also affect the cooking time. Cooking on low heat will take longer but will result in more tender meat, while cooking on high heat will cook the meat faster but may result in a tougher texture.
By taking these factors into consideration when cooking pork in a crock pot, you can ensure that your dish turns out perfectly cooked and delicious every time.
Cooking Time For Pork In Crock Pot Per Pound
When cooking pork in a crock pot, it’s important to know the cooking time based on the weight of the roast. For a 2-4 pound pork roast, you should cook it for 7-8 hours on low heat or 5 hours on high heat.
For larger pork roasts, the general guideline is to cook for 2 hours per pound on low heat, or 1 hour per pound on high heat, plus an additional hour. For instance, a 6-pound pork roast should be cooked for 12 hours on low heat or 7 hours on high heat.
It’s important to note that these are just general guidelines and may vary depending on the size and shape of your pork roast, as well as your specific slow cooker. To ensure that your pork roast is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The USDA recommends that pork should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F.
Once your pork roast is fully cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.
Tips For Checking The Doneness Of Pork In Crock Pot
When cooking pork in a crock pot, it can be tricky to know when it’s fully cooked. Here are some tips to help you check the doneness of your pork roast:
1. Use a meat thermometer: The most reliable way to check if your pork roast is fully cooked is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the roast, making sure it’s not touching any bone. The internal temperature should read 145°F.
2. Check for firmness: Another way to check if your pork roast is done is by checking its firmness. Use your fingers to press on the meat – it should feel firm but not hard. If it feels mushy or soft, it needs more time to cook.
3. Check the juices: If you pierce the pork with a fork and the juices run clear, it’s a good sign that it’s fully cooked. If the juices are still pink or red, it needs more time to cook.
4. Use the touch test: You can also use the touch test to check if your pork roast is done. Press on the meat with your fingers – if it feels like the fleshy part of your hand between your thumb and index finger, it’s rare. If it feels like the fleshy part between your thumb and middle finger, it’s medium-rare. If it feels like the fleshy part between your thumb and ring finger, it’s medium. And if it feels like the fleshy part between your thumb and pinky finger, it’s well-done.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your pork roast is fully cooked and safe to eat. Remember to always use a meat thermometer to be sure!
Delicious Crock Pot Pork Recipes To Try Out
If you’re looking for some delicious and mouth-watering slow cooker pork recipes to try out, you’re in luck! Here are a few recipes that are sure to please your taste buds:
1. Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Ribs: Rub the pork ribs with your favorite BBQ seasoning blend and place them in the slow cooker. Pour your favorite BBQ sauce over the ribs and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or until the meat falls off the bone.
2. Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas: Season a pork shoulder with salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder. Brown the pork in a pan and place it in the slow cooker with sliced onions, garlic, and orange juice. Cook on low heat for 8 hours or until the meat is tender. Shred the pork and serve with tortillas, avocado, and cilantro.
3. Slow Cooker Pork Chops: Season pork chops with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Brown the pork chops in a pan and place them in the slow cooker with sliced onions, garlic, and chicken broth. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or until the meat is tender. Serve with mashed potatoes or rice.
4. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork: Rub a pork shoulder with your favorite BBQ seasoning blend and place it in the slow cooker with sliced onions and chicken broth. Cook on low heat for 8-10 hours or until the meat is tender. Shred the pork and mix it with your favorite BBQ sauce. Serve on buns with coleslaw.
These delicious crock pot pork recipes are perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen. Just set it and forget it, and you’ll have a delicious meal waiting for you when you get home!
Conclusion: Perfectly Cooked Pork Every Time
Cooking pork to perfection is not only a matter of safety, but also of taste and texture. By following the guidelines provided by the USDA and using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, you can ensure that your pork is fully cooked and safe to eat. However, don’t be afraid to experiment with cooking pork at lower temperatures to achieve a more flavorful and tender result. Whether you’re cooking a pork tenderloin in the oven or pork chops in a crock pot, remember to season your meat and avoid overcooking it. With these tips in mind, you can enjoy perfectly cooked pork every time!
