Are you looking for an easy and delicious way to cook pork roast? Look no further than your trusty slow cooker!
With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can have a tender and flavorful pork roast that will impress your family and friends.
But how long should you cook it for? In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of cooking pork roast in a slow cooker, including tips and tricks to ensure your roast turns out perfectly every time.
So grab your crockpot and let’s get cooking!
How Long To Cook Pork Roast In Slow Cooker?
The answer to this question depends on the size of your pork roast and the temperature setting of your slow cooker. As a general rule of thumb, a 3-pound pork roast will take about 8 hours to cook on low, or 4-5 hours on high.
However, it’s important to note that every slow cooker is different, so it’s always a good idea to check the internal temperature of your roast with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked to your desired level of doneness. The USDA recommends cooking pork to an internal temperature of 145°F.
Cooking your pork roast on low heat for a longer period of time allows the meat to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in a tender and juicy roast. On the other hand, cooking on high heat for a shorter period of time can result in a slightly tougher texture.
Choosing The Right Cut Of Pork Roast
When it comes to choosing the right cut of pork roast for your slow cooker, it’s important to consider the cooking method and desired outcome. Some cuts, like pork shoulder or Boston butt, are ideal for slow-roasting, barbecuing, braising, or stewing. These cuts have a lot of connective tissue and fat, which makes them perfect for low and slow cooking methods that break down the tissue and create tender meat.
Other cuts, like the tenderloin, require a bit more care and attention. This lean cut lacks marbling or external fat, making it highly susceptible to drying out when roasting. However, it can still be a great choice for roasting if you take the time to brine or marinate it before cooking. Additionally, the tenderloin is one of the quickest-cooking cuts of pork, so it’s a great option if you’re short on time.
When choosing your pork roast, look for fresh-looking meat with a thick layer of fat. While many people may shy away from joints with fat, it adds flavor and helps keep the joint moist while cooking. Dried out meat is one of the major faults when cooking pork.
Some popular cuts for roasting include pork loin, belly, leg, shoulder, and tenderloin. Each cut has its own unique flavor profile and texture, so it’s important to choose the right cut based on your personal preferences and cooking method. With a little bit of knowledge and experimentation, you can find the perfect cut of pork roast to cook in your slow cooker.
Preparing Your Pork Roast For The Slow Cooker
Before placing your pork roast in the slow cooker, it’s important to properly prepare it to ensure maximum flavor and tenderness. Here’s how:
1. Season the Pork: Rub your pork roast with your desired seasoning blend and salt. Make sure to cover every nook and cranny of the roast with the seasoning.
2. Sear the Pork: Heat around 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium/high heat. When the oil is fragrant, sear the pork shoulder for 2 minutes on each side. This will help to lock in the juices and flavor of the meat.
3. Add Veggies: Place red onions or any other desired vegetables in the bottom of your slow cooker. Place the seared pork roast on top of the veggies.
4. Create Herb Bundle: Use bakers twine to tie together thyme and rosemary and set it on top of the pork.
5. Add Liquid: In a large Pyrex, mix together balsamic vinegar, red wine, and chicken broth. Then, pour that on top of the pork roast.
6. Cook Slowly: Cover the slow cooker and turn it on low heat for around 6-8 hours (flipping pork roast halfway through cook time, if you can, if you can’t no worries!).
7. Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your pork roast to ensure it’s cooked to your desired level of doneness.
8. Make Gravy (Optional): Remove meat and vegetables from the crockpot and discard the herb bundle. Using two forks, pull the pork roast apart into chunks and set aside. Place 1/2 cup of the liquid left in the crockpot into a microwave safe Pyrex. Whisk in cornstarch. Place cornstarch mixture into the microwave for 45 seconds (mixture should be thick a gelatinous). Remove from the microwave and whisk the cornstarch mixture into the existing liquid in the crockpot until it thickens into a thin gravy. Place pork and vegetables back into the crockpot and mix, coating everything in gravy.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to prepare your pork roast for slow cooking in a way that maximizes its flavor and tenderness.
Setting The Right Temperature And Time For Cooking
To ensure that your pork roast is cooked to perfection, it’s important to set the right temperature and time for cooking in your slow cooker. For a 3-pound pork roast, it’s recommended to cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. However, it’s important to check the internal temperature of your roast using a meat thermometer to ensure that it has reached 145°F.
If you’re cooking a larger or smaller pork roast, adjust the cooking time accordingly. As a general rule of thumb, you’ll need to add an additional hour of cooking time for every pound of meat. For example, a 5-pound pork roast would need to cook on low heat for approximately 10 hours.
It’s also important to consider the temperature setting of your slow cooker. Cooking on low heat allows the meat to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in a tender and juicy roast. On the other hand, cooking on high heat for a shorter period of time can result in a slightly tougher texture.
In addition to setting the right temperature and time for cooking, it’s important to properly prepare your pork roast before placing it in the slow cooker. This may include seasoning with a dry rub or marinade, searing the meat in a hot skillet before placing it in the slow cooker, or adding vegetables and other ingredients for added flavor.
By following these tips and guidelines, you can ensure that your pork roast is cooked to perfection in your slow cooker every time.
Adding Flavor With Herbs And Spices
One of the best ways to add flavor to your slow-cooked pork roast is by using herbs and spices. The options are endless, but some popular choices include garlic, thyme, rosemary, paprika, Italian seasoning, and lemon peel.
To add these flavors to your pork roast, start by seasoning the meat on all sides with salt and pepper. Then, sprinkle your chosen herbs and spices over the top of the roast before placing it in the slow cooker. You can also make small cuts in the roast and insert garlic cloves or other seasonings into the slits for even more flavor.
As the pork roast cooks, the herbs and spices will infuse into the meat, creating a delicious and aromatic dish. If you want to take it up a notch, you can also add onions, mushrooms, or other vegetables to the bottom of the slow cooker for added flavor and nutrition.
Remember that when it comes to seasoning your pork roast, there are no hard and fast rules. Feel free to experiment with different combinations of herbs and spices until you find your perfect flavor profile. Just be sure not to overdo it with any one ingredient, as too much of a good thing can overpower the dish.
Tips For Achieving A Perfectly Tender Pork Roast
Achieving a perfectly tender pork roast in a slow cooker requires some attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results:
1. Choose the right cut of meat: Pork loin, belly, and leg are the best cuts for roasting in a slow cooker. Choose fresh-looking meat with a thick layer of fat. The fat adds flavor and helps keep the meat moist while cooking.
2. Season the meat: Before cooking, season the pork roast with salt and pepper or your favorite seasoning blend. For extra tenderness, marinate the meat in salt and plain yogurt for a few minutes or even overnight.
3. Add liquid: To prevent the meat from drying out, add liquid to the slow cooker. You can use chicken or vegetable broth, wine, or even water. The liquid will also help create a flavorful sauce for serving.
4. Cook on low heat: Cooking on low heat for a longer period of time allows the meat to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in a tender and juicy roast. A 3-pound pork roast will take about 8 hours to cook on low.
5. Check the internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your roast. The USDA recommends cooking pork to an internal temperature of 145°F. Check the temperature in several spots to ensure that the meat is cooked through.
6. Let it rest: Once your pork roast is cooked, let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and results in a more flavorful and tender roast.
By following these tips, you can achieve a perfectly tender and juicy pork roast every time you use your slow cooker.
Serving And Enjoying Your Slow Cooker Pork Roast
Once your slow cooker pork roast is fully cooked, it’s time to serve and enjoy! There are many ways to serve this delicious meal, depending on your personal preferences and the occasion.
One simple option is to present the pork roast with homemade bread and a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal. You can also serve the roast on top of pasta, rice, or potatoes for a heartier dish. Lemon garlic smashed potatoes or instant pot green beans can be great options for side dishes.
To add even more flavor to your pork roast, try making a savory gravy with the juices left in the slow cooker. Simply whisk together one cup of juices with a packet of gravy mix, bring it to a boil in a small saucepan, and cook for 1-2 minutes until it thickens. Pour the gravy over the shredded pork for an extra burst of flavor.
Leftovers can be used in many different ways as well. Shredded pork can be used for tacos or sandwiches, or mixed with BBQ sauce for pulled pork sliders. This makes meal planning easy and efficient, as you can make the protein once and use it for multiple meals throughout the week.
No matter how you choose to serve your slow cooker pork roast, one thing is certain: it will be a delicious and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
