Are you looking for a delicious and easy way to cook a pork picnic roast? Look no further than your trusty crock pot!
This versatile kitchen appliance can turn a tough cut of meat into a tender and flavorful meal with minimal effort.
In this article, we’ll explore several different methods for cooking a pork picnic roast in a crock pot, including seasoning blends, spice rubs, and gravy mixes.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, these recipes are sure to impress your family and friends.
So grab your crock pot and let’s get cooking!
How To Cook A Pork Picnic Roast In Crock Pot?
Before we dive into the recipes, it’s important to know a few basics about cooking a pork picnic roast in a crock pot.
First, it’s important to remove any excess fat from the roast before cooking. This will help prevent the meat from becoming greasy and will make it easier to shred later on.
Second, you’ll want to season the meat with your choice of seasoning blend, spice rub, or gravy mix. This will add flavor and depth to the dish.
Finally, it’s important to cook the meat on low heat for several hours until it is tender and falls apart easily with a fork.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s explore some delicious recipes for cooking a pork picnic roast in a crock pot.
Choosing The Right Pork Picnic Roast
When selecting a pork picnic roast for your crock pot recipe, it’s important to consider the cut of meat and the amount of fat. The pork picnic roast is typically sold bone-in and skin-on, which adds flavor and moisture to the meat during cooking.
However, it’s important to note that the picnic roast comes from the thinner, triangle-shaped end of the shoulder, which means it has less fat and connective tissue than the pork butt. This makes it a bit better for cooking whole and slicing, but may not be the best choice for recipes that require shredding the meat.
If you’re looking to make pulled pork or other recipes in which the meat is meant to fall apart, then pork butt may be a better choice. The butt is from the thicker, more intensely marbled end of the shoulder and contains more fat and connective tissue. This makes it perfect for low and slow cooking methods like crock pot cooking.
However, if you prefer the flavor and texture of the pork picnic roast, then go ahead and use it in your crock pot recipe. Just be aware that it may not shred as easily as pork butt and may require a longer cooking time to become tender.
Preparing Your Crock Pot For Cooking
To ensure that your pork picnic roast cooks evenly and safely in your crock pot, it’s important to properly prepare your crock pot before cooking. Here are some tips to follow:
1. Fill your crock pot no more than 3/4 full. Overfilling your crock pot can cause the meat to cook unevenly and may result in the meat not being cooked thoroughly.
2. Always cook with the lid on. This will help maintain the cooking temperature and prevent heat from escaping, which can extend the cooking time.
3. Start with a clean crock pot. Before adding your ingredients, make sure the crock pot is clean and free of any debris or leftover food.
4. If you’re short on time in the morning, prepare everything you need for your slow-cooked meal the night before, put it into the slow-cooker dish, cover and store in the fridge overnight. Ideally, the dish should be as close to room temperature as possible, so get it out of the fridge when you wake up and leave it for 20 minutes before turning the cooker on.
5. Always thaw your meat properly before cooking. Starting with frozen meat can cause the meat to cook unevenly and may result in food poisoning.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to prepare your crock pot for cooking a delicious and tender pork picnic roast.
Seasoning And Flavoring Options For Pork Picnic Roast
When it comes to seasoning and flavoring a pork picnic roast, the options are endless. Some classic herbs and spices that pair well with pork shoulder include garlic, rosemary, sage, thyme, oregano, paprika, and cumin. For a unique twist, you can also try adding cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves to your seasoning blend.
If you’re looking to add a Mexican flare to your pork roast, consider using cumin in your seasoning blend. For an Italian twist, try using Italian seasoning with basil and oregano. If you’re looking for some heat, chili powder or crushed red pepper can add a spicy kick to your dish.
If you want to add some color to your pork roast, consider using fresh or dried parsley in your seasoning blend. Brown mustard or dried mustard can also add a tangy flavor to the meat. For a light citrus flavor, lemon pepper seasoning is a great option.
One recipe that brings out the full flavor of cinnamon is Pulled Pork with Cinnamon and Ginger. When slow-cooked, cinnamon and pork create a heavenly match made in gourmet heaven.
Remember that seasoning is always open for interpretation. Some people prefer more seasoning while others prefer less. It’s entirely up to you to experiment with different herbs and spices until you find the perfect blend of flavors for your taste buds.
Slow Cooking Your Pork Picnic Roast
Slow cooking your pork picnic roast in a crock pot is a great way to ensure that the meat is tender and juicy. Here’s how to do it:
1. Start by prepping the roast. Remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about an hour. Pat it dry with paper towels, then coat it completely in oil using a pastry brush or your hands.
2. Next, add your spice rub. In a small bowl, mix together your chosen spices, such as cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, garlic salt, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the spice mixture over the entire pork roast.
3. Place the pork roast in the slow cooker and pour chicken broth on top. Cover and cook on high for 6-7 hours or on low for 10-12 hours, or until the meat shreds easily with a fork.
4. Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and place it in a casserole dish or other wide-rimmed container to shred. Remove any large pieces of fat while shredding.
5. Strain the broth that remains in the slow cooker, then add the shredded meat back in. Slowly pour about half of the broth over the shredded meat – just enough to keep it moist. Stir, adding a little more broth as needed.
By slow cooking your pork picnic roast in a crock pot, you’ll end up with deliciously tender and flavorful meat that’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or just enjoying on its own.
Making Gravy To Accompany Your Pork Picnic Roast
One of the best ways to elevate your pork picnic roast is by making a delicious gravy to accompany it. Here’s how to make a savory pork gravy from scratch:
Ingredients:
– 3 tablespoons of butter
– 3 tablespoons of flour (or gluten-free flour substitute)
– Pan drippings from the pork roast
– 1/2 cup of dry white wine
– 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
– 1/2 cup of apple juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a saucepan, melt three tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Add three tablespoons of flour to the melted butter and let it brown for one minute, stirring frequently. This creates what’s called a roux.
3. Add the pan drippings and any extra broth to the butter and flour mixture. Use a whisk to distribute the flour evenly within your liquid to avoid lumps.
4. Pour in 1/2 cup of dry white wine, 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar, and 1/2 cup of apple juice into the pan to deglaze. Stir well and get all the browned bits off the bottom.
5. Add salt and pepper, tasting your gravy. Add more pepper or salt a little bit at a time to your own taste.
6. Allow the gravy to cook for three to four minutes until it thickens.
7. Pour into a bowl and enjoy with your pork picnic roast.
If you’re looking for a gluten-free or low-carb version, simply substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour substitute or arrowroot/tapioca flour (cassava flour can also be used). This gravy is sure to add an extra layer of flavor to your pork picnic roast and impress your guests with its homemade goodness.
Serving And Enjoying Your Delicious Meal
After your pork picnic roast has been cooked to perfection in the crock pot, it’s time to serve and enjoy your delicious meal.
First, remove the roast from the crock pot and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before shredding it with two forks. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it moist and flavorful.
Next, you can serve the shredded pork on its own or use it as a filling for sandwiches, tacos, or burritos. You can also add barbecue sauce, gravy, or any other condiments of your choice to enhance the flavor.
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can reheat the pork in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven until it’s heated through.
Finally, enjoy your delicious meal with your family and friends! The beauty of cooking a pork picnic roast in a crock pot is that it’s a low-maintenance dish that can feed a crowd. So sit back, relax, and savor every bite of your tender and juicy pork roast.
