Are you looking for a delicious and easy way to cook Smithfield pork loin filet? Look no further than your trusty crock pot!
Slow cooking this cut of pork allows it to become tender and juicy, while infusing it with the flavors of your favorite vegetables and seasonings. Whether you’re a busy parent or just looking for a hassle-free dinner option, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your meal rotation.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to cook Smithfield pork loin filet in your crock pot, as well as provide some helpful tips and variations to make this dish your own. So grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking!
How To Cook Smithfield Pork Loin Filet In Crock Pot?
To start, gather your ingredients: Smithfield pork loin filet, baby potatoes, carrots, onion, garlic cloves, and mushrooms.
1. Place the vegetables in the bottom of your crock pot and mix them together.
2. Add the Smithfield pork loin filet on top of the vegetables and bury it into the mixture.
3. Pour 1/2 cup of water into the crock pot.
4. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
5. Once the pork and vegetables are done cooking, remove them from the crock pot and set them aside.
6. Pour the broth from the crock pot into a saucepan and place it on high heat.
7. Mix together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry.
8. Add the slurry to the saucepan and mix until the sauce thickens.
9. Season with salt to taste.
10. Serve the pork and vegetables with the sauce on top.
Gathering Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking your Smithfield pork loin filet in a crock pot, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. You will need:
– Smithfield pork loin filet
– Baby potatoes
– Carrots
– Onion
– Garlic cloves
– Mushrooms
– Water
– Salt
– Pepper
– Fresh or dehydrated parsley
– Cornstarch
Make sure to wash and clean all the vegetables before using them. You can also substitute or add other vegetables to the mixture based on your preferences. Additionally, you can use chicken or beef broth instead of water for added flavor. With these ingredients on hand, you’re ready to start cooking your delicious pork loin filet in a crock pot!
Preparing Your Pork Loin Filet
Before adding the Smithfield pork loin filet to the crock pot, it’s important to prepare it properly. Start by trimming any excess fat from the pork loin filet using a sharp knife. This will help prevent the pork from becoming too greasy during the cooking process.
Next, season the pork with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add chopped fresh herbs if desired, such as rosemary or thyme, to enhance the flavor of the pork.
To sear the pork before adding it to the crock pot, heat a tablespoon of oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Brown the pork evenly on all sides, then transfer it to the crock pot and bury it into the vegetable mixture.
Alternatively, you can skip the searing step and simply place the seasoned pork loin filet directly into the crock pot. This will result in a more tender and juicy pork, but with less crispy texture on the outside.
Once the pork is in the crock pot, pour 1/2 cup of water over it and cover with the lid. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F.
After cooking, remove the pork from the crock pot and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing it against the grain. This will help keep the juices inside and prevent them from running out when you cut into it.
With these simple steps, you can prepare your Smithfield pork loin filet perfectly for a delicious and easy meal in your crock pot.
Adding Vegetables And Seasonings
To add more flavor and nutrition to your Smithfield pork loin filet in crock pot, you can incorporate a variety of vegetables and seasonings.
For vegetables, you can use baby potatoes, carrots, onion, garlic cloves, mushrooms, parsnips, diced rutabaga, small-diced sweet potatoes or butternut squash, and Brussels sprouts. These vegetables not only add color and texture to your dish but also provide essential vitamins and minerals.
To season your pork loin filet, you can use a variety of spices such as black pepper, salt, dried thyme, Italian seasoning, garlic, onion powder, paprika, and lemon. These seasonings add depth and complexity to the flavor of your pork loin filet.
If you prefer a tangy and sweet taste, you can make a crockpot pork sauce using chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, soy sauce, garlic, and cinnamon. This sauce is a perfect complement to the savory taste of the pork loin filet.
Remember that cooking broccoli in the slow cooker may result in it becoming mushy. Instead, steam it separately until it’s just crisp-tender and then stir it into the pot at the end of the cooking time. Alternatively, you can stir raw broccoli into the slow cooker during the final hour of cooking time so that it has an opportunity to cook with the rest of the dish without becoming overcooked.
By adding different vegetables and seasonings to your Smithfield pork loin filet in crock pot recipe, you can create a delicious and healthy meal that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Cooking Your Pork Loin Filet In The Crock Pot
Cooking a pork loin filet in a crock pot can be an easy and delicious way to prepare this lean cut of meat. Here are some tips and tricks to ensure that your pork loin filet comes out perfectly tender and flavorful:
1. Choose the right size: Make sure to select a pork loin filet that will fit comfortably in your crock pot. If the filet is too large, it may not cook evenly or may not fit at all.
2. Prep your vegetables: To add extra flavor and nutrition, consider adding vegetables to your crock pot. Baby potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic cloves, and mushrooms are all great options. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and mix them together in the bottom of your crock pot.
3. Add your pork loin filet: Place the pork loin filet on top of the vegetables and bury it into the mixture. This will help to infuse the pork with the flavors of the vegetables.
4. Add liquid: Pour 1/2 cup of water or broth into the crock pot to help keep the pork moist during cooking.
5. Cook on low: Pork loin is a lean cut of meat that should be cooked low and slow to prevent it from drying out. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the size of your pork loin filet and your specific crock pot.
6. Check for doneness: Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork loin filet. It should reach 145°F before it is considered safe to eat.
7. Make a sauce: Once the pork and vegetables are done cooking, remove them from the crock pot and set them aside. Pour the broth from the crock pot into a saucepan and place it on high heat. Mix together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry, then add it to the saucepan and mix until the sauce thickens. Season with salt to taste.
8. Serve and enjoy: Slice the pork loin filet and serve it with the vegetables and sauce on top. Enjoy your delicious and easy-to-make meal!
Checking For Doneness
One of the most important things to keep in mind when cooking Smithfield pork loin filet in a crock pot is to ensure that it is cooked to the proper temperature. The recommended internal temperature for pork is 145 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the USDA.
To check for doneness, use an instant-read meat thermometer to measure the temperature of the thickest part of the pork loin filet. Insert the thermometer into the center of the meat, being careful not to touch bone or fat, which can give an inaccurate reading.
It’s important to note that different crock pot models may cook at varying temperatures, so it’s a good idea to check your pork loin filet early and frequently. Overcooked pork can become dry and tough, so it’s better to err on the side of caution and take it out a few degrees early.
Once you’ve determined that your Smithfield pork loin filet has reached 145 degrees Fahrenheit, remove it from the crock pot and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
By following these tips for checking for doneness, you can ensure that your Smithfield pork loin filet is perfectly cooked and ready to enjoy.
Serving And Enjoying Your Delicious Meal
Congratulations on cooking your delicious Smithfield pork loin filet in the crock pot! Now it’s time to serve and enjoy your meal.
First, sprinkle some fresh or dehydrated parsley on top of the pork and vegetables for a pop of color and flavor.
If desired, season with salt and pepper to taste.
Next, remove the pork loin filet and vegetables from the crock pot and place them on a serving dish.
Pour the thickened sauce over the pork and vegetables, making sure to cover them evenly.
Garnish with additional parsley or other herbs if desired, and serve hot.
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Enjoy your delicious and easy-to-make Smithfield pork loin filet in crock pot meal!