5 Delicious Crock Pot Pork Loin Recipes
When it comes to easy, flavorful meals that require minimal effort, the slow cooker is your best ally. Crock Pot Pork Loin recipes are a staple for anyone looking to enjoy a succulent, tender pork dish with little to no work. Whether you're cooking for a family gathering, a cozy dinner, or meal prepping for the week, these five delicious recipes will elevate your culinary game. Let's explore some variations that are sure to become favorites in your kitchen.
1. Honey Garlic Pork Loin
If you're a fan of sweet and savory flavors, the Honey Garlic Pork Loin will tantalize your taste buds. Here's how you can make it:
- Ingredients:
- 1 pork loin (2-3 pounds)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Instructions:
- Mix honey, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, garlic, oils, and pepper in a bowl to make the marinade.
- Place the pork in the Crock Pot, pour the marinade over it, and ensure it's well coated.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or until the pork is fork-tender.
- Combine cornstarch and water, stir into the slow cooker's juices to thicken the sauce.
- Slice the pork and drizzle with the thickened sauce before serving.
✨ Note: For an extra layer of flavor, consider searing the pork loin in a hot pan before placing it in the Crock Pot.
2. Mediterranean-Style Pork Loin
Transport yourself to the Mediterranean with this Pork Loin recipe, rich with olives, tomatoes, and herbs:
- Ingredients:
- 1 pork loin (2-3 pounds)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Instructions:
- In the Crock Pot, combine tomatoes, olives, onion, garlic, oregano, basil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Season the pork loin with salt and pepper, then place it on top of the tomato mixture.
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
📝 Note: If you prefer a thicker sauce, consider adding a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
3. Spicy Pork Loin with Peppers
Turn up the heat with this Spicy Pork Loin recipe, which combines the zest of peppers with the rich flavor of pork:
- Ingredients:
- 1 pork loin (2-3 pounds)
- 2 red bell peppers, sliced
- 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Instructions:
- Season the pork with salt and pepper. Sear in a pan for a richer flavor, if desired.
- Add all ingredients into the Crock Pot, ensuring the pork is well covered by the other ingredients.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours, allowing the pork to absorb the spicy flavors.
- Slice the pork and serve with the sauce from the pot.
🔥 Note: Adjust the heat level by modifying the number of jalapeños or opting for milder peppers like Anaheim.
4. Bourbon Glazed Pork Loin
This Bourbon Glazed Pork Loin brings a rich, bourbon-infused flavor that pairs wonderfully with a slightly sweet glaze:
- Ingredients:
- 1 pork loin (2-3 pounds)
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary
- Instructions:
- Mix bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger in a bowl to form the marinade.
- Place pork in Crock Pot, pour marinade over it, and tuck in fresh herbs.
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours.
- Remove pork, thicken remaining juice with the cornstarch slurry, then drizzle over sliced pork.
📝 Note: For an adult-only treat, increase the bourbon for a more pronounced flavor, but ensure to reduce it for child-friendly servings.
5. Apple Cider Braised Pork Loin
This Apple Cider Braised Pork Loin offers a comforting, homey flavor that's perfect for cooler evenings:
- Ingredients:
- 1 pork loin (2-3 pounds)
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 apples, cored and quartered
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- Instructions:
- In the Crock Pot, place pork and layer with onions and apples.
- Pour over apple cider, then add herbs, cinnamon, and maple syrup.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or until pork is tender and apples are soft.
- Serve pork slices topped with apple-onion compote.
✨ Note: To intensify the flavors, sear the pork first. You can also thicken the sauce with a bit of cornstarch if desired.
With these Crock Pot Pork Loin recipes, you'll find that creating a memorable meal doesn't require hours of meticulous preparation or culinary expertise. Each recipe is designed to highlight the versatility of pork loin, making it an accessible ingredient for any home cook. By using your slow cooker, you not only save time but also infuse the meat with an array of flavors that develop over time. These dishes showcase the simplicity of slow cooking while delivering complex and satisfying flavors that will impress your guests or simply make your weekday dinner special.
Can I use pork tenderloin instead of pork loin for these recipes?
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Pork tenderloin is leaner and more delicate than pork loin. You can use it, but reduce cooking time and keep an eye on the meat to prevent it from becoming too dry.
How long can I keep the cooked pork loin in the fridge?
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Stored in an airtight container, cooked pork loin can last 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.
What sides go well with these pork loin recipes?
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Rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad are all excellent choices to accompany these dishes.