5 Easy Crock Pot Pork Recipes You'll Love

If you're a busy home cook looking to streamline your kitchen time without sacrificing flavor or nutrition, a slow cooker might just become your best friend. In particular, using a crock pot for pork recipes can transform tough cuts into succulent, melt-in-your-mouth delights. Here are five easy crock pot pork recipes that will not only fill your home with tempting aromas but also make your dinner a hit with the family or friends.

1. Pulled Pork Sandwiches

There's nothing like the simplicity and flavor of a good pulled pork sandwich to satisfy your comfort food cravings. Here’s how you do it:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 pork shoulder (about 3-4 lbs)
  • 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Hamburger buns
  • Coleslaw for serving
• Directions:
  1. Season the pork shoulder generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Mix BBQ sauce, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in the slow cooker.
  3. Place the pork into the cooker, turning once to coat with the sauce mixture.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until tender.
  5. Shred the pork with two forks, mix with the sauce, and serve on buns with coleslaw on top.

🍔 Note: Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce according to your taste preference; some prefer a stronger BBQ flavor while others like it subtle.

2. Sweet and Spicy Pork Tenderloin

If you enjoy a fusion of sweet and spicy flavors, this pork tenderloin recipe is the one for you:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 pork tenderloins
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Sriracha
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
• Directions:
  1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, Sriracha, garlic, and ginger.
  2. Place the pork tenderloins in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over them.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the pork is cooked through.
  4. Slice and serve with extra sauce from the cooker.

3. Pork Carnitas

For an authentic Mexican feast, carnitas are a crowd-pleaser:

• Ingredients:
  • 3 lbs pork shoulder, cut into chunks
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Directions:
  1. Mix all spices, lime juice, and orange juice in the slow cooker.
  2. Add pork, onion, and garlic to the mixture, stirring to coat.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until the pork is very tender.
  4. Using a slotted spoon, remove pork from the cooker, shred it, and crisp in a skillet for extra texture if desired.

🌮 Note: For the best carnitas texture, broil the shredded pork after slow cooking for 5 minutes until crispy on the edges.

4. Honey Garlic Pork Chops

These pork chops are sweet, savory, and incredibly easy to prepare:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 boneless pork chops
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Directions:
  1. Whisk together honey, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, and garlic powder.
  2. Season pork chops with salt and pepper, place them in the slow cooker.
  3. Pour the sauce over the chops.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
  5. Serve with sauce drizzled on top.

5. BBQ Ribs

Succulent, fall-off-the-bone BBQ ribs can be made effortlessly in a slow cooker:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 racks of pork ribs, trimmed and cut into individual ribs
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1/2 cup apple juice
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Directions:
  1. Combine BBQ sauce, apple juice, brown sugar, chili powder, and garlic powder.
  2. Layer ribs in the slow cooker with onion slices between layers.
  3. Pour the sauce mixture over the ribs, ensuring they are well coated.
  4. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  5. If desired, broil ribs for 5 minutes to get a charred, caramelized top.

The beauty of using a crock pot for pork recipes lies in its ability to infuse flavors slowly, making even the most robust cuts tender and flavorful. Whether you're looking for comfort food like pulled pork sandwiches or a twist on traditional dishes like honey garlic pork chops, these recipes cater to a wide variety of tastes and culinary adventures. Embrace the slow cooking method to bring out the best in your pork dishes, and impress your guests with minimal effort. Enjoy the heartwarming meal that awaits you!

Can I use frozen pork in a slow cooker?

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Yes, but ensure that the pork is cooked to an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) for safety. Cooking time will be extended significantly.

How do I prevent pork from drying out in a crock pot?

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Using the right amount of liquid, not overcooking, and selecting fattier cuts of pork like shoulder or belly can help keep the meat moist and tender.

What sides pair well with these pork recipes?

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Consider classic sides like mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, cornbread, or grilled vegetables to complement the richness of pork.