Description of this recipe
This Slow Cooker Pork Loin Roast recipe delivers an incredibly tender and flavorful pork roast with minimal effort. The pork is seasoned with a vibrant spice rub and slow-cooked to perfection in a luscious honey-butter sauce. The resulting sauce is then thickened into a glorious glaze that elevates the pork to new heights. It’s a fantastic meal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Why you will love this recipe
- Effortless: The slow cooker does most of the work, freeing you up to focus on other things.
- Flavorful: The spice rub and honey-butter sauce create a delicious and complex flavor profile that complements the pork perfectly.
- Tender: Slow cooking ensures the pork is incredibly tender and juicy.
- Versatile: This recipe can be adapted to use different cuts of pork, such as pork shoulder or Boston butt.
- Impressive: The final dish looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare, making it perfect for entertaining.
Ingredients:
Pork:
- 1.75 – 2.5 kg / 3.5 – 5lb pork loin OR shoulder/boston butt ,or scotch fillet, skinless
Spice Rub:
- 1.5 tbsp olive oil, separated
- 2 tsp EACH paprika, thyme
- 1 tsp EACH garlic powder, onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, optional
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 tsp salt
Honey Butter Sauce:
- 3/4 cup honey
- 125g / 1/2 cup butter, unsalted
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp salt and pepper, each
Thickener:
- 3 tsp cornflour/cornstarch mixed with splash of water
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Spice Rub
In a small bowl, combine paprika, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), pepper, and salt. This aromatic blend will infuse the pork with a delightful savory depth.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Pork
Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a good sear. Rub the pork with about 1 tsp of olive oil, ensuring even coverage. Generously sprinkle the spice rub all over the pork, pressing it gently to adhere. The spice rub not only adds flavor but also helps create a beautiful crust during searing.
Step 3: Sear the Pork
Heat the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the pork loin in the hot skillet. Sear on all sides until deeply golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Be mindful not to burn the spices; adjust the heat if necessary. Searing the pork before slow cooking adds a layer of caramelized flavor and helps to lock in moisture.
Step 4: Prepare the Honey Butter Sauce
Wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel. Add the butter to the skillet and melt over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant and golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will turn bitter. Stir in the honey, cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook rapidly for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened. The honey butter sauce provides a sweet and tangy counterpoint to the savory pork.
Step 5: Slow Cook the Pork
Place the seared pork loin in the slow cooker. Pour the honey butter sauce evenly over the pork. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours for pork loin or 10 hours for pork shoulder/boston butt. The slow cooking process allows the pork to become incredibly tender and allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 6: Rest the Pork
Once the pork is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a serving platter. Cover loosely with foil and let it rest for 10-20 minutes. Resting the pork allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful roast.
Step 7: Thicken the Sauce
Pour all the juices from the slow cooker into a large saucepan. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornflour/cornstarch and a splash of water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the saucepan with the slow cooker juices and whisk to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook for 5 minutes, or until it reduces down to a syrupy consistency, stirring frequently. The cornflour slurry thickens the sauce into a luscious glaze that coats the pork beautifully.
Step 8: Slice and Serve
Slice the pork into thick slices (1.5 – 2 cm / 3/5 – 4/5″ thick). Serve immediately, drizzled generously with the thickened honey butter sauce.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted vegetables (such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes)
- Green beans
- Coleslaw
- Dinner rolls
Tips:
- For best results, use a high-quality pork loin or shoulder.
- Don’t skip the searing step, as it adds a significant amount of flavor to the dish.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking, or omit it altogether if you prefer a milder flavor.
- If you don’t have cider vinegar, you can substitute apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.
- For a richer sauce, you can add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the honey butter sauce.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
4-10 hours (depending on the cut of pork)
Total Time:
4 hours 20 minutes – 10 hours 20 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
Calories: Approximately 400-600 per serving Protein: Approximately 40-60 grams per serving Sodium: Approximately 500-800mg per serving
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Pork Loin Roast recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of tender pork, flavorful spice rub, and luscious honey butter sauce is simply irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a truly unforgettable meal.
Questions and Answers about this recipe
Q1: Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can! While the recipe calls for pork loin, you can also use pork shoulder (also known as Boston butt) or scotch fillet. Pork shoulder will require a longer cooking time (around 10 hours on low) to become tender, but it will be incredibly flavorful. Scotch fillet will cook similarly to pork loin.
Q2: Can I make this recipe in the oven or Instant Pot?
A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the oven or Instant Pot. For the oven, sear the pork as directed, then place it in a Dutch oven with the honey butter sauce. Cover and bake at 325°F (160°C) for about 2-3 hours for pork loin, or 4-5 hours for pork shoulder, or until the pork is very tender. For the Instant Pot, sear the pork as directed, then place it in the Instant Pot with the honey butter sauce. Cook on high pressure for 25-30 minutes for pork loin, or 60-75 minutes for pork shoulder, followed by a natural pressure release.
Q3: Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker with the pork?
A: Absolutely! Adding vegetables to the slow cooker is a great way to make this a complete one-pot meal. Root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions work particularly well. Add them to the slow cooker at the same time as the pork, or a few hours before the end of cooking time if you prefer them to be less soft.
Q4: Can I make the honey butter sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the honey butter sauce up to 2-3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to use it, simply reheat it in a saucepan over low heat until melted and smooth.
Q5: How do I know when the pork is done?
A: The best way to determine if the pork is done is to use a meat thermometer. For pork loin, the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). For pork shoulder, the internal temperature should reach 195-205°F (90-96°C) to be easily shredded. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can check for doneness by piercing the pork with a fork. If the pork is easily pierced and the juices run clear, it is likely done.
