Crock Pot Pork Loin

Crock Pot Pork Loin Recipe

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings

---

Ingredients:

• For the Pork Loin:

  • 3-4 pounds pork loin (boneless)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

• For the Cooking Liquid:

  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup apple cider (or white wine)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 2-3 carrots, sliced
  • 2-3 stalks celery, sliced

• For Serving:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

---

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pork Loin:

   • Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels. This helps to achieve a nice sear.
   • In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, and rosemary. Rub this spice mixture all over the pork loin, ensuring it’s evenly coated.

2. Sear the Pork (Optional but Recommended):

   • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork loin and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until browned. This step adds depth of flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.

3. Prepare the Crock Pot:

   • Place the sliced onion, carrots, and celery at the bottom of the crock pot. This will create a flavorful base and keep the pork elevated above the liquid.

4. Combine the Cooking Liquid:

   • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, apple cider, soy sauce, brown sugar, and minced garlic. Pour this mixture over the vegetables in the crock pot.

5. Cook the Pork Loin:

   • Place the seared pork loin on top of the vegetables and cooking liquid in the crock pot.
   • Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and is tender enough to shred with a fork.

6. Rest and Slice:

   • Once cooked, carefully remove the pork loin from the crock pot and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
   • Slice the pork loin against the grain into thick slices.

7. Serve:

   • Serve the sliced pork loin with the cooked vegetables and a drizzle of the cooking liquid from the crock pot. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added color and flavor.

---

Tips for the Best Results:

• Marinating: For even more flavor, consider marinating the pork loin in the spice rub and cooking liquid overnight in the refrigerator.
• Additions: Feel free to add other vegetables such as potatoes or parsnips to the crock pot for a complete meal.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen after a day in the fridge!

---

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 36g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 550mg

(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

---

This Crock Pot Pork Loin recipe is perfect for busy weekdays or a comforting weekend dinner. The slow cooking method ensures the pork is incredibly tender and infused with the savory flavors of the broth and spices. Pair it with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes or a fresh salad, for a complete meal that’s sure to impress! Enjoy your delicious and easy-to-make pork loin