How Long to Cook Pork Roast in Slow Cooker: Foolproof Techniques for Tender and Juicy Results
How Long to Cook Pork Roast in Slow Cooker?
To cook a pork roast in a slow cooker, you will need to plan for a cooking time of approximately 8-10 hours on low heat or 4-6 hours on high heat.
This recipe suggests using a pork shoulder roast with the bone in, but a boneless roast can also be used.
Start by slicing onions and placing them on the bottom of the slow cooker.
Then, pat a seasoning mixture onto the top and sides of the roast before pouring chicken broth around it.
Cover and cook for the recommended time, until the pork is tender and easily shreddable.
This versatile dish can be served as a roast or used in various other dishes such as tacos, nachos, burritos, enchiladas, or quesadillas.
Remember that this recipe makes a large portion, so you can freeze the leftovers or check out the provided links for other slow cooker recipes.
Key Points:
- Cook pork roast in slow cooker for 8-10 hours on low heat or 4-6 hours on high heat.
- Can use either a pork shoulder roast with bone in or a boneless roast.
- Place sliced onions on bottom of slow cooker.
- Pat seasoning mixture onto roast and pour chicken broth around it.
- Cook until pork is tender and easily shreddable.
- Can serve as a roast or use in other dishes like tacos, nachos, burritos, enchiladas, or quesadillas.
Did You Know?
1. Contrary to popular belief, cooking a pork roast in a slow cooker can actually be done in as little as 4 hours on high heat, depending on the size and thickness of the roast.
2. Did you know that adding a bit of pineapple juice to the slow cooker when cooking a pork roast can help tenderize the meat? The natural enzymes in the pineapple juice work as a natural meat tenderizer.
3. For a deliciously savory flavor, try searing the pork roast in a hot pan before transferring it to the slow cooker. This will enhance the flavors and create a golden crust, resulting in a more delicious end result.
4. Placing a layer of sliced onions or apples at the bottom of the slow cooker before adding the pork roast not only adds flavor, but it also helps to keep the meat moist throughout the cooking process.
5. To ensure that your slow cooker pork roast is cooked to perfection, invest in a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the roast, and once it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), the pork roast is ready to be enjoyed!
Easy Pork Roast Recipe For Slow Cooker
In the realm of comfort food, few dishes compare to a succulent and tender pork roast. But making a pork roast in the oven can be time-consuming and require constant monitoring. Luckily, the slow cooker is here to save the day! This easy pork roast recipe for the slow cooker allows you to enjoy a flavorful and juicy roast without the hassle.
To make this delightful dish, you’ll only need five ingredients, making it a simple and affordable option for any home cook. The star of the show is a pork shoulder roast, preferably with the bone in for enhanced flavor, although a boneless roast can be used as well. Sliced onions are placed on the bottom of the slow cooker, providing a sweet and aromatic base for the meat.
- The slow cooker is a convenient and time-saving alternative to cooking meat in the oven.
- Pork shoulder roast, with or without the bone, is the main ingredient for this dish.
- Sliced onions add a sweet and aromatic flavor to the roast.
“In the realm of comfort food, few dishes compare to a succulent and tender pork roast.”
Ingredients And Seasoning For Flavorful Pork Roast
To achieve a burst of flavor in every bite, a seasoning mixture is patted onto the top and sides of the roast. This magical combination typically includes a blend of herbs and spices such as garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. The seasoning not only enhances the taste but also creates a beautiful crust on the meat during the slow cooking process.
To add an extra layer of depth and richness, chicken broth is poured around the roast. This savory liquid will infuse the pork with moisture, ensuring a tender and juicy result. The combination of onions, seasoning, and chicken broth creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Cooking Pork Roast In Slow Cooker: Step-By-Step Instructions
Cooking a pork roast in a slow cooker is a breeze. To begin, place the sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker. Then, pat the seasoning mixture onto the top and sides of the pork roast, ensuring a generous coating. Gently place the seasoned roast on top of the onions.
Next, pour the chicken broth around the roast, being careful not to wash away the seasoning. Cover the slow cooker and set it to either the low or high setting, depending on your preference and time availability. Cooking the pork roast on low can take anywhere from 8 to 10 hours, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. If you’re short on time, cooking on high for 4 to 6 hours will still yield a delicious result.
- Place sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker
- Pat seasoning mixture onto the top and sides of the pork roast
- Gently place the roast on top of the onions
- Pour the chicken broth around the roast
- Cover the slow cooker
- Set it to either low or high setting
- Cooking on low for 8 to 10 hours
- Cooking on high for 4 to 6 hours
Versatile Serving Options For Pork Roast
Once you’ve mastered this fantastic pork roast recipe, you’ll have a variety of serving options at your disposal. For a complete meal, consider adding potatoes and vegetables to the slow cooker alongside the pork roast. The vegetables will absorb the flavors of the meat and create a wholesome and satisfying dish.
If you’re looking for a snack or party food, try making pork nachos. Simply shred the cooked pork roast and pile it onto a bed of tortilla chips. Top with cheese, salsa, guacamole, and any other desired toppings. The combination of the tender shredded pork with the crunchy chips and flavorful toppings is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Another option is to use the shredded pork in various Mexican-inspired dishes. Whether it’s tacos, burritos, enchiladas, or quesadillas, the possibilities are endless. The shredded pork adds a delectable twist to these classics, bringing a burst of flavor and richness to every bite.
- For a complete meal, add potatoes and vegetables to the slow cooker alongside the pork roast.
- Pork nachos: Shred the cooked pork roast and pile it onto tortilla chips, then top with cheese, salsa, guacamole, and desired toppings.
- Mexican-inspired dishes: Use shredded pork in tacos, burritos, enchiladas, or quesadillas for added flavor and richness.
Tips For Freezing And Storing Shredded Pork Roast
This pork roast recipe yields a large portion, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep. If you find yourself with leftover shredded pork, fear not! It can be easily frozen for future use.
To freeze the shredded pork:
- Allow it to cool completely before transferring it into freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Label and date the containers.
- It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
To thaw the frozen pork:
- Simply transfer it to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight.
Once thawed, the pork can be reheated in:
- A skillet
- Microwave
This is a convenient and time-saving way to have flavorful and tender pork at your fingertips.
More Slow Cooker Recipes And Cooking Demos
If you’re looking for more slow cooker recipes, we have a wide variety to choose from. Our collection includes soups, stews, desserts, and even breakfast dishes. Check out our website for a selection of mouthwatering slow cooker recipes that will surely satisfy your taste buds.
For those who prefer visual instructions, we also have a YouTube channel where we share cooking demos of our most popular recipes. Make sure to subscribe to our channel so you never miss out on any cooking inspiration.
This foolproof technique for cooking pork roast in a slow cooker will completely change your dinner routine. With its easy preparation, rich flavors, and versatile serving options, this recipe is a must-try for both experienced cooks and beginners. Say goodbye to dry and boring pork roast and discover the tender and juicy perfection that a slow cooker can achieve.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does pork need to be slow cooked for?
For optimal results, it is recommended to slow cook pork for approximately 6-7 hours on high heat or 9-10 hours on low heat. The desired tenderness of the meat can be achieved when it easily pulls apart with a fork. Once cooked, carefully shred the pork, discard any significant fat pieces, and consider keeping some of the savory juice as a delightful addition when serving.
How do you know when pork roast is done in a slow cooker?
You can determine if a pork roast is done in a slow cooker by testing its tenderness. Gently insert a fork into the roast and if the meat easily tears away, your roast is ready to be enjoyed. However, for additional reassurance, you can also use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the pork roast reaches a safe range of 145 to 160 degrees.
Can you slow cook pork for 16 hours?
Slow cooking pork for 16 hours can result in an incredibly tender and flavorful dish. By placing the pork in a slow cooker and drizzling it with liquid smoke, the meat is infused with smoky flavors as it cooks on low heat for an extended period. As a result, the pork becomes incredibly tender and easily shreds apart with the use of two forks. The long cooking time allows the flavors to develop and intensify, resulting in a deliciously juicy and flavorful final product.
Does pork get more tender the longer it cooks in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! The slow and low cooking method in a slow cooker is ideal for making pork incredibly tender. By allowing the meat to cook slowly over an extended period of time, the connective tissues break down, resulting in a more tender and juicy outcome. This method ensures that the pork absorbs all the flavors and retains its natural moisture, providing a delicious and succulent final product. So, the longer the pork cooks in a slow cooker, the more tender and flavorful it becomes.
