With fall and winter right around the corner, you might be looking for a meal that's hearty, comforting and great for the whole family. Look no further than slow cooker pork loin! Delivering tender, flavorful results with minimal effort, a Crock Pot pork loin will save you time in the kitchen while ensuring crowd-pleasing results every time.
Read on for the steps to making a delicious pork recipe starting from frozen and the tips and tricks to keep in mind along the way.
A step-by-step guide to preparing frozen pork loin in a slow cooker
Serves: 1
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 hours
Ingredients
- 2 packs of Hatfield® Touch of Sea Salt Pork Loin Filet.
- 1.5 tbsp olive oil, separated.
- 2 tsp. paprika.
- 2 tsp. thyme.
- 1 tsp. garlic powder.
- 1 tsp. onion powder.
- ½ tsp. cayenne pepper, optional.
- ½ tsp. pepper.
- 2 tsp. salt.
- ¾ cup honey.
- ½ cup butter, unsalted.
- 5 cloves garlic, minced.
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar.
- 3 tsp. cornflour or cornstarch, mixed with a splash of water.
Bringing your slow cooker pork loin recipe to life
- Let frozen pork thaw: If you're starting with frozen meat, move the pork loin to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight.
- Spice your rub: First, rub your pork with about 1 tsp. of oil. Then, mix the paprika, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt and black pepper together to make a rub. Sprinkle the mixed spices evenly over the meat and gently pat it down to make sure it sticks.
- Brown the meat: Now, heat 1 Tbsp. of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your pork and sear it on all sides until it's deep golden brown — but try not to let the spices burn. Then, place your dry-rubbed and browned meat in a slow cooker, Instant Pot or Crock Pot.
- Add honey butter sauce: Next, wipe down your pan, add butter and let it melt. After this, add the minced garlic and cook for one minute until golden. Finally, add the honey and apple cider vinegar, mix together and simmer for 30 seconds.
- Let cook in slow cooker: Pour this sauce over the pork and cover the slow cooker. Then, cook on low for four to five hours. (Note: your cooking time will change depending on the size and cut of the pork you use).
- Remove from slow cooker: After this time, remove the pork from your slow cooker or Instant Pot, place it onto a serving platter and cover loosely with foil. Let the meat rest for 10 to 20 minutes.
- Mix and thicken your extra sauce: While the pork rests, pour all the juices from your Crock Pot into a large saucepan. Then, add your cornflour and water mixture to the cooker and combine. Be sure to simmer on medium-high for five minutes or until it reduces down to a syrupy consistency to let the sauce thicken.
- Pour, slice and serve: Finally, add the sauce to the meat, cut into thick slices and serve!
Ready to get started? Head to your local grocery store to pick up your favorite Hatfield® pork products for a delectable result!
Tips, tricks and other considerations for cooking pork loin
Before jumping into your next meal time adventure, consider the following frequently asked questions, so you're ready to cook your favorite pork recipe to perfection every time.
What do I need to keep in mind when starting with frozen meat?
If you're planning on cooking frozen meat, it's important you allow for thawing and extra cooking time. To safely thaw frozen pork loin for slow cooking, it's best to transfer it to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight or longer if time permits. Gradually thawing the meat and using a slow cooker is a great way to ensure even defrosting and cooking.
Can I use a pork tenderloin?
If you have frozen pork tenderloin, pork shoulder or pork roast on hand, you can certainly use them in this Crock Pot recipe. However, because these are different cuts of pork and ultimately distinct sizes, they have their own cooking time recommendations to follow. A slow cooker pork tenderloin will cook faster due to its smaller size, while a pork loin roast will likely need more time, so be sure to adjust your cooking times accordingly.
How do I know when pork is safe to eat?
You can make sure your pork is fully cooked and safe to eat by using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Whether you're using a pork loin, pork tenderloin, pork shoulder or pork loin roast, the meat needs to reach an internal temperature of 145 to ensure food safety. To check, simply insert your meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat for the most accurate reading.
Can I use a different rub or sauce?
Yes! If our honey butter sauce with a touch of spice isn't your or your family's flavor, no worries. There are plenty of rub and sauce options available that cater to every taste preference — from a classic BBQ sauce option to a sweet brown sugar glaze to everything in between.
You can also start with a pre-marinated option for an even simpler mealtime. With dry-rubbed, pre-seasoned options like Hatfield® Savory Brown Sugar Pork Loin Filet or Hatfield® Garlic Mustard Pork Loin Filet, you not only save time on seasoning and marinating but also enjoy equally delicious and flavorful results that everyone can enjoy.
The role of quality in irresistible pork loin dishes
When you're making a safe and hearty meal for your loved ones, choosing high-quality products is essential. Hatfield® offers premium pork products crafted with care and sustainability, ensuring a delicious and reliable choice for pork loin every time.
With a range of pre-seasoned options like Hatfield® Rotisserie Seasoned Pork Loin Filet and Hatfield® Nashville Hot Pork Loin Filet, you can save time in the kitchen and spend it with the people you love most. And, the delectable results will leave everyone wanting more.
If you're ready to dive into your next mealtime adventure, you can use our store locator to find your favorite Hatfield® pork products at a supermarket or grocery store near you to get started!
