Are you looking for a delicious and easy way to cook center cut pork loin? Look no further than your trusty crock pot!
With a few simple steps and the right ingredients, you can have a juicy and flavorful pork roast ready to serve for dinner.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about cooking center cut pork loin in a crock pot, including the best cuts of pork to use, seasoning tips, and cooking times.
So grab your crock pot and let’s get started!
How To Cook Center Cut Pork Loin In Crock Pot?
First things first, let’s talk about the best cuts of pork to use for a crock pot pork roast. While center cut pork loin is a great choice, it’s important to note that it is a lean cut of meat and should be cooked low and slow to prevent it from drying out.
Other great options for a crock pot pork roast include pork shoulder, scotch fillet roast (also known as pork neck), and other cuts with more fat marbled through them. These cuts will become beautifully juicy as they cook and the fat melts.
Once you’ve chosen your cut of pork, it’s time to season it for extra flavor. A simple spice mix of salt, pepper, garlic, onion powder, and paprika is a great place to start. Be sure to rub the spices evenly over the entire surface of the pork.
Now it’s time to sear the pork for added flavor. Heat up some oil in a skillet and brown the pork on all sides before placing it in the crock pot. Don’t skip this step – it’s imperative for great flavor!
Next, add some broth or other liquid to the bottom of the crock pot to help keep the pork moist as it cooks. Set your crock pot to low heat and let it cook for several hours until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
It’s important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size of your pork roast and your specific crock pot. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness after a couple of hours and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Once your pork roast is fully cooked, remove it from the crock pot and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Choosing The Right Cut Of Pork Loin
When it comes to choosing the right cut of pork loin for a crock pot pork roast, center cut pork loin is a popular choice. This cut of meat is lean and tender, making it a great option for those who want a healthier meal. However, it’s important to note that this lean meat can easily dry out if overcooked, so it’s crucial to cook it low and slow in a crock pot.
If you prefer a juicier and more flavorful pork roast, other cuts of pork may be better suited for your crock pot recipe. Pork shoulder and scotch fillet roast (also known as pork neck) are great options that have more fat marbled through them. These cuts will become beautifully tender and juicy as they cook in the crock pot, and the fat will melt to add extra flavor.
When selecting your pork loin roast, look for one that is pinkish-red in color with some marbling in the meat. Avoid meat that is pale in color or has dark spots on the fat. You can buy the loin bone-in or boneless, depending on your preference.
Remember to always season your pork roast with a spice rub or marinade for added flavor. And don’t skip the searing step – it’s essential for creating a delicious crust on the outside of the meat.
Preparing The Pork Loin For The Crock Pot
To prepare your center cut pork loin for the crock pot, start by spraying the bottom and sides of the crock pot with cooking spray. Then, slice an onion into round circle slices and lay them on the bottom of the crock pot.
Place the pork loin on top of the onions, fat side up. Drizzle some olive oil over the top of the pork loin and sprinkle the spice mix evenly over the entire surface. Rub the spices into the meat to ensure that they are distributed evenly.
Now it’s time to sear the pork loin for added flavor. Heat up some oil in a skillet and brown the pork on all sides until it’s nicely browned.
Once the pork is browned, place it in the crock pot on top of the onions. Add two cups of broth or other liquid to the crock pot to help keep the pork moist as it cooks.
Set your crock pot to low heat and let it cook for 6 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness after a couple of hours and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Once your pork loin is fully cooked, remove it from the crock pot and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This will help to keep it juicy and tender. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Seasoning Your Pork Loin For Maximum Flavor
To achieve maximum flavor in your center cut pork loin, it’s important to season it properly. While a dry rub or marinade can take hours to fully infuse the meat with flavor, even a short resting time can make a big difference.
To start, mix together a blend of spices such as garlic powder, oregano, cumin, coriander, thyme, and salt. This will form a seasoning that can be rubbed onto the pork loin to ensure it’s well seasoned throughout.
When adding the seasoning to the pork loin, be sure to cover all sides of the meat evenly. You can use your hands to firmly rub the seasoning onto the surface of the pork loin. Let the meat sit for at least 30 minutes after seasoning to allow the flavors to penetrate.
For an even bolder flavor, consider marinating the pork loin overnight in a dry rub or marinade. This will allow the flavors to work their way into the meat much further than a quick preparation. The longer you allow your pork loin to sit with the seasoning, the more bold its flavor will be.
It’s also important to note that all seasonings should be added to the pork loin at the same time. To ensure you don’t forget any key pieces of your flavor profile, consider prepping all your dry rub or marinade ingredients before you start seasoning.
Setting The Crock Pot Cooking Time And Temperature
When it comes to cooking center cut pork loin in a crock pot, it’s important to choose the right cooking time and temperature for the best results. The low setting on a crock pot typically ranges between 190-210°F (88°C), while the high setting ranges from 170-300°F (149°C). The warm setting, which is used for keeping food warm after cooking, typically ranges between 145-165°F.
For center cut pork loin, it’s best to cook it on the low setting for several hours until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. It’s important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size of your pork roast and your specific crock pot. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness after a couple of hours and adjust the cooking time as needed.
It’s also important to add some liquid to the bottom of the crock pot to help keep the pork moist as it cooks. This could be broth, water, or even apple juice for added flavor. Be sure to not overfill the crock pot, as it should only be filled between 1/2 to 3/4 full to conform to recommended cook times.
In addition, searing the pork before placing it in the crock pot is highly recommended for added flavor. Heat up some oil in a skillet and brown the pork on all sides before placing it in the crock pot.
Checking And Serving Your Perfectly Cooked Pork Loin
After letting your pork roast rest for 15 minutes, it’s time to check for doneness and serve. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork. The ideal temperature for pork is 145°F, but it’s okay to remove it from the crock pot a few degrees early and let it rest so that the carryover cooking can bring it up to the safe temperature.
If you find that your pork is not fully cooked yet, return it to the crock pot and continue cooking until it reaches the desired temperature. Remember, you can always cook it longer, but once it’s overdone, there’s no going back.
When slicing your pork roast, be sure to cut against the grain for maximum tenderness. You can serve your pork with a variety of sides such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Leftover pork is great for sandwiches or added to salads for a quick and easy meal.