This Slow Cooker Pork Loin Roast is the epitome of comfort food – tender, juicy, and infused with the deep flavors of honey, butter, and garlic. It’s cooked low and slow to perfection, allowing the meat to soak up all the delicious flavors of the sauce, resulting in a dish that’s both flavorful and succulent.
Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this recipe is easy to prepare and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides like sautéed spinach, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad. Whether you’re serving it for a family meal or a dinner party, this dish will surely be a crowd-pleaser and leave everyone asking for the recipe!
Full Recipe:
- 1.75 – 2.5 kg (3.5 – 5 lb) pork loin or shoulder (Boston butt), or scotch fillet, skinless
- 1.5 tbsp olive oil, separated
Spice Rub:
- 2 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp salt
Honey Butter Sauce:
- 3/4 cup honey
- 125g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Thickener:
- 3 tsp cornflour (cornstarch), mixed with a splash of water
Directions:
- Spice Rub: Rub pork with about 1 tsp of olive oil. Mix the spice rub ingredients together, then sprinkle evenly over the pork. Pat to adhere.
- Sear Pork: Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pork and sear all around until deeply golden brown. Place the pork in a slow cooker.
- Honey Butter Sauce: Wipe the pan, add the butter, and melt. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until golden. Add the honey, cider vinegar, salt, and pepper, and mix well. Simmer rapidly for 30 seconds.
- Slow Cook: Pour the sauce over the pork in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW:
- Pork Loin: 4-5 hours
- Pork Shoulder: 10 hours
- Rest Pork & Make Sauce: Remove the pork onto a serving platter and cover loosely with foil for 10-20 minutes. Pour all the juices from the slow cooker into a saucepan. Add the cornflour water mixture and simmer on medium-high for about 5 minutes, or until it reduces to a syrupy consistency.
- Serve: Slice pork into thick slices (1.5 – 2 cm) and serve with plenty of the Honey Butter Sauce.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 5-10 hours (depending on pork cut) | Total Time: 5-10 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 561 kcal per serving | Servings: 8 servings
Recipe Versatility
This Slow Cooker Pork Loin Roast is an incredibly flexible dish that works well with different cuts of pork, making it an adaptable recipe that fits various tastes and preferences. Whether you choose a lean pork loin or a fattier pork shoulder, the slow cooking process ensures a tender, juicy result every time. The honey butter garlic sauce infuses the meat with a sweet, savory, and rich flavor, creating a balance that complements the natural taste of the pork perfectly.
Perfecting the Spice Rub
The spice rub in this recipe brings out the flavors in the pork and adds depth to the dish. It consists of a mix of thyme, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. If you’re looking to experiment, try adding a touch of smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness, or cumin for a deeper earthy flavor. The cayenne pepper is optional but adds a slight kick that contrasts well with the sweetness of the honey butter sauce.
Making the Honey Butter Sauce
The honey butter sauce is the real star of this recipe, enhancing the pork with its glossy finish and rich taste. The combination of honey, butter, and garlic with a touch of cider vinegar creates a sweet and tangy sauce that perfectly complements the pork. Reducing the sauce after cooking thickens it to a maple syrup consistency, which is perfect for drizzling over the sliced pork.
The sauce can also be used beyond the pork – try spooning it over roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice for an extra burst of flavor.
Searing: The Key to Flavor
One of the critical steps in this recipe is searing the pork before placing it in the slow cooker. Searing locks in the juices, creates a beautiful golden crust, and adds layers of flavor to the meat. This caramelization process gives the pork a roasted appearance and enriches the final taste of the dish.
Tips for Tender, Juicy Pork
- For Pork Loin: Since pork loin is lean, the slow cooking method ensures it stays juicy. Cooking on low for 4-5 hours is ideal for achieving a tender roast that’s still sliceable.
- For Pork Shoulder: This cut requires a longer cooking time to break down the fibers and fat, resulting in meat that is tender enough to fall apart. Cooking it for around 10 hours on low will give you that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Resting the Meat: After cooking, letting the meat rest covered in foil allows the juices to redistribute throughout the pork, making it even more tender and flavorful.
Alternative Cooking Methods
If you don’t have a slow cooker, the recipe can also be adapted for other cooking methods:
- Instant Pot / Pressure Cooker: Pork shoulder can be cooked for about 1 hour and 20 minutes on high pressure. Follow the same searing and sauce-making steps in the Instant Pot using the sauté function.
- Oven: The pork can be roasted in the oven by following a similar searing process, then covering the pork and sauce tightly in foil. Bake at around 160°C (320°F) for 3-4 hours, depending on the cut and size.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to make your meal complete:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes balances the sweetness of the honey butter sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, green beans, and Brussels sprouts roasted with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper make a delicious and colorful side.
- Sautéed Greens: Spinach or kale sautéed with a little garlic and olive oil provide a light and healthy contrast to the rich pork.
Leftover Ideas
If you have any leftovers, they are perfect for:
- Sandwiches: Shred the pork and layer it in a bread roll with cheese and pickles for a Cuban-style sandwich.
- Tacos: Serve the shredded pork in soft tacos with salsa, fresh cilantro, and lime for a quick meal.
- Salad Topping: Add the pork slices over a fresh salad for a hearty lunch or dinner option.
Nutritional Information
This recipe serves approximately 8 people, with around 561 kcal per serving. The high protein content (about 56g per serving) makes it a satisfying main course, while the honey and butter contribute to its richness and flavor.
The Origin and Popularity of Pork Loin Roasts
Pork loin roasts have long been a beloved dish in many cuisines around the world. In European countries like Italy, Spain, and France, pork roasts have been traditionally cooked with herbs, garlic, and olive oil, with variations depending on regional flavors. The slow-cooked method enhances the juiciness of the meat, which is why it has become a staple cooking style for many cuts, especially those that are lean like pork loin or richly marbled like pork shoulder.
Why Use a Slow Cooker for Pork Roast?
Slow cooking is a fantastic method for pork roasts because it tenderizes even the leanest cuts of pork, like the loin. The long, low-temperature cooking process breaks down the connective tissues and allows the flavors to meld together. This “set it and forget it” method ensures you don’t have to spend a lot of time monitoring the dish while still achieving a restaurant-quality roast.
Additionally, using a slow cooker for pork roasts enhances the flavor absorption, making the meat tender enough to slice but still able to hold its shape. The end result is juicy, flavorful slices of pork that pair beautifully with a thickened honey butter garlic sauce.
Flavor Variations and Customization Ideas
One of the highlights of this recipe is its versatility. You can play around with flavors by adding or swapping ingredients based on preference and dietary needs. Here are some ideas:
- Add Citrus Zest: Enhance the sauce with the zest of an orange or lemon to introduce a refreshing citrus note that balances the honey’s sweetness.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a hint of heat, add a finely chopped chili pepper or a sprinkle of chili flakes to the sauce.
- Herb Varieties: Swap thyme with rosemary or sage for a different aromatic profile. Fresh herbs work best for a more fragrant finish.
- Smoky Flavor: Incorporate a smoked paprika or chipotle powder to give the roast a smoky flavor, mimicking the taste of a slow-smoked barbecue pork.
- Sweetness Variations: While honey is the star of this dish, you can substitute maple syrup or brown sugar for a different type of sweetness. Maple syrup pairs wonderfully with the pork and offers a more subtle flavor.
Side Dishes and Serving Styles
This recipe is a perfect base for building a complete meal. Here are some additional side dish ideas and presentation styles to make it a full dining experience:
- Creamy Polenta: The smooth and creamy texture of polenta complements the richness of the pork sauce. Add Parmesan and butter to the polenta for an added burst of flavor.
- Apple and Cabbage Slaw: A tangy slaw made with shredded cabbage, apples, and a touch of apple cider vinegar adds a crisp contrast to the warm, tender pork roast.
- Roasted Root Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes, roasted with rosemary and olive oil, make for a deliciously earthy and colorful side.
- Buttered Egg Noodles: A simple side of egg noodles tossed in butter and parsley serves as a great base to soak up the honey butter sauce.
- Grilled Pineapple Slices: The caramelized pineapple slices offer a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory pork and add a tropical touch to your meal.
Meal Prep and Make-Ahead Tips
This dish is excellent for meal prep, especially if you’re looking to save time and effort on busy days. You can prep it in multiple ways:
- Overnight Marinade: Rub the spice mixture over the pork the night before and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help the flavors penetrate deeper into the meat.
- Pre-Seared and Sauced: Sear the pork and make the honey butter sauce a day in advance, then store both separately in the refrigerator. The next day, just add them to the slow cooker.
- Freezing the Leftovers: If you have leftover pork, you can slice or shred it, then freeze it with the sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
Transforming Leftovers into New Meals
Transforming leftover pork roast into new dishes is a great way to make the most of this recipe. Here are some creative ideas:
- Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwiches: Mix leftover shredded pork with some BBQ sauce and serve on buns with coleslaw for a quick and tasty sandwich.
- Breakfast Pork Hash: Dice leftover pork and sauté with potatoes, bell peppers, onions, and a sprinkle of herbs for a hearty breakfast hash. Top with a fried egg for a complete meal.
- Asian-Inspired Stir-Fry: Slice the leftover pork and add it to a quick stir-fry with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers. Serve over steamed rice or noodles.
- Pork Fried Rice: Chop up the pork and add it to fried rice with peas, carrots, and scrambled eggs. A touch of soy sauce or hoisin sauce will add a great umami flavor.
Health and Nutritional Benefits
This pork loin recipe is not only flavorful but also a balanced option when served with the right sides:
- Lean Protein: Pork loin is a lean cut, providing a high-protein meal with lower fat content compared to other cuts.
- Balanced Fats: The sauce includes healthy fats from olive oil and butter. To make it healthier, you can opt for clarified butter (ghee) or reduce the amount of honey if you’re watching sugar intake.
- Serving Size Control: This recipe can easily be adjusted for portion control, making it suitable for different dietary needs. The sauce can be served on the side to allow everyone to add as much or as little as they prefer.
Wine Pairing Recommendations
To elevate your dining experience, consider pairing your Slow Cooker Pork Loin Roast with the right wine:
- White Wines: A medium-bodied Chardonnay or a Pinot Grigio pairs well with the buttery and honey notes in the sauce.
- Red Wines: A light and fruity red wine like Pinot Noir complements the pork without overpowering its flavor. If you prefer something bolder, go for a Zinfandel which enhances the sweetness and spices in the dish.
- Non-Alcoholic Options: If you prefer a non-alcoholic drink, try a sparkling apple cider or a ginger-infused lemonade. The sweetness and acidity will work nicely with the honey garlic sauce.
How to Make It Kid-Friendly
If you’re cooking for kids or looking for a family-friendly version:
- Reduce Spices: Omit the cayenne pepper or reduce the amount of paprika in the spice rub to make it milder.
- Sweeten the Sauce: Increase the honey in the sauce for a slightly sweeter taste, which many kids enjoy. You can also add a touch of apple juice to the sauce to enhance the sweetness.
More Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Avoid Overcooking: Using a meat thermometer is an excellent way to ensure the pork loin doesn’t overcook. The internal temperature for pork loin should be around 145°F (63°C) when done.
- Use a Slow Cooker Liner: To make clean-up easier, use a slow cooker liner. It helps prevent sticking and makes transferring leftovers easier.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Pork Loin Roast is a flavorful, tender, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The honey butter garlic sauce adds a deliciously sweet and savory touch, while the slow-cooking process ensures juicy, melt-in-your-mouth pork. With easy prep, multiple side options, and leftovers that can be transformed into new meals, this recipe is a reliable and crowd-pleasing addition to your cooking repertoire. Whether for a family dinner or a special gathering, it’s a guaranteed hit that everyone will enjoy.