Tender Slow-Cooked Pork Loin: Juicy and Flavorful Every Time!
Nutritional value per serving
Calories300kcal
Carbs5gram
Fat12gram
Protein35gram
Ingredients
- Pork loin roast (about 2 lbs) - choose a fresh, firm pork loin with minimal discoloration900 g
- Olive oil - use extra virgin for better flavor2 tbsp
- Garlic cloves - fresh, firm cloves with no sprouts3 pieces
- Onion - medium size, firm and without blemishes1 piece
- Chicken broth or stock - low sodium if possible1 cup
- Dried thyme - fresh is optional1 tsp
- Salt - to taste1 tsp
- Black pepper - freshly ground preferred0.5 tsp
This slow-cooked pork loin recipe yields a tender, juicy, and flavorful main dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Using your slow cooker, you simply assemble the ingredients, set it, and let it cook low and slow for a few hours. The key to juicy pork loin is maintaining a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) followed by a rest period, which ensures the meat stays moist and safe. This recipe costs approximately $12 USD (11 EUR, 9 GBP, 960 INR) for all ingredients and provides about 4 servings. Each serving has roughly 300 calories, making it a balanced choice for most diets. Difficulty level is easy, and total cooking time is about 5 hours including prep. Follow the simple steps outlined below, and enjoy a warm, comforting meal with minimal effort!
Preparation instructions
Prepare the ingredients
1Peel and mince the garlic cloves. Peel and slice the onion into rings or half-rings. Pat the pork loin dry using paper towels, this helps it brown better.
Sear the pork loin
2In a pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the pork loin on all sides until golden brown (about 4 minutes per side). Searing locks in juices and adds flavor.
Place pork and aromatics in slow cooker
3Put the sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the browned pork loin on top. Sprinkle thyme, salt, and pepper evenly over the meat.
Add broth and cover
4Pour the chicken broth around the pork loin, not directly on top to avoid washing off seasoning. Cover with the slow cooker lid.
Set slow cooker and cook
5Set the slow cooker to LOW and cook for 4 to 5 hours. This low temperature and long time ensures tender, juicy pork.
Check internal temperature
6Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the pork to check the temperature. Pork is safe to eat at 145°F (63°C), but slow cooking usually brings it to about 190°F (88°C) which makes it extremely tender.
Rest and serve
7Once cooked, let the pork loin rest outside the cooker for 10 minutes before slicing. This lets the juices redistribute and keeps the meat moist.
Cooking Tips
1Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and knives for raw pork and other ingredients.
2If you don't have a slow cooker, you can cook the pork loin in a covered baking dish at 300°F (150°C) for about 2-3 hours.
3For extra flavor, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or herbs like rosemary or sage.
4Make sure not to lift the slow cooker lid too often during cooking, as it lowers the temperature and extends cooking time.
Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker or crockpot
- Frying pan for searing pork
- Meat thermometer (for checking internal temperature)
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cup
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Pork loin roast (about 900 g / 2 pounds) - Usually found fresh in the meat department, choose a firm, pink loin without any off smell. Approx cost: $8
- [ ] Olive oil (at least 2 tbsp needed) - Extra virgin olive oil preferred for flavor. Approx cost: $0.50
- [ ] Garlic (3 cloves) - Fresh, firm bulbs without green sprouts. Approx cost: $0.30
- [ ] Onion (1 medium) - Choose firm, unblemished onion. Approx cost: $0.50
- [ ] Chicken broth or stock (1 cup) - Low sodium preferred. Approx cost: $1
- [ ] Dried thyme (1 tsp) - If unavailable, dried rosemary or sage works too. Approx cost: $0.20
- [ ] Salt & black pepper - pantry staples, minimal cost
Total approximate cost: $10 - $12
Tips: Choose fresh meat with good color and firmness. Fresh garlic and onion add aroma and flavor. Low sodium broth gives better control over saltiness.
FAQ
How do I know when the pork loin is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Pork loin is safe to eat at 145°F (63°C), but for tender slow-cooked pork, around 190°F (88°C) is common.
Can I cook the pork loin on high instead of low?
You can cook on high for about 3-4 hours, but the meat might not be as tender. Slow cooking on low is best for a juicy and tender result.
Do I need to sear the pork loin before slow cooking?
Searing adds flavor and helps lock in juices, but it is optional if you're short on time.
Can I use other herbs instead of thyme?
Yes, rosemary, sage, or a blend of Italian herbs work well as alternatives.