Slow Cooker Pork Loin: A Simple, Delicious Recipe for Weeknight Dinners
Are you looking for a simple, delicious, and easy recipe for a weeknight dinner that doesn't require hours of slaving over a hot stove? Look no further than this slow cooker pork loin recipe! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and will leave you with a juicy, tender, and flavorful pork loin that the whole family will love.
Why Choose a Slow Cooker Pork Loin?
Slow cookers are amazing kitchen appliances that allow you to create incredibly flavorful and tender dishes with minimal effort. A slow cooker pork loin recipe is a fantastic choice because:
- Convenience: Simply toss your ingredients in the slow cooker in the morning, and come home to a perfectly cooked meal.
- Flavor: The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a much more flavorful pork loin than you'd get from other cooking methods.
- Tenderness: The low and slow cooking method breaks down the tough connective tissues in the pork loin, resulting in incredibly tender meat.
- Versatility: This recipe is easily adaptable – you can add different vegetables, herbs, and spices to customize it to your liking.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This slow cooker pork loin recipe requires only a few simple ingredients:
- 3-4 pound boneless pork loin
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels. This helps to achieve a nice sear.
- Season the pork loin generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Slow Cooking:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork loin on all sides until lightly browned. This step is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor.
- Transfer the seared pork loin to your slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard.
- Pour the mixture over the pork loin in the slow cooker.
Cooking Time and Temperature:
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Important: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork loin is cooked through. Undercooked pork can be dangerous.
Serving Suggestions:
Once the pork loin is cooked, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful pork loin.
Serve your slow cooker pork loin with your favorite sides. Some suggestions include:
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted vegetables
- Green beans
- Rice
- Salad
Tips for Success:
- Don't overcrowd your slow cooker: Leave some space around the pork loin to allow for even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer: This is the best way to ensure your pork loin is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile.
This slow cooker pork loin recipe is a perfect example of how easy and delicious weeknight dinners can be. Enjoy!
