🍖 Pork Loin in a Slow Cooker (Juicy & Tender)
Slow cooking works beautifully for pork loin — as long as you don’t overcook it (it’s leaner than pork shoulder).
🧂 Ingredients
- 2–3 lb pork loin (not tenderloin)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil (optional, for searing)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional)
Optional add-ins:
- Baby potatoes
- Carrots
- Sliced onions
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Season
Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Rub all over pork loin.
2️⃣ (Optional but recommended) Sear
Heat olive oil in a skillet. Sear pork 2–3 minutes per side for extra flavor.
3️⃣ Slow Cook
Place pork in slow cooker.
Mix broth, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and Dijon. Pour around (not over the top to keep seasoning intact).
Add veggies around the meat if using.
4️⃣ Cook Time
- LOW: 4–5 hours
- HIGH: 2–3 hours
Cook until internal temp reaches 145°F (63°C).
⚠️ Overcooking will make it dry.
5️⃣ Rest
Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
🍯 Optional Gravy
Remove pork.
Whisk 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water.
Stir into slow cooker juices on HIGH until thickened.
🔥 Flavor Variations
- Garlic Herb: Add rosemary & thyme
- BBQ Style: Replace sauce with BBQ sauce
- Apple Cinnamon: Add sliced apples + ½ tsp cinnamon
- Mexican Style: Add cumin, chili powder, and salsa
If you tell me what sides you’re planning, I can tailor the flavor profile to match.
