You can cook this slow cooker pork roast in the oven, in the pressure cooker, or in the slow cooker. The honey butter garlic sauce is delicious! This slow cooker pork roast recipe works great with pork loin, shoulder, or scotch fillet.
This pork loin cooked in the crock pot will blow your mind. It’s easy enough to make during the week and fancy enough to serve to guests.
I will do everything I can to get you to try this, so let me say it again:
For incredibly juicy tender pork loin with a blushing pink center low and slow roasting is a must. But determining exactly how long to slow roast a pork loin leaves many home cooks perplexed. Follow this guide for foolproof timings and temperatures for pork loin roasting success.
Why Slow Roast Pork Loin?
Compared to quick hot roasting slow roasting pork loin has some major advantages
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Gradual cooking at a lower oven temp allows the fat to fully render.
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The meat cooks evenly from edge to center without drying out.
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Connective tissue has time to break down, resulting in supreme tenderness.
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You achieve the ideal juicy center with just a hint of pink.
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Infusing deep flavor right into the meat with aromatics in a slow braise.
For the most succulent, tender pork loin possible, low and slow roasting really is the way to go.
Choosing the Right Size Pork Loin
When selecting a pork loin roast for slow roasting, aim for a 2-3 lb size. Key benefits of this smaller roast include:
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Fits nicely in a roasting pan without overlapping.
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Cooks evenly since it’s not too thick.
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Feeds 4-6 people without major leftovers.
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Takes under 2 hours to fully roast.
Look for a roast with some marbling and a thicker fat cap on top. The fat bastes the meat from within and atop during the slow roast.
Estimating Roast Time Based on Weight
So exactly how long should you expect to roast a 2-3 lb pork loin? Here are some general time estimates:
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15-20 minutes per pound at 300°F.
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A 2 lb roast takes 30-40 minutes.
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A 3 lb roast takes 45-60 minutes.
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Larger roasts need more time.
Remember these are approximations. The exact time varies based on several factors.
Key Factors that Impact Roast Duration
From oven calibration to meat shape, several variables affect total roast time. Here are some key factors to consider:
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Oven accuracy – Confirm your oven temp with an oven thermometer.
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Meat shape and length – Long, skinny roasts take longer than short, wide ones.
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Bone-in or boneless – Bone-in roasts require a bit more roast time.
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Brining – Brined meats may cook slightly faster than unbrined.
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Resting time – Don’t forget to factor in a rest after roasting.
For the best accuracy, use an instant read meat thermometer to determine doneness.
Monitoring Temperature for Perfect Doneness
While roast time estimates provide a starting point, use a thermometer to gauge doneness precisely. Signs pork loin is cooked perfectly:
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140-145°F internal temp for pink, juicy meat.
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Meat springs back slightly when pressed.
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Center no longer looks raw or translucent.
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Clear juices run from the roast when sliced.
Pull the pork loin once it hits 140-145° in the thickest section. The temp will rise a bit during resting.
Allowing Ample Time for Resting
Never omit letting the pork loin rest after roasting. Resting allows juices to redistribute so meat stays juicy. Follow these guidelines:
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Loosely tent pork loin with foil and let rest 10-15 minutes.
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The juices will reabsorb into the meat rather than spill out.
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Result is a super tender and succulent roasted pork loin.
Now let’s walk through the full process of roasting pork loin low and slow.
Step-by-Step Guide to Slow Roasting Pork Loin
Follow this timeline for perfectly juicy, tender slow roasted pork loin:
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10am: Remove pork loin from fridge. Pat dry, season all over with salt, pepper and herbs.
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10:30am: Preheat oven to 300°F. Place seasoned pork loin on a rack in a roasting pan.
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11am: Roast pork loin 15 minutes at 300°F to brown exterior. Reduce temp to 275°F.
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11:45am: Pork hits 140°F internally. Remove from oven, tent loosely with foil.
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12pm: Let roasted pork loin rest 10-15 minutes before slicing.
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12:15pm: Slice pork loin, serve immediately with pan juices spooned over the top.
Keep in mind exact timings vary depending on the size of your pork loin. Use a thermometer for accuracy.
Expert Tips for Perfectly Slow Roasted Pork Loin
With these pro tips, you’ll achieve succulent pork loin every time:
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Choose a small 2-3 lb roast for ideal shape and cook time.
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Dry brine the pork loin overnight for enhanced flavor.
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Rub the exterior with oil, salt, pepper and fresh herbs.
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Use a meat thermometer to determine doneness, not just time.
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Allow the pork loin to rest before slicing for maximum juiciness.
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Slice the pork loin against the grain for tenderest texture.
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Make a pan sauce from the flavorful roast drippings.
Troubleshooting Common Pork Loin Roasting Issues
Q: Beautiful sear but raw inside even after recommended time.
A: Your oven runs cool. Raise the temp 25°F next time.
Q: Pork loin at temp but tough and dry, not tender.
A: You overcooked it. Don’t exceed 145°F internal temp.
Q: Loin cooked fast, temp rose quickly in the oven.
A: Your oven runs hot. Lower the temp 25°F next roast.
Q: Pork loin burnt on outside but undercooked inside.
A: You started at too high of a temp. Use 300°F or lower.
Inspiring Leftover Pork Loin Recipes
Leftover slow roasted pork loin makes amazing meals. Get creative with these tasty recipe ideas:
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Thinly slice pork loin for sandwiches, wraps, pitas or tacos.
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Dice or shred pork loin and add to fried rice, pasta, soup or salad.
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Pair diced pork loin with barbecue sauce and serve over baked potatoes.
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Stuff shredded pork loin into empanadas or hand pies for portable snacks.
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Toss roasted pork loin cubes into an omelet or breakfast hash.
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Layer sliced pork loin, cheese and veggies into a grilled quesadilla.
Now that you know exactly how long to roast a pork loin low and slow, you can look forward to perfectly pink, supremely juicy and tender meat every time. Focus on precise temperature rather than just time, and you will achieve roasting greatness.
SLOW COOKER PORK LOIN SPICE RUB & SAUCE
Here are the ingredients in this Slow Cooker Pork Loin sauce and spice rub. There’s not many!!!
The juices left over in the slow cooker after cooking the pork are used to make the Honey Butter Sauce for this Slow Cooker Pork Loin.
The sauce doesn’t have a lot of flavor right out of the slow cooker, so it needs to be thinned out. I also like to add a little cornflour to make it thicker, like syrup.
The Honey Butter Sauce is a real miracle—all you need to make it is cider vinegar, garlic, and (hold on tight!) butter and honey!
Because it makes otherwise lean meat taste rich, it goes great with slow-cooked pork loin. Bonus: this recipe makes tons of sauce to smother your veggies and potatoes with it too!.
Use it to make epic Bread Bowl Sandwich or Cubanos – Cuban Pork Sandwiches!
THIS CROCK POT PORK LOIN WILL ROCK YOUR WORLD!!!
OK, I confess. I just like that it (kind of) rhymes and wanted to say it. Again. ?
I’m done with the fun – now down to business!
Even though I made this recipe for pork loin, I’ve found that it works just as well for pork shoulder, so there are pictures of both in this post.
This recipe is great because it looks and tastes like pork that has been roasted in the oven, but it is made in a slow cooker. Hands-off cooking time, slow-cooked until the pork is perfectly tender. When you take it out at the end, the sauce only needs a quick simmer to thicken while the pork rests.
You Should Know: How To Cook the BEST Pork Loin You’ll Ever Have!
FAQ
Does pork loin get more tender the longer you cook it?
Is it better to cook pork loin slow or fast?
How long to slow cook pork at 250?
How long will a pork loin take at 250?
How do you cook pork loin in a slow cooker?
Trim fat off around pork loin if desired. Combine seasoning salt (if you are reducing your salt intake, use only 1 tablespoon), garlic powder, Italian seasoning, mustard, onion powder and pepper. Rub all over pork loin. Place pork loin in 4-6 quart slow cooker and add apple juice. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours (or high for 4 hours).
How long do you Slow Roast Pork Tenderloin?
Slow roast the pork for approximately one and a half to two hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the tenderloin. Once it reaches the desired temperature, rest it for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
How long to cook a pork roast in a slow cooker?
Whether you brown the pork before or after slow cooking, don’t skip this step, it’s imperative for great flavour! How long to cook a pork roast in the slow cooker – for pork loin, 4 to 5 hours on low for tender, juicy perfection. Pork shoulder needs to be cooked for 10 hours on low for a 1.5 – 2.5kg / 3 – 5 lb pork roast.
How long do you cook a pork loin in the oven?
Cover the pan with a lid or aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Cook the pork loin for 3-4 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F (63 degrees C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature throughout cooking to ensure it’s fully cooked. Step 3: Rest and Serve Your Pork Loin