Crock Pot Pork Roast
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
6 hrs
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Total Time
6 hrs 10 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
328 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Crock Pot Pork Roast
Description
The Crock Pot Pork Roast combines a well-seasoned pork loin seared to create a golden crust with a slow cooker braise that infuses it with a sauce made from chicken broth, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and brown sugar. Italian seasoning adds an herby background to the meat. After several hours of slow cooking, the pork becomes tender while absorbing the deep flavors of the sauce. The reserved cooking liquid is simmered with cornstarch and butter to create a glossy, thickened gravy.
This roast is suitable for a satisfying dinner and can be accompanied by vegetables such as carrots or potatoes, which can be added to the crock pot ensuring they remain firm if added halfway through the cooking time. The cooking technique focuses on tenderizing tougher cuts or the loin with moisture and gentle heat while enhancing flavor through initial searing and a balanced sauce.
For best results, use a 6-quart crock pot and if needed, cut larger roasts into smaller segments to fit. The sauce thickening step at the end offers control over the consistency of the gravy served with the pork. Fresh parsley adds brightness just before serving.
Use a 6-quart crock pot and cut pork into smaller pieces if your crock pot is smaller.You can add vegetables like carrots and potatoes; add firmer vegetables halfway through cooking to preserve texture.Brown the pork well before slow cooking to enhance flavor and color.Thicken the cooking liquid with cornstarch and finish with butter and parsley for a smooth sauce.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil divided use
- 3 pounds pork loin can also use pork shoulder or pork butt
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons butter cut into slices
- 2 tablespoons parsley chopped, fresh
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium high heat.
- Season the pork loin generously on all sides with the salt, pepper and Italian seasoning.
- Place the pork in the pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until deep golden brown.
- Place the pork in a slow cooker. I recommend using a 6 quart pot. If you have a smaller crock pot, you can cut the roast into segments to fit into the pot.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the last tablespoon of olive oil, chicken broth, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar and minced garlic.
- Pour the chicken broth mixture over the pork. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 4 hours.
- Remove the pork from the crock pot. Place the meat on a plate and cover to keep warm.
- Pour the liquid from the slow cooker into a small pot. Place the pot on the stove over medium heat and bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Mix the cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water. Add the cornstarch mixture to the pot and bring to a boil.
- Cook for 1 minute, or until sauce has started to thicken.
- Add the butter to the pot and stir until it has melted. Take the pot off the heat.
- Slice or shred the cooked pork and drizzle the sauce over the top. Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use a 6-quart slow cooker; reduce pork size if necessary to fit.
- Add large chunks of vegetables like carrots or potatoes to the crock pot; add firmer vegetables halfway through cooking to avoid over-softening.
- Brown the pork on all sides before slow cooking to develop color and flavor.
- After cooking, thicken the slow cooker liquid with cornstarch, then enrich with butter and parsley to finish the sauce.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 328 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 328kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 7g | 2% |
| Protein | 39g | 78% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 115mg | 38% |
| Sodium | 677mg | 28% |
| Potassium | 703mg | 15% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 180IU | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 5mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 26mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.