How to Slow Cook Pork Loin For Pulled Pork [10 Steps]

Are you ready to get your slow cooker going? Do you love pulled pork but don’t have the time to babysit it in the oven? If so, then this blog post is for you. We’re here to show you how simple and delicious slow cooking pork loin can be!

Are you ready to get your slow cooker going? Do you love pulled pork but don’t have the time to babysit it in the oven? If so, then this blog post is for you. We’re here to show you how simple and delicious slow cooking pork loin can be!

Preparing the Pork Loin

Before cooking the pork loin, it is important to prepare the meat by trimming off any fat and making sure it is properly seasoned. To start, place the pork loin in a large bowl and sprinkle with BBQ rub, rubbing it into the meat on both sides. This will help add flavor and moisture to the pork as it cooks. Once seasoned, you can move on to the next step.

Adding Rub and Covering in the Crockpot

Once the pork loin is prepared and patted dry, it’s time to add the rub and cover it in the crockpot. Start by evenly coating the pork loin with 1/2 of the rub then place it on a wire rack fat-side down.  Season the meat with salt and pepper before cooking.To ensure that the pork loin is covered in rub, flip it over and cover the other side and rub.

Once that is done, its time to brown the meat in hot oil for several minutes on each side. Be sure to rotate the pork loin so that all sides are cooked evenly. Finally, place the pork loin into the slow cooker and cook on high for 5 hours or on low for 8 hours, or until the pork is fork tender and shreds apart easily.

Adding Vegetables and Sauce

For added flavor and texture, try adding vegetables and a sauce to your slow cooked pork loin. Start by adding a large onion, sliced or coarsely chopped, then add in some apple cider vinegar and a half cup of either pan drippings or liquid of your choice. Water is great, but so is broth, apple juice, or beer if you have them handy. Finally, add some cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce and give it an extra boost of flavor. Once all the ingredients are added, cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours.

Slow Cooking on Low Heat

Once you have your pork loin ready to go, set the slow cooker to low heat and let it cook for 6-8 hours. This ensures that all the connective tissue has broken down and the pork is tender. You can also split the pork butt in half to reduce the cooking time, or leave it whole if you prefer a longer cook time. Be sure to add a little liquid such as root beer, chicken broth, or apple cider vinegar before putting it in the slow cooker to prevent it from drying out. Also, don’t forget to season the pork with some seasoning salt and garlic powder for extra flavor. You’ll know when it’s ready when the interior reads at least 200F and is cooked through. Once cooked, you can shred the pork with a fork and get ready to serve up a delicious pulled pork meal!

Choosing the Right Cut of Pork

When it comes to choosing the right cut of pork, pork shoulder is the best option. It’s a muscular area, but when cooked low and slow all the sinew and tendons melt away resulting in incredibly tender pulled pork. It’s also well-marbled for extra flavor, however it’s important to trim off any excess fat before cooking. Pork chops are also an option, but they lack the marbling of pork shoulder and won’t produce as juicy of a pulled pork.

Adding Seasoning Salt and Garlic Powder

Once the pork loin has been prepared, it is time to season it. In a small bowl, combine seasoning salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, pepper and cayenne. Evenly rub the spice mixture on the pork loin. This step will add flavor and texture to the dish. You can also add red wine vinegar or any other type of vinegar to give the dish a tangy flavor. For extra flavor, you can also add a few tablespoons of olive oil. The oil will help the spices stick to the pork and give it an extra layer of flavor. After the pork loin is seasoned, it’s time to start cooking!

Placing the Pork Roast in the Slow Cooker

When you are ready to cook the pork roast, place it in the slow cooker. Make sure to wiggle the pork around the bottom of the slow cooker so that it is evenly distributed and not clumped together. Pour broth on top to add moisture and flavor, and then close the lid. You can cook on low heat for 6-8 hours if you split the meat in half, or 8-10 hours if you left the pork butt whole. This method of slow cooking will guarantee a tender and succulent pulled pork result.

Substituting With Root Beer

Root Beer is a great way to add flavor to your pork roast. To use root beer, simply pour one bottle over the pork roast and cook on low for 6-8 hours. You can also add chopped onions, garlic cloves, and liquid smoke to the slow cooker before adding the root beer. This will infuse the pork with a delicious smoky flavor and make it even more tender. Once cooked, shred the pork with two forks and serve it with buns, rolls, or in tacos. Enjoy!

Shredding the Cooked Pork Loin

Once the pork is done cooking, it’s time to shred it. This can be done with a fork or a pair of tongs. Shredding the pork loin is important for it to be pulled pork, so make sure to take your time with this step. You can also use two forks for larger pieces of pork, ensuring that the pork is evenly shredded and ready for serving. Once the pork loin is completely shredded, it’s ready to serve. Enjoy your delicious slow cooked pork loin!

Cooking Time for Roasting Pan

When it comes to the cooking time for a roasting pan, the general rule is to cook for 2 ½ hours per pound of pork. For a 2 lb pork loin roast, that would be about 5 hours of cook time. If you want your food to cook for a long time, you can cook on low for 8 to 10 hours.

Be sure to carefully place the pork in the pot and sear the roast on all sides (3-5 minutes per side) before adding any liquids or vegetables. Once the pork is prepped and ready, you can add your favorite vegetables, sauces and seasonings before placing the roast in the slow cooker.

Conclusion

In conclusion, slow cooking pork loin for pulled pork is a great way to enjoy the most tender and juicy pork. Preparing the pork loin properly, adding the right rub and sauce, and leaving it in the slow cooker for several hours on low heat will result in a delicious meal. It is also important to choose the right cut of pork such as shoulder or butt for this recipe. Adding seasoning salt, garlic powder, and root beer are also great ways to enhance the flavor of your slow cooked pork. Lastly, make sure to shred the cooked pork loin before serving for best results.