Making Slow Cooked Pork Loin

Slow cooked pork loin is wonderful with potatoes and carrots, and it also makes wonderful barbecue. The key is to choose the perfect pork loin and know how to prep it for both cooking methods. The cooking process varies slightly, but gives you different results. Here are some tips and suggestions that will ensure your slow cooked pork loin turns out perfectly each and every time.

Choosing a Pork Loin to Be Slow Cooked
It's true that slow cooked meat always ends up tender, no matter how lean it is. But that doesn't mean you should opt for the leanest pork loin available. Truth is, the best pork loin will have a ⅛- to ½-inch layer of fat. This layer of fat keeps the meat moist as it's slow cooked, and it adds wonderful flavor. Of course, you'll also want to search for a medium- to large-sized pork loin. Small roasts can quickly overcook when slow cooked. For the best results, choose a pork loin that is at least three pounds.

Prepping the Pork Loin
Before a pork loin is slow cooked is the best time to add flavor. This can be something as simple as adding salt and pepper to the outside of the pork loin. You also can apply a rub before the meat is slow cooked. The spices you use will depend on how you plan to serve the slow cooked pork loin.

For example, if you plan to serve slow cooked roast, you might want to use rosemary, garlic and crushed black peppercorns. On the other hand, if the slow cooked pork loin will be barbecued, you might want to use cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper and paprika. Don't forget that even slow cooked pork loin can benefit from an injected marinade.

Slow Cooked Pork Loin Roast
low cooked pork loin roast is easy to prepare. In the bottom of your crockpot, you'll want to place a bed of carrots, potatoes and onions that have been seasoned with salt and pepper. These ingredients only help flavor the pork loin, but they make a wonderful side dish as well. Next, place the pork loin on top of the vegetables, fat side up. Set the Crock-Pot to low and cook for 8 to 10 hours. As the meat cooks, the fat will slowly drip over the meat and the vegetables, giving everything a wonderful, hearty flavor. To serve, remove the roast, slice and serve with the slow cooked vegetables. If you like, you can add butter to the vegetables.

Barbecued Slow Cooked Pork Loin
All you need for slow cooked pork loin barbecue is the roast and your favorite barbecue sauce. The sauce won't go on until the very end. To make slow cooked pork loin barbecue, place the roast in the bottom of a crockpot, and cook for at least 10 hours on low. Once the meat has slow cooked, carefully remove the layer of fat, and use two forks to shred the meat. Once the meat is shredded, add the barbecue sauce, and toss. You can serve with potato salad, coleslaw and baked beans, or on a sandwich.

Tips and Suggestions for Slow Cooked Pork Loin
The true time it takes for slow cooked pork loin will vary depending on the size of your roast and your crockpot. Also, don't limit yourself to carrots, onions and potatoes. Any hearty vegetables can be slow cooked with your pork loin. If you're unsure of how to flavor your slow cooked roast, visit the spice section of your grocery store and find a blend that appeals to your palate.

Slow cooked pork loin makes wonderful leftovers. When you're ready, just reheat the meat in the microwave, and then toss with barbecue sauce. It makes a wonderful lunch or topping on a quick snack.