Absolutely! Here’s a delicious slow-cooked pork roast recipe that’s tender, juicy, and full of flavor. I’ll give a method suitable for a slow cooker or oven.
Ingredients (for 4–6 servings)
- 3–4 lb (1.3–1.8 kg) pork shoulder (pork butt) or pork roast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) apple cider or apple juice
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional extras for flavor:
- Carrots, potatoes, and celery, cut into chunks (added to the slow cooker)
Instructions
1. Prepare the pork
- Pat the pork dry with paper towels.
- Season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Sear the pork (optional but recommended)
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Brown the pork roast on all sides, 2–3 minutes per side. This locks in flavor.
3. Place in slow cooker
- Lay the sliced onion on the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Place the seared pork on top.
- Mix garlic, broth, apple cider, mustard, brown sugar, and herbs. Pour over pork.
4. Slow cook
- Low heat: 8 hours (ideal for very tender meat)
- High heat: 4–5 hours
- If using vegetables, add them halfway through cooking so they don’t overcook.
5. Finish and serve
- Remove pork and let it rest for 10–15 minutes.
- Optional: Strain the liquid and reduce in a saucepan to make a gravy.
- Slice or pull the pork and serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or on sandwiches.
Tips for Success
- Fat cap: If your roast has a layer of fat, leave it on during cooking—it keeps the meat moist.
- Shredding: For pulled pork, just shred with two forks right in the slow cooker—it will be fall-apart tender.
- Flavor boost: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.
If you want, I can also give a crispy crust version that starts in the oven and finishes slow-cooked for tenderness—gives you that rich roast flavor with a golden exterior.
Do you want me to give that version too?