Can I cook pork loin in a Crock Pot?

Yes! A boneless pork loin roast works beautifully in the Crock Pot because the gentle heat helps it cook evenly. You can also use a boneless pork shoulder or pork butt. Do not use pork tenderloin—it is much leaner and may dry out during the long cooking time.

Can I use any kind of pork roast?

Almost! A boneless pork loin roast works beautifully, and a boneless pork shoulder or pork butt will also work. Do not use pork tenderloin—it is too lean for the long cooking time and may dry out.

How do I know when the pork is done?

The pork is ready when it is very tender and pulls apart easily with two forks. If it resists shredding, cover the slow cooker and let it cook a little longer.

Can I freeze pulled pork?

Yes! Let it cool completely, pack it with the sauce into an airtight container and freeze it for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Why isn't my sauce thickening?

Make sure the cornstarch is completely whisked into the other sauce ingredients, then let the mixture simmer gently for a few minutes. It will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Cook and shred the pork, toss it with the sauce and refrigerate it in a covered container for up to three days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the slow cooker, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed.

Can I cook this on high instead of low?

Low heat gives the pork its most tender texture, so that is the setting I recommend. If you are short on time, you can cook it on high for about four hours, checking toward the end so it doesn’t dry out.

Have a question that I didn't cover?

Leave your question (or comment or suggestion) in the Comments box below the recipe and I will answer pronto!

Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Pulled Pork Recipe

Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Pulled Pork

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The slow cooker strikes again in the recipe for melt in your mouth tender brown sugar pulled pork! This easy slow cooker pulled pork with its brown sugar sauce is perfect for sandwiches or all on its own.

Author: Kate Jackson
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker and Stovetop
Cuisine: Southern
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds pork loin roast
½ teaspoon each salt and pepper
1 cup chicken broth
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch

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Instructions

Place pork roast in slow cooker. Sprinkle salt and pepper on top, and pour 1/2 cup chicken broth around it. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
About 15 minutes before pork is done, combine all remaining ingredients, including the remaining 1/2 cup of the chicken broth, in a small heavy saucepan, whisk to combine and simmer over medium heat until slightly thickened.
Remove pork from slow cooker and shred, using two forks. Place in a large bowl and pour sauce over the top. Mix with tongs until the pork is coated lightly with sauce.
Serve at once, either on rolls as a sandwich or on its own!

Notes

- Pork Roast: There are all kinds of boneless pork roasts out there, and almost all of them will do just fine for this recipe. We always go for a pork loin roast. The only one we do not recommend is a pork tenderloin – it is such a lean cut of meat that it will not work well in the slow cooker.

- Chicken Broth: As always, we recommend the kind in the box instead of the can for the best flavor.

- Balsamic Vinegar: Look for this fabulous syrupy vinegar near the other vinegars in your supermarket.

- Cornstarch: You can find this thickening ingredient in the baking aisle.

Find it online: https://www.framedcooks.com/slow-cooker-brown-sugar-pulled-pork/