Pork loin makes for an easy, delicious weeknight dinner. But what if you realize too late that the pork loin in your freezer isn’t thawed? Can you still cook frozen pork loin in the crockpot and end up with a tasty, moist meal?
The answer is yes! With the right techniques, cooking frozen pork loin in the slow cooker can yield incredibly tender, flavorful results. From seasonings to cook times and more, this article provides a complete guide to preparing frozen pork loin in the crockpot.
Benefits of Cooking Frozen Pork Loin in a Crockpot
There are several advantages to using the slow cooker for frozen pork loin rather than thawing first:
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Saves time – No need to remember to thaw the night before or wake up early to move meat to the fridge. Just throw in frozen.
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More tender meat – The slow, moist heat helps break down connective tissues better than quick thawing.
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Juicy interior – Crockpot retains moisture so pork stays succulent.
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Infuses flavors – Seasonings and liquids have hours to permeate into the meat.
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Forgiving method – Small errors in timing rarely cause disastrous results.
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Safe food temperatures – Crockpots cook low and slow enough to eliminate bacteria concerns,
The hands-off convenience of the crockpot is perfect for cooking from frozen. Next, let’s look at how to prep the pork.
Preparing Frozen Pork Loin for the Slow Cooker
Prepping a pork loin to go straight from freezer to crockpot requires just a few simple steps:
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Select size – Choose a 11⁄2 to 3 lb pork loin roast. Larger may not fit or cook evenly.
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Trim fat – For leaner meat, trim off excess surface fat before freezing initially. Leave about 1⁄4 inch.
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Partially thaw – If possible, move to fridge overnight so exterior partially thaws but interior stays frozen.
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Add flavors – Before cooking, rub with spices, herbs and oil or marinade to add flavor.
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Place carefully – Put in crockpot frozen side down first, then flip so fat side is up.
With minimal prep, the pork loin is ready for the slow cooker to work its magic.
How to Cook Frozen Pork Loin in a Crockpot
Cooking a frozen pork loin in the crockpot is surprisingly easy. Here are the simple steps:
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Grease crockpot – Spray with nonstick spray so pork doesn’t stick.
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Add liquid – Pour in 1⁄2 to 1 cup broth, water, juice or wine to prevent drying out.
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Season – Rub spices like garlic, thyme, rosemary, paprika or pepper on the pork.
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Insert meat – Place frozen pork loin into slow cooker fat side up.
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Cook on low – Set crockpot to low for 7-9 hours, until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
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Rest – Remove pork, tent with foil and let rest 10-15 minutes before slicing.
The length of cook time depends on the size and shape of your frozen pork loin. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
Tips for the Best Results Cooking Frozen Pork Loin
Use these helpful tips for juicy, flavorful frozen pork loin cooked to perfection in the crockpot:
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Add root vegetables like potatoes, carrots or parsnips in the crockpot to soak up the savory juices.
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Sprinkle the pork with a dry rub before cooking for added flavor without moisture.
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Use broth, wine or juice rather than water for more richness.
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For caramelized seasoning crust, quickly sear all sides in a skillet before slow cooking.
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Check for doneness early and cook longer if needed to prevent drying out.
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Let pork rest out of crockpot before slicing so juices redistribute evenly.
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Leftovers hold up great for meals throughout the week.
With the right techniques, you can beat the odds and make juicy, delicious crockpot pork loin even when cooking straight from frozen!
Common Questions About Cooking Frozen Pork Loin in a Crockpot
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Is it safe to cook frozen pork in a crockpot?
Yes, it is completely safe. The low heat thaws and cooks the pork gradually without the bacterial concerns of leaving meat at room temperature.
Does cooking time change compared to thawed pork?
No, frozen pork takes about the same amount of time as thawed when cooked in a crockpot on low. Both take 6-8 hours for a 2 lb roast.
Should frozen pork loin be cooked on high or low?
Always use the low setting when cooking frozen meat in a crockpot. Low, gradual heat thaws and tenderizes the meat best without drying it out.
Can you cook a large 5 lb frozen pork loin roast?
Stick to pork loins up to 3 lbs for the best results. Larger roasts may not fit or may cook unevenly in oval or smaller round crockpots.
Can a pork loin go straight from freezer to crockpot?
Yes, as long as you add some liquid to the crockpot, the pork can go directly from freezer to slow cooker without thawing first.
Make an Easy Sauce for Crockpot Pork Loin
A flavorful sauce takes pork loin to the next level. Here are two easy sauce options:
Gravy – For rich traditional gravy, stir a packet of pork gravy mix into the cooking juices. Whisk in flour to thicken if desired.
Apple cider sauce – Simmer 1 cup apple cider vinegar with 1⁄4 cup brown sugar, thyme and garlic until thickened. Spoon over pork.
For special occasions, try our [Brown Sugar Glazed Pork Loin Recipe]. The sweet glaze dripping over moist, tender pork is guaranteed to impress dinner guests.
Freezer Tips for Pork Loin
To make the most of buying pork loin in bulk:
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Separate roasts into meal-sized portions before freezing in freezer bags.
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Freeze pork 3-6 months for best quality. Use within a year.
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Interleave layers of pork with parchment paper when freezing to easily separate.
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Seal tightly without excess air in the freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
With proper freezing and defrosting techniques, you can enjoy tender crockpot pork loin meals for months to come.
The Takeaway on Crockpot Frozen Pork Loin
Cooking a frozen pork loin roast in the slow cooker couldn’t be easier. With the low, gradual heat, your crockpot transforms a solid frozen pork loin into a mouthwatering dinner the whole family will love.
Next time you forget to thaw meat for dinner, don’t stress. Just toss that frozen pork loin in the crockpot and enjoy the rewards later with far less effort. This set-it-and-forget-it technique results in juicy, tender pork perfumed with your favorite herbs and spices. Give it a try and you may never plan ahead with meats again!