How to Cook Tender, Flavorful Pork Scotch Roast in a Slow Cooker

Pork scotch roast, also known as pork shoulder or Boston butt, is one of the most flavorful cuts of pork. When slowly cooked in a flavorful liquid, it becomes incredibly tender and juicy with a delicious savory taste The slow cooker is the perfect way to make this tough but tasty cut melt-in-your-mouth tender

In this step-by-step guide you’ll learn exactly how to cook a mouthwatering pork scotch roast with ease in your slow cooker. Follow these simple instructions for fork-tender pork and rich pan juices every time.

Benefits of Cooking Pork Scotch Roast in a Slow Cooker

There are several advantages to using a slow cooker for pork scotch roast:

Requires minimal preparation and you can walk away while it cooks.
Long, slow cooking time allows the collagen in the pork to break down making it incredibly tender.
Maintains moisture for succulent, juicy meat.
Infuses the pork with flavors from spices, herbs and cooking liquid.
Makes the house smell amazing!

How Long to Cook Pork Scotch Roast in Slow Cooker

Cooking time can vary greatly depending on the size and thickness of your pork roast, but in general you can expect:

1-2 lbs pork roast: 6-8 hours on LOW
3-4 lbs pork roast: 8-10 hours on LOW
5-6 lbs pork roast: 10-12 hours on LOW

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temp reaches 145°F for safe eating. If needed, you can finish on HIGH for the last hour.

Ingredients Needed

2-6 lbs pork scotch roast
1 yellow onion, sliced
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
Dry rub: salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder
Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for incredible pork scotch roast every time:

1. Prepare the Roast

Pat dry roast and trim off excess fat. Season all over with dry rub of salt, pepper and spices.

2. Brown the Roast (Optional)

Sear roast on all sides in a skillet with oil to develop flavor.

3. Add Onions and Garlic

Place sliced onions and minced garlic in slow cooker.

4. Add Roast

Place seared (or unseared) roast on top of onions/garlic.

5. Pour in Broth

Add chicken or vegetable broth to slow cooker.

6. Cook on LOW

Cover and cook for 8-12 hours on LOW until fork tender.

7. Shred and Serve

Carefully remove roast and shred meat with two forks.

8. Make Gravy

Mix cornstarch with pan juices to make gravy.

Tips and Variations

Searing develops flavor through the Maillard reaction but is optional.
Add vegetables like potatoes, carrots or celery in step 3.
Use beef or pork broth for more richness.
Stir in BBQ sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, Worcestershire etc.
Shred and use for tacos, sandwiches, nachos, pizza, etc.
Leftovers freeze well for easy meals later.

Favorite Pork Scotch Roast Recipes

The basic pork roast is delicious, but you can also kick up the flavor with creative spice rubs and sauces:

BBQ Pulled Pork – Sweet and tangy barbecue sauce

Cuban Mojo Pork – Garlic, cumin, oregano, orange juice

Asian Pulled Pork – Soy sauce, ginger, 5-spice powder

Jamaican Jerk Pork – Spicy jerk seasoning blend

Carnitas – Cumin, oregano, garlic, lime

Luau Pork Roast – Pineapple juice, brown sugar, ginger

French Pork Roast – Herbs de Provence, red wine

Greek Pork – Lemon, oregano, parsley

Perfect Side Dishes for Pork Scotch Roast

Juicy, fork-tender pork roast deserves some amazing sidekicks. Here are some options:

Fluffy dinner rolls or Hawaiian rolls
Coleslaw, potato salad or pasta salad
Twice baked potatoes or cheesy scalloped potatoes
Roasted vegetables like potatoes, carrots or brussels sprouts
Rice pilaf or risotto
Roasted sweet potatoes or butternut squash
Mac and cheese or baked ziti
Collard greens, kale or roasted broccoli

With minimal effort, you can have incredible, meltingly tender pork scotch roast with the amazing flavor of the slow cooker. Follow this simple guide for mouthwatering results every time.

How to make Tender Pork Roast in the Crock Pot (Boston Butt)

FAQ

Is pork scotch good for pulled pork?

Today’s question is “What Cut of Meat Does Pulled Pork Come From??” You will need the right cut of meat to achieve the juiciest, most delicious pulled pork dish. The most commonly used cut of meat for pulled pork is Scotch (neck) or Boston butt.

Is pork scotch roast tender?

The scotch roast is a sensationally tender and delicate roast that comes from the neck area of the pig. No skin/crackling, but the roast makes up for it in quality of the meat. Slow-grown, heritage pork grown on our farm on the Central Coast.

Do you need to add water to slow cooker for pork?

Pull the pork from the fridge to take the chill off while you chop a few onions and smash garlic cloves. Transfer everything to a large slow cooker and add a splash of liquid — water is great, but so is broth, apple juice, or beer if you have them handy.

What cut of pork is best for slow cooker?

The Best Cut of Pork for Pulled Pork You can find bone-in pork shoulders, though I prefer a boneless pork shoulder for more meat in my slow cooker. Choose a pork shoulder that’s well marbled (for extra flavor), but not too much fat on the edges. You can trim any excess fat off as well.

How do you cook a pork roast in a slow cooker?

Add the chicken or vegetable broth to the skillet and deglaze it, scraping off any browned bits from the bottom. This will infuse your broth with additional flavor. Pour the broth and garlic mixture over the pork roast in the slow cooker. Cover the slow cooker and cook the pork roast on low heat for 8-10 hours or on high heat for 4-6 hours.

How do you cook a pork tenderloin in a slow cooker?

Rub the pork roast with the seasoning mixture. In a fry pan over high heat, heat 2 Tbsp oil. Quickly sear the roast until nicely browned on all sides. In the slow cooker, place the pork in the middle. Next, surround the pork with the carrots, potatoes, apples, onion, and rosemary. Lastly, pour in the chicken stock.

How long do you cook pork in a slow cooker?

Add bay leaves throughout the pot. Cover the slow cooker with a lid and cook on a high setting for about five hours, or on a low setting for about eight hours. The longer cooking time allows the pork roast to become incredibly tender and flavorful. Once the pork is done cooking, you can shred the meat inside of the slow cooker pot.

How do you cook pork ribs in a slow cooker?

In a fry pan over high heat, heat 2 Tbsp oil. Quickly sear the roast until nicely browned on all sides. In the slow cooker, place the pork in the middle. Next, surround the pork with the carrots, potatoes, apples, onion, and rosemary. Lastly, pour in the chicken stock. Cook on low for 6 hours or until the pork is completely cooked.