Now, lemme tell ya, you got that frozen pork loin sittin’ there, and yer wonderin’, “Can I just plop this in the crock pot as is?” Well, the answer’s yes, darlin’! Ya don’t gotta worry about defrostin’ it. Just get that big ol’ crock pot out, and let’s get cookin’.
Step 1: Preppin’ the Pork
First off, you wanna get that pork loin ready. No fancy stuff needed here, just some basics. Grab a knife and slice up an onion if ya got one, maybe some garlic cloves, too. These’ll add a nice flavor when they cook down with that pork all day long.
Step 2: Seasonin’ That Meat
Now, don’t just throw that pork in plain, no siree. Grab some salt, pepper, and any ol’ seasonin’ ya like. Rub it right on that frozen pork. Don’t be shy; let that meat soak in some flavor! Throw in a dash of paprika or garlic powder if ya got it, too. Simple seasonin’s go a long way in the crock pot.
Step 3: Plop It in the Pot
Alright, once it’s seasoned up, lay that pork right in the crock pot. Don’t worry none about thawin’ it first; it’ll cook up just fine from frozen. Put yer chopped onions and maybe a few carrots or taters in there with it. This way, everything will cook together nice and easy.
Step 4: Add Some Liquid
Now, ya need a bit of liquid in there so the meat don’t get too dry. Just a cup of water or broth will do the trick. Some folks like apple juice for a lil’ extra sweetness – that’s up to you. Pour it right in, but don’t go drownin’ it!
Step 5: Set It and Forget It
Here’s the best part, honey – just pop that lid on, set the crock pot to low, and let it cook for about 8-10 hours. Don’t go peekin’ too often, though; every time ya lift that lid, it lets the heat out, and then it takes longer.
If ya need it done quicker, ya can put it on high for 4-6 hours, but slow is better if ya ask me. Gives that pork loin time to get real tender and juicy.
Optional Add-Ins
- Veggies: Carrots, taters, and celery cook up real nice alongside the pork.
- Spices: Thyme, rosemary, or a pinch of cumin if ya like it a bit more spiced up.
- Sweetness: A spoonful of honey or brown sugar if you want a bit of sweetness in the mix.
Tips to Make It Extra Tasty
Just a few things I like to do: if ya wanna make the pork more flavorful, give it a quick sear in a pan before you put it in the crock pot. Adds a lil’ bit of crust and extra flavor. But honestly, it’s optional; if you’re like me and just wanna keep it simple, don’t bother with the extra step.
Serving Time!
After yer 8-10 hours, take that lid off, and grab a fork to see if it’s tender. If it pulls apart easy, you’re all set! Serve it up with the cooked veggies, maybe a side of rice or mashed taters. And if there’s some juice left in the pot, you can spoon it over the pork as a lil’ gravy – ain’t no need for fancy sauces here.
Leftover Tips
If ya got leftovers, throw ’em in the fridge, and they’ll keep for a few days. You can use the meat in sandwiches, or even make a pork stew if you add a bit more broth. Waste not, want not, that’s what I say.
And there ya have it, a simple, no-fuss way to cook that frozen pork loin in the crock pot. Just set it, leave it, and come back to a home-cooked meal. Easy as pie, and tastes like ya spent all day on it.
Tags:Pork Loin, Crock Pot, Slow Cooker, Frozen Meat