If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, flavorful meal that practically makes itself, look no further than this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Roast Recipe. There is something wonderfully satisfying about tender pork infused with sweet honey, fragrant garlic, and a blend of spices, all slow-cooked to perfection until it falls apart with just a fork. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable dinner centerpiece that feels warm and homey, perfect for family gatherings or a special weeknight treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this dish is delightfully straightforward, with each one playing a crucial role in building layers of rich, balanced flavors. From the savory spices that coat the pork to the luscious honey butter sauce, these components are essential to crafting that mouthwatering taste and succulent texture.
- Pork loin or shoulder (1.75 – 2.5 kg): Choose your favorite cut; both bring tenderness and hold flavor beautifully during slow cooking.
- Olive oil (1.5 tbsp, separated): Used for rubbing and browning to lock in moisture and add depth to the pork’s exterior.
- Paprika (2 tsp): Adds subtle smokiness and a lovely red hue to the spice rub.
- Thyme (2 tsp): Its earthy aroma complements the pork’s natural richness perfectly.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Boosts the deep garlic flavor throughout the roast.
- Onion powder (1 tsp): Rounds out the seasoning with a gentle sweetness.
- Cayenne pepper (1/2 tsp, optional): Gives a gentle kick to balance the honey’s sweetness.
- Black pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds mild heat and complexity.
- Salt (2 tsp): Enhances all the flavors, making every bite pop.
- Honey (3/4 cup): The star of the show, providing that sticky, sweet glaze that caramelizes slightly in cooking.
- Unsalted butter (125g / 1/2 cup): Creates a luxuriously rich sauce base with honey and garlic.
- Garlic cloves (5, minced): Fresh garlic gives a punchy, aromatic lift.
- Cider vinegar (1/4 cup): Adds a subtle tang to balance the honey’s sweetness and tenderize the meat.
- Salt and pepper (1/2 tsp each): Season the sauce perfectly.
- Cornflour/cornstarch (3 tsp mixed with water): For thickening the sauce into a glossy finish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Roast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Pork
Start by rubbing about 1 teaspoon of olive oil over your pork roast to help the spices stick. Combine paprika, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, pepper, and salt in a small bowl. Sprinkle this aromatic spice rub generously all over the pork, then gently pat it down so it adheres fully to every surface. This step sets the foundation for a deeply flavored roast that will shine through after hours of cooking.
Step 2: Brown the Roast
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Carefully place your seasoned pork into the pan and sear it on all sides, developing a deep golden crust. This creates flavor through the Maillard reaction and seals in juiciness. Be careful not to burn the spices; you want a beautiful caramelized exterior to elevate the dish’s final taste. Once browned, transfer the pork to your slow cooker.
Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
Wipe the skillet clean to remove residues, then melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about one minute, just until it’s fragrant and turning golden but not burnt. Stir in the honey, cider vinegar, salt, and pepper, then bring the mixture to a rapid simmer for about 30 seconds. This sauce will infuse the pork while cooking, blending sweet and tangy notes with savory garlic.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Pour the honey garlic sauce over the pork in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for about 10 hours (600 minutes) until the meat becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender. Once done, remove the pork and transfer the juices to a saucepan. Whisk in the cornflour mixed with a splash of water and simmer until the sauce thickens beautifully. Pour this glossy, flavorful sauce back over the pork before serving to elevate every bite.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Roast Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme add a burst of color and a touch of freshness against the rich sauce. A sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds can also offer a lovely nutty crunch that pairs beautifully with the honey garlic flavors.
Side Dishes
This pork roast pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery roasted vegetables that soak up the luscious sauce. Light, crisp salads with a citrusy vinaigrette provide a perfect contrast to the rich, sweet pork.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the roast thickly and serving it atop buttery noodles or fluffy rice for an easy, impressive meal. Arrange the pork with roasted apple slices and a drizzle of extra honey garlic sauce for a stunning and comforting presentation that layers sweetness and warmth.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover pork and sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This allows the flavors to deepen even more, making the next day’s meal just as delightful.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked pork and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to best preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. This helps restore the original silky consistency and ensures the pork stays moist and tender.
FAQs
Can I use pork shoulder instead of loin for this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Roast Recipe?
Absolutely! Pork shoulder is actually ideal because of its fat content and connective tissue, which break down during slow cooking to give you even juicier, more tender meat.
Do I need to brown the pork before slow cooking?
While not strictly necessary, browning the pork first creates richer flavor and a more appealing color, so it’s highly recommended for best results.
Can I make this recipe in an oven instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the pork in a covered roasting pan at a low temperature (around 300°F / 150°C) for several hours, but the slow cooker is preferred for hands-off ease and perfect tenderness.
Is there a substitute for honey if I want to reduce sugar?
You could try using a sugar-free syrup or maple-flavored syrup but keep in mind it may alter the sweetness and flavor balance slightly.
What can I do with the leftover honey garlic sauce?
This sauce is fantastic served over rice, vegetables, or even as a dipping sauce for appetizers. Don’t let any of it go to waste!
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Roast Recipe is one of those magical dishes that never fails to warm the heart and fill the home with irresistible aromas. Easy to prepare yet packed with unforgettable flavors, it’s perfect for those days when you want a fuss-free meal with maximum impact. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy all the sweet, savory goodness that melts off the bone in every mouthful.
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Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Roast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 hours
- Total Time: 10 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This slow cooker pork loin or shoulder roast recipe combines a flavorful spice rub with a rich honey butter sauce, creating a tender and juicy roast that melts in your mouth. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, the pork is first seared to develop a golden crust, then slow-cooked to perfection with a delectable mix of honey, garlic, and cider vinegar sauce.
Ingredients
Pork and Spice Rub
- 1.75 – 2.5 kg (3.5 – 5 lb) pork loin or shoulder/boston butt (or scotch fillet, skinless)
- 1.5 tbsp olive oil, separated
- 2 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp salt
Honey Butter Sauce
- 3/4 cup honey
- 125 g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tsp cornflour (cornstarch) mixed with a splash of water
Instructions
- Prepare the Spice Rub: Rub the pork all over with about 1 teaspoon of olive oil. In a small bowl, combine paprika, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), black pepper, and salt. Sprinkle this spice mixture evenly over the pork, patting it down to adhere firmly all over the surface.
- Brown the Pork: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pork and sear it on all sides until it develops a deep golden brown crust, taking care not to let the spices burn. Once browned, transfer the pork to your slow cooker.
- Make the Honey Butter Sauce: Wipe out the skillet to remove any burnt bits. Melt the unsalted butter over medium heat, then add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant and golden. Stir in the honey, cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a rapid simmer and cook for about 30 seconds, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Pork in Slow Cooker: Pour the honey butter sauce over the browned pork in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for approximately 10 hours (600 minutes), or until the pork is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
- Thicken the Sauce: After cooking, remove the pork from the slow cooker and cover to keep warm. Pour the cooking juices into a saucepan, bring to a simmer, then stir in the cornflour mixed with water to thicken the sauce. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce reaches desired consistency.
- Serve: Slice or shred the pork and serve with the thickened honey butter sauce drizzled over the top. Enjoy with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or steamed greens.
Notes
- You can use either pork loin or shoulder/boston butt depending on your preference; shoulder will be more tender and juicy due to higher fat content.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to taste for a spicier or milder roast.
- Sealing (browning) the pork before slow cooking helps develop deeper flavor and a nice crust.
- If preferred, use a thicker sauce by adding more cornflour slurry.
- Leftover pork makes excellent sandwiches or tacos the next day.
