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Tender Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pork Loin with Honeycrisp Apples Recipe

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3.9 from 9 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings

Description

This Tender Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pork Loin with Honeycrisp Apples is a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for any season. The pork loin is first seared to develop a deep, caramelized crust, then slow-cooked with fresh apple cider, aromatic shallots, and sweet Honeycrisp apples, creating a luscious and tender roast with a rich apple-infused sauce. Finished with a buttery, thickened cider sauce, this recipe is ideal for easy weeknight dinners or special family gatherings.

Ingredients

Pork Loin and Seasoning

  • 1 tablespoon Kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon coarse ground pepper, plus more to taste
  • One 4-5 pound pork loin roast, trimmed of excess fat

Cooking Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 2 whole shallots, chopped (or 1 medium yellow onion, quartered)
  • 2 large Honeycrisp apples, cored and cut into quarters
  • 2 cups fresh apple cider
  • 2 whole bay leaves
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1/2 cup chicken or beef stock (low sodium recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Season Pork: Pat the pork loin roast dry thoroughly with paper towels. Generously season all over with 1 tablespoon Kosher salt and 1 teaspoon coarse ground pepper to enhance flavor.
  2. Sear the Pork: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. When butter is shimmering, sear the pork loin on all sides until deeply golden brown and caramelized, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics and Apples: Reduce heat to medium and add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to skillet. Add chopped shallots or onion and sauté 3-5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add quartered Honeycrisp apples and cook another 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
  4. Deglaze: Pour in fresh apple cider, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet bottom with a wooden spoon. Let the mixture simmer gently for 1-2 minutes to concentrate flavors.
  5. Assemble Slow Cooker: Transfer seared pork loin to a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Pour the apple cider mixture with shallots and apples evenly over the pork. Tuck bay leaves and fresh thyme sprigs around the meat.
  6. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until pork is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork, reaching an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
  7. Rest Pork and Thicken Sauce: Remove pork loin from slow cooker and transfer to a cutting board. Tent loosely with foil and rest for 10-15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  8. Make Cornstarch Slurry: Pour the slow cooker liquid and apple mixture into a medium saucepan. Whisk 1/2 cup chicken or beef stock with 2 tablespoons cornstarch in a small bowl to create a smooth slurry. Discard bay leaves and thyme sprigs.
  9. Thicken Sauce: Bring the liquid in the saucepan to a simmer over medium heat. Gradually whisk in cornstarch slurry, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 2-5 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  10. Serve: Slice the rested pork loin against the grain into thick slices. Serve warm with the apple cider sauce generously spooned on top. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Allowing the pork to rest after cooking prevents juices from escaping and keeps the meat tender.
  • Searing the pork loin before slow cooking adds rich flavor and color.
  • Use fresh apple cider for the best sweet and tangy flavor in the sauce.
  • Adjust cooking times depending on your slow cooker model and pork loin size.
  • Make sure to discard bay leaves and thyme sprigs before serving the sauce to avoid unpleasant texture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://saraflavors.com/tender-slow-cooker-apple-cider-pork-loin-with-honeycrisp-apples-recipe/