Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Loin

Perfect for busy days, this savory and sweet Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Loin recipe combines tender, juicy pork loin roast in a slow cooker with a homemade bbq sauce.

BBQ Pork Loin Slow Cooker

We like this slow cooker recipe because it requires minimal prep work, and the pork loin turns out perfect every time.

Follow along as this crock pot recipe explains the steps for creating a simple spice rub, searing, and cooking until your pork loin is juicy and delicious in your Crock Pot.

If you aren’t sure how to create a meal out of the pork loin you purchased at the store, here’s the confidence boost you are looking for.

If you enjoy bbq pork loin in the slow cooker, you may also like our Crock Pot Cranberry Pork Tenderloin or this Slow Cooker Pork Ribeye Roast.

Ingredients

• Pork loin
• Olive oil
• Brown sugar
• Onion
• Garlic
• Honey
• Butter
• Apple cider vinegar
• Spices: paprika, black pepper, salt, cornstarch

Recipe Tips

• Try minced garlic from a jar. Translates to 1/2 tsp per garlic clove.
• Match the size of your slow cooker to the size of loin.
• Use smoked paprika to add a smoky element to the bbq flavor.

How to make bbq pork loin in slow cooker

The first step to prepare your pork loin for seasoning and searing is creating a dry surface. Pat dry the pork with a paper towel, discard towel into trash.

Next layer will be olive oil. Brush approximately 1 tablespoon of oil over all sides of the pork.

Combine brown sugar, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to make the rub.

Mix well and sprinkle the dry rub over the pork loin.

Gently pat the spices onto the loin and make sure they stick on the outside of the loin.

Warm the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a cast iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed skillet using medium heat.

Place the pork loin in the heated skillet and sear each side.

Turn loin after 2-3 minutes per side to allow a crust to develop, but not burn.

Transfer the pork loin to the slow cooker once you complete the searing.

Save drippings from the searing process in the skillet and add one stick of butter.

Allow the butter time to melt using low-medium heat.

Increase to medium-high heat and stir in garlic and onions. Cook for one minute or until golden.

Stir honey and vinegar into the sauce mixture and bring to a slow boil for 30 seconds.

Remove the skillet from heat and pour sauce over the pork loin inside the slow cooker.

Cover slow cooker and cook on low setting for 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours.

Using a mea,t thermometer check the internal cooking temperature to ensure itdegreeses 145 degrthe ee F.

Remove the loin from the slow cooker and place it on the cutting board for three minutes.

Pour the remaining juices from the slow cooker into a saucepan pan to create the sauce, turn on medium heat, and stir.

Mix 1 tablespoon of cold water in a glass measuring cup with 3 teaspoons of cornstarch. Stir until a slurry occurs and no lumps are present.

Slowly incorporate the cornstarch slurry into the simmering saucepan and stir. Continue with medium-high heat, bringing the liquids up to a slow boil.

A slow boil is slightly warmer than a simmer. Small bubbles will form in the liquids as they cook.

Continue at this level for 5 minutes or until the liquids reduce to a syrupy consistency.

Reduce the heat and serve the sauce over the sliced pork loin.

Can a pork loin be used for pulled pork?

You can use pork loin in pulled pork recipes.

However, people usually prefer cuts like pork shoulder, pork butt, or what is sometimes referred to as picnic roast or Boston butt for pulled pork.

The key factor to these cuts is the in optimum fat and marbling which retains moisture and keeps the meat from drying out during the slow cooking process.

Should pork be covered with liquid in a slow cooker?

Depending on the cut of pork, you don’t need to cover it in liquid.

Recipes that call for submerging the meat in liquid require you to keep enough liquid so the bottom doesn’t burn.

Typically, you may add water, apple juice, or broth to the recipe to create liquid and enhance flavor.

Is it better to cook pork on high or low in slow cooker?

When time allows we prefer the low and slow method of cooking on most cuts of pork in the crock pot.

Can pork loin be overcooked in a slow cooker?

Yes, pork loin can be overcooked in a slow cooker.

If you cook loin for too long, it dries out quickly because it is a very lean cut of pork.

Being mindful of the temperature and using an instant read thermometer will help ensure cooking success.

Why sear the pork loin before slow cooking?

Searing the pork deepens the flavors within the meat.

This recipe uses a spice rub and the searing process to create a golden crust of flavor on the outer edges of the pork.

You won’t regret adding this step!

Side dishes for BBQ Pork Loin

These crispy Parmesan Crusted Potatoes are seriously incredible!  With just a few simple ingredients, they’re an easy and delicious side dish or game day appetizer!

Bacon and Peanut Butter Cookies are a unique combination of bacon grease, bacon, and peanut butter that’s sure to be your new favorite cookie.

Other slow cooker recipes

Perfect Crock Pot Pulled Pork is a tender and flavorful pork shoulder recipe made with a basic sweet rub that makes excellent sandwiches and great leftovers.