How to Cook Pork Center Cut Loin Fillet in a Crock Pot

Using a crock pot to prepare pork center loin allows you to enjoy a healthy and tasty meal without a lot of effort. Pork is a good source of iron, zinc, B vitamins and protein and contains less fat and calories than many cuts of beef. Look for a center loin that is pink in color and firm to the touch, recommends the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Cook or freeze within 3 days of purchase to reduce your risk of food-borne illnesses.

Step 1.

Marinate your center loin. If you like, place your pork in a marinade, either a store-bought one or one you prepare at home. This will result in a moister cut of meat and will add flavor. Try cranberries or apricot preserves, both of which pair well with pork. Garlic, soy sauce, onion and barbecue sauce are other ingredients you can use in a pork marinade.

Step 2.

Place the pork in the crock pot. Centering the pork center loin allows for more even cooking. Add a little water to keep the meat from drying out.

Step 3.

Season the pork. If you have not marinated your meat, seasoning it before cooking allows the flavors to meld with the meat. Using salt and pepper is a simple way to season pork, but garlic salt, onion powder, seasoning salt, Cajun or jerk seasoning or rosemary and chopped garlic are other options. Mix and match your favorite herbs and spices to create a variety of different flavors for your pork center loin.

Step 4.

Turn on the crock pot. A low setting will require about four to six hours of cooking time, and a high setting will cut that time in half to about one to three hours, depending on the size of the pork center loin. Check your meat often to be sure you are not overcooking it. If you have the crock pot on a low setting and the pork isn't cooking fast enough, turn the heat up to high to finish.

Step 5.

Insert a meat thermometer to test for doneness. A center cut of pork should reach an internal temperature of at least 145 Fahrenheit before eating. This temperature results in a pinker and more rare cut of meat. Cook to 160 Fahreinheit for a well-done pork center loin.

Things You Will Need

• Crock pot

• Water

• Herbs and spices

• Marinades

• Meat thermometer

Tip

Use caution when opening the crock pot as steam may be released, posing a burn hazard.

Keep the crock pot cord from hanging down off the counter so that small children or pets do not accidentally pull it down.

Allow your pork center loin to rest for at least five minutes before cutting to keep it moist and juicy.