Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin Frozen Tips
In today's fast-paced world, discovering that you forgot to thaw your pork tenderloin doesn't have to derail your dinner plans. With the help of a slow cooker, you can turn this potential kitchen disaster into a delicious opportunity that your family will love.
Tip 1: You can stew frozen meat directly
In fact, you can put the frozen pork tenderloin directly into the slow cooker without thawing it in advance.
I've tried this, and the meat is still tender. That's because the slow cooker thaws and heats the meat slowly, retaining the moisture. Moreover, not having to thaw it is convenient, especially when you're short on time!
Tip 2: Add an appropriate amount of water to keep it moist
When slow-cooking frozen pork, the amount of water should be moderate. Don't let the meat pieces be completely submerged in water. A little more water or stock can ensure the meat is more tender and prevent it from becoming dry and tough.
If you don't have stock, water and some seasonings can also create a delicious base flavor.
Tip 3: Use the high-temperature setting when short on time
If you don't have enough time for slow cooking, you can choose the high-temperature setting.
Normally, it takes 4 - 6 hours to thoroughly cook the pork, but with the high-temperature setting, you can easily finish it in 2 - 3 hours, and the meat still remains tender and smooth. If time permits, slow cooking at a low temperature results in a more flavorful dish.
Tip 4: Prepare the seasonings in advance
I usually prepare the seasonings in advance when doing this kind of slow cooking. You can choose garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, etc., and sprinkle them directly on the frozen pork.
During slow cooking, the flavors of all the spices will penetrate the meat, ensuring that every bite is delicious.
Tip 5: Season again at the end for a richer flavor
If you like a more intense flavor, after the pork is slow-cooked, you can shred the meat and sprinkle on a little more seasoning or sauce.
This way, the seasonings will penetrate deeper into the meat fibers, enhancing the flavor.
Tip 6: Allow some time for the juices to thicken
If you want the meat to have a rich, saucy texture, you can uncover the slow cooker during the last half hour of cooking to let some of the juices evaporate. This will intensify the texture of the meat, enrich the flavor, and prevent the sauce from being too thin.
Do I need to add liquid to slow cooker pork?
Yes, it is recommended to add liquid. Although the slow cooker has good airtightness, adding liquid helps keep the pork moist and prevents it from getting overcooked and dry. Commonly used liquids include chicken broth, meat broth, fruit juice, or simply water.
The liquid not only prevents the meat from drying out but also helps it absorb more flavor. If you are cooking meats like pork shoulder or pork tenderloin, the liquid helps make the meat more tender during the slow cooking process and easier to shred.
Usually, about one cup of liquid is sufficient. Of course, the amount of liquid should also be adjusted according to the desired moisture level of the dish.
How do I know the pork tenderloin is ready？
To tell if the pork tenderloin is done, the most reliable way is to use a food thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the pork to ensure the internal temperature reaches 70°C (160°F). This temperature indicates that the pork is fully cooked.
Alternatively, you can also observe the color of the meat. A cooked pork tenderloin will change to a lighter color, no longer pink, and it should look more uniform on the surface. If you gently pull it apart with a fork, the meat should be tender and separate easily.
Is it better to cook pork tenderloin fast or slow?
Slow cooking is generally more suitable for pork tenderloin. Cooking over low heat makes the meat more tender and retains more of its juices. Pork tenderloin is relatively lean, and cooking it too quickly may result in dryness. Slow cooking, on the other hand, can better maintain the tenderness and juiciness of the meat.
However, if you prefer a crispy outer crust, quickly searing the outer layer and then switching to slow cooking can also yield good results. Generally speaking, slow cooking makes the pork tenderloin more tender and better in flavor.
What to put in a slow cooker with pork?
Here are some common pairings:
Liquids: Such as chicken broth, meat broth, and fruit juices (like apple juice or orange juice), which can help keep the pork moist and add flavor.
Vegetables: Onions, carrots, potatoes, garlic, bell peppers, etc. are all great for stewing with pork. They can absorb the meat juices and become really delicious.
Spices and seasonings: You can add seasonings like salt, black pepper, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, chili powder, garlic powder, etc., adjusting according to your taste.
Sauces: Sauces like BBQ sauce, ketchup, honey, apple cider vinegar, etc. can make the pork more flavorful and are especially suitable for making dishes with a grilled flavor.
