How to Cook a Pork Roast

Digital18

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posted on 11 years ago — updated on 1 second ago

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Roasting pork over a low to medium heat allows it to slowly tenderize and take on sweet or salty flavors. There are several cuts of roast pork that can be roasted in the oven, cooked in a slow cooker or simmered in a Dutch oven, such as pork loin, pork shoulder, pork tenderloin and pork crown roast. You can find out how to cook a pork roast by following these steps in the article below.

Steps

Prepare the Pork Roast

Place the roast in the refrigerator to defrost, if it has been frozen. This can take 1 to 2 days depending upon the size of the roast.

Remove the roast from the refrigerator when it is thawed. Place it on a plate for seasoning.

Sprinkle a generous seasoning of salt and pepper on all surfaces of the roast.

Brown the Pork Roast

Heat a large frying pan on high heat. Add 1 tbsp. (14.8ml) of canola or olive oil to the pan.

Place the pork roast in the pan to brown. Turn the roast on each of its sides when they reach a caramel color. Browning a roast helps it to seal in the juices during the cooking process. It is recommended whether you use an oven or a slow cooker.

Seasonings and Other Ingredients

Chop up 1 onion, when you have chosen your cooking method. This pork roast recipe, and most other recipes, can be adapted according to the way you want to cook the roast.

Slice 2 to 3 apples. Add the onions and the apples to the roasting pan, Dutch oven or slow cooker.

Pour 1 cup (237ml) of beef broth into your container to help flavor the pork while it cooks. You can also use chicken broth.

Add 1 to 2 cups (237 to 473ml) of apple juice, cider or another fruit juice. If you are using a slow cooker, use 1/2 cup (118ml) of beef broth, and 1/2 cup (118ml) of apple juice. The moisture stays in the crock pot while it cooks, and too much moisture can make the roast soupy.

Add additional spices, such as 1 bay leaf or 1 tbsp. (2.1g) of chopped sage, thyme or rosemary. If you are using a slow cooker, use half of the spices that are called for in the recipe. The long cooking time increases the intensity of the flavor.

Pork Roast Cooking Tips

Place the fattiest side of the roast upward in the roasting pan, slow cooker or Dutch oven. This will allow the fat to drip down and flavor the meat.

Use a meat thermometer to see whether the roast has reached 160 degrees on the inside. Some experts now say that pork must reach over 145 degrees Fahrenheit to be safe.

Make sure the thermometer does not touch the bone, as this will produce an inaccurate reading.

Allow the pork to rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Cover it with aluminum foil so that it doesn't lose too much heat.

Slice the pork roast across the grain for a tender flavor.

Use the extra liquid from your roasting pan, slow cooker or Dutch oven to make a sauce. Pour it into a frying pan and simmer it on high heat until it is reduced by half. Pour it over the slices of roast pork.