Why You’ll Love this Slow Cooked Orange Pork Roast Recipe
When you taste this Slow Cooked Orange Pork Roast, you’ll understand why it’s a family favorite. The blend of sweet orange marmalade and savory soy sauce creates a mouthwatering glaze that seeps into the tender pork.
I love how easy it’s to prepare; just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do its magic. The aroma fills the house, making everyone excited for dinner.
Plus, it’s versatile—whether you serve it as tacos or with a side of veggies, it never disappoints. I’ve often found it brings everyone together around the table, sparking joy and conversation.
Trust me, once you try this dish, you’ll want to make it a regular feature in your meal rotation.
Ingredients of Slow Cooked Orange Pork Roast
When it comes to whipping up a delicious dinner that practically cooks itself, this Slow Cooked Orange Pork Roast is a game changer. The blend of sweet and savory flavors is simply divine, and the best part? You only need a handful of ingredients to bring this masterpiece to life.
As you gather these ingredients, just imagine the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen as the pork slowly cooks. Honestly, it’s enough to make your mouth water just thinking about it. Ready to jump in?
Here’s what you’ll need to create this tasty dish:
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 (10 lb) bone-in pork shoulder, picnic cut
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1 cup orange marmalade
- 20 flour tortillas
- 1 head red cabbage, shredded
- 4 medium carrots, coarsely grated
- 1/4 cup cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt (for slaw)
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (for slaw)
Now, let’s talk about these ingredients for a moment. The pork shoulder is the star of the show; it’s rich, juicy, and perfect for slow cooking.
If you can’t find a picnic cut, don’t sweat it—just grab a nice bone-in shoulder cut. It’ll still work wonders.
And that orange marmalade? It’s like the secret sauce that ties everything together, giving the dish a sweet burst that contrasts beautifully with the savory soy sauce.
If you’re feeling adventurous, feel free to experiment with different types of citrus marmalade or even add a pinch of spice to kick things up a notch. Cooking should be fun, so don’t hesitate to make it your own!
How to Make Slow Cooked Orange Pork Roast
Making this Slow Cooked Orange Pork Roast is like inviting a cozy hug into your kitchen. The first step is to grab that 1 medium onion you chopped up earlier and toss it right into the bottom of your trusty 5-quart slow cooker. It’s like the foundation of a delicious house that’s about to be built.
Then, take your 10 lb bone-in pork shoulder, picnic cut, and place it fat and skin side up on top of those onions. Just imagine the juiciness that’s about to happen.
Now comes the fun part—mixing up those flavor-packed ingredients. In a medium bowl, stir together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of chopped garlic, 2 teaspoons of salt, 1 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper, and that star ingredient, 1 cup of orange marmalade. Seriously, just the sight of that sweet, sticky goodness is enough to make you smile.
Pour this mixture all over your pork like a sunny glaze, and just like that, you’ve set the stage for a flavor explosion. Cover your slow cooker and let it work its magic on low for 8 hours. You could say it’s a great excuse to kick back and relax, but let’s be honest, waiting is the hardest part.
When the time is finally up, take a moment to appreciate the tantalizing aroma that has filled your home. Carefully remove that glorious pork shoulder and let it rest on a serving platter for about 5 minutes.
This is where the real fun begins. You can break up some of the meat with a fork and arrange it on the platter while leaving the rest on the bone to keep it warm and moist for your guests.
And don’t forget about those flour tortillas—wrap 20 of them in damp towels, microwave them for 30 seconds, and voilà, you have the perfect vessel for your pulled pork.
For a finishing touch, whip up a quick cabbage slaw with shredded red cabbage, grated carrots, cider vinegar, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Toss it all together, let it chill for a bit, and you’ve got yourself a meal that’s as colorful as it’s delicious. Who knew cooking could feel so rewarding?
Slow Cooked Orange Pork Roast Substitutions & Variations
While I love the classic flavor of the Slow Cooked Orange Pork Roast, there are plenty of ways to mix things up.
For a tangy twist, consider substituting lime juice for some of the orange marmalade. If you’re craving a bit of heat, adding a teaspoon of chili flakes or a splash of sriracha can elevate the flavor profile.
You can also swap the pork shoulder for a boneless pork loin if you prefer leaner meat. For a sweeter touch, try using apricot or peach preserves instead of orange marmalade.
Finally, you might play around with different herbs—fresh rosemary or thyme can add an aromatic depth to the dish. Don’t hesitate to experiment!
What to Serve with Slow Cooked Orange Pork Roast
To enhance the flavors of your Slow Cooked Orange Pork Roast, I suggest pairing it with a variety of sides that complement its sweet and savory profile.
A crunchy cabbage slaw adds a revitalizing contrast, while the slight acidity from cider vinegar balances the richness of the pork.
Soft, warm flour tortillas make for perfect vessels to wrap the tender meat, and they’re great for creating delicious tacos.
You might also consider serving some roasted sweet potatoes or a zesty citrus salad to bring in additional brightness.
Finally, a side of jasmine rice can soak up all those wonderful juices, creating a complete, satisfying meal.
Enjoy experimenting with these combinations!
Additional Tips & Notes
When serving your Slow Cooked Orange Pork Roast, keep a few tips in mind to elevate the experience. First, don’t skip letting the pork rest before serving; this helps retain moisture.
I like to set out a variety of toppings, like fresh cilantro or diced jalapeños, to let everyone customize their tacos. If you have leftovers, they’re fantastic for sandwiches or salads the next day!
For a burst of flavor, consider adding some lime wedges on the side. Also, warm up your tortillas just before serving—they’ll be soft and pliable.
Finally, if you want a little crunch, serve the cabbage slaw separately so guests can add it as they like. Enjoy the delightful flavors!