How To Cook Pork Loin Medallions In Slow Cooker [GUIDE]
Pork loin medallions are tender, lean cuts of meat that can transform an ordinary meal into a succulent, flavorful experience. Unlike larger pork roasts, medallions cook quickly and evenly, making them perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend dinners alike. Using a slow cooker elevates this already versatile protein, infusing it with moisture, aromatic herbs, and savory sauces while allowing you to walk away and tend to other tasks. The slow, gentle heat of the crockpot ensures that the pork remains tender without drying out, providing a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to achieve through quick stovetop or oven methods.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything from cooking times to flavor-boosting techniques, troubleshooting common issues, and even reheating leftovers, ensuring you get perfectly cooked pork medallions every time.
Contents
- 1 How Long To Cook Pork Loin Medallions In Slow Cooker
- 2 How To Tell If It Is Done
- 3 Ingredients Needed
- 4 How To Cook Pork Loin Medallions In Slow Cooker
- 5 When Things Go Wrong
- 6 Expert Tips
- 7 Can I Do This Without A Slow Cooker?
- 8 Reheating Leftovers In Slow Cooker
- 9 FAQs
- 9.1 What Are Pork Loin Medallions, And Why Are They Suitable For Slow Cooking?
- 9.2 Do I Need To Sear Pork Loin Medallions Before Putting Them In The Slow Cooker?
- 9.3 What Is The Recommended Cooking Time For Pork Loin Medallions In A Slow Cooker?
- 9.4 What Temperature Should Pork Loin Medallions Reach To Be Safely Cooked?
- 9.5 Can I Cook Frozen Pork Loin Medallions Directly In The Slow Cooker?
- 9.6 What Liquids Can I Use In The Slow Cooker For Pork Loin Medallions?
- 9.7 Can I Add Vegetables To The Slow Cooker With Pork Loin Medallions?
- 9.8 How Can I Make The Pork Loin Medallions More Flavorful In The Slow Cooker?
- 9.9 Should I Cover The Slow Cooker Tightly While Cooking Pork Loin Medallions?
- 9.10 How Can I Thicken The Sauce Or Gravy After Slow Cooking Pork Loin Medallions?
How Long To Cook Pork Loin Medallions In Slow Cooker
Cooking times for pork loin medallions in a slow cooker can vary slightly depending on the thickness of the medallions and the specific slow cooker model, but general guidelines help ensure consistently tender results.
- Low setting: 3 to 4 hours
- High setting: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
Because pork medallions are relatively thin (typically about 1 inch thick), they don’t require the extended cooking times of a whole pork loin roast. Cooking them too long can lead to the edges becoming dry and overcooked, so it’s crucial to monitor and stick close to these time frames. Slow cooking allows the meat to absorb the flavors of any marinade or sauce fully, creating a juicy, flavorful dish that practically melts in your mouth.
How To Tell If It Is Done
Determining the doneness of pork medallions requires both visual and tactile cues, as well as, ideally, a meat thermometer. Pork should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption. Insert the thermometer into the center of the thickest medallion to check.
Other indicators of doneness include:
- Color: The meat should be pale pink to white in the center, with juices running clear. Slight pink is safe due to modern pork standards.
- Texture: Firm but still tender; it should give slightly under pressure but not feel mushy.
- Juices: Clear or slightly pink juices indicate the meat is cooked correctly.
Overcooking can make medallions tough, so err on the side of slightly undercooked rather than overcooked and allow resting time after removal from the slow cooker.
Ingredients Needed
A flavorful pork loin medallion dish can be achieved with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients:
- 1.5 to 2 pounds pork loin medallions
- 1 cup chicken broth or stock
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika works well)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: ½ cup white wine, soy sauce, or apple cider vinegar for added depth
- Optional thickener: 1-2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with water for gravy
The combination of aromatic herbs, a savory liquid base, and a little fat ensures the pork remains moist while building layers of flavor.
How To Cook Pork Loin Medallions In Slow Cooker
- Prepare the medallions: Pat the pork medallions dry with a paper towel and season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Sear for flavor (optional but recommended): Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the medallions for 1-2 minutes per side until lightly browned. This caramelization adds depth to the final dish.
- Layer aromatics: Place sliced onions and garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. These aromatics act as a flavorful base.
- Add medallions and liquids: Arrange pork on top of the aromatics and pour chicken broth (and optional wine or vinegar) over the top. Sprinkle herbs evenly.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2.5 hours. Avoid lifting the lid too often, as this releases heat and prolongs cooking.
- Finish and thicken (optional): If a thicker sauce is desired, remove the medallions, stir in cornstarch slurry into the liquid, and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes on high until thickened.
When Things Go Wrong
Even with slow cooking, things can go awry. Common issues include:
- Dry pork: Usually caused by overcooking or using medallions that are too thin. Stick to recommended cooking times and check with a thermometer.
- Watery sauce: May occur if too much liquid is added. Remove the medallions and simmer the liquid on high with cornstarch to thicken.
- Bland flavor: Ensure adequate seasoning and consider a marinade or a flavor boost from wine, vinegar, or soy sauce. Slow cooking intensifies flavors, but the base must be well-seasoned.
Expert Tips
- Sear before slow cooking: Adds a rich, caramelized flavor to the medallions.
- Avoid stacking too many medallions: Ensure even cooking by keeping a single layer or slightly overlapping.
- Use fresh herbs near the end: To preserve their fragrance and vibrancy, add delicate herbs like parsley or basil during the last 30 minutes.
- Rest before slicing: Allow 5-10 minutes resting time to let juices redistribute.
Can I Do This Without A Slow Cooker?
Yes! Pork loin medallions can be cooked on the stovetop or in the oven:
- Stovetop: Sear medallions in a skillet with oil, add aromatics and liquid, cover, and simmer on low for 20-30 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Oven: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C), sear the medallions, place in an oven-safe dish with liquid, cover, and bake for 20-30 minutes.
Slow cookers offer convenience and gentle heat, but traditional methods can yield excellent results with more attention.
Reheating Leftovers In Slow Cooker
Leftover pork medallions can be reheated gently to maintain moisture:
- Place medallions and leftover sauce in the slow cooker.
- Heat on low for 1-2 hours or until warmed through.
- Avoid high heat, which can dry out the already cooked meat.
You can also add a splash of broth to refresh the sauce and prevent sticking.
FAQs
What Are Pork Loin Medallions, And Why Are They Suitable For Slow Cooking?
Pork loin medallions are thick slices cut from the pork loin, usually around 1 to 1.5 inches thick. They are lean yet tender, and their uniform size allows them to cook evenly in a slow cooker. Slow cooking helps retain moisture and enhances flavor, preventing the lean meat from drying out.
Do I Need To Sear Pork Loin Medallions Before Putting Them In The Slow Cooker?
Searing pork loin medallions before slow cooking is optional but recommended. Browning the meat in a skillet develops deeper flavors through the Maillard reaction and helps the medallions retain moisture during the slow cooking process.
What Is The Recommended Cooking Time For Pork Loin Medallions In A Slow Cooker?
Pork loin medallions should generally be cooked on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. Cooking times can vary depending on the thickness of the medallions and the specific slow cooker model.
What Temperature Should Pork Loin Medallions Reach To Be Safely Cooked?
The internal temperature of pork loin medallions should reach 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption, followed by a 3-minute rest period. This ensures the meat is both safe and tender.
Can I Cook Frozen Pork Loin Medallions Directly In The Slow Cooker?
It is not recommended to cook frozen pork loin medallions directly in the slow cooker. Cooking frozen meat can keep it in the temperature danger zone for too long, increasing the risk of bacterial growth. Thaw them in the refrigerator before slow cooking.
What Liquids Can I Use In The Slow Cooker For Pork Loin Medallions?
You can use a variety of liquids, such as broth, wine, apple cider, or a mixture of sauces and water. Ensure there is enough liquid to cover at least half of the medallions to maintain moisture and prevent burning.
Can I Add Vegetables To The Slow Cooker With Pork Loin Medallions?
Yes, adding vegetables like carrots, potatoes, onions, and bell peppers is common. Place root vegetables at the bottom of the slow cooker, as they take longer to cook, and position the pork medallions on top.
How Can I Make The Pork Loin Medallions More Flavorful In The Slow Cooker?
Marinating the medallions before cooking, seasoning them generously, and adding aromatic ingredients like garlic, herbs, and onions can enhance flavor. Searing before slow cooking also adds depth to the taste.
Should I Cover The Slow Cooker Tightly While Cooking Pork Loin Medallions?
Yes, keep the lid on during cooking to maintain consistent heat and moisture. Lifting the lid frequently can significantly extend cooking time and dry out the meat.
How Can I Thicken The Sauce Or Gravy After Slow Cooking Pork Loin Medallions?
After cooking, remove the medallions and transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan. You can thicken it by simmering or adding a slurry of cornstarch and water. Adjust seasoning as needed for a rich, flavorful sauce.