Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Glazed Pork Roast Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 8 hours 15 minutes Resting Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 8 hours 45 minutes Servings: 8 Cuisine: American Cooking Method: Slow Cooker

Ingredients

For the Pork Roast

• 3–4 lbs boneless pork shoulder roast

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 large yellow onions, thickly sliced

• 5 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Honey Garlic Glaze

• ½ cup honey

• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar

• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth

• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 2 tablespoons cold water

For Garnishing

• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley

• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)

• Fresh thyme sprigs

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Roast

Remove the pork shoulder from its packaging and pat it completely dry using paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps develop a beautiful golden-brown crust when searing the meat.

In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, and rosemary.

Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the entire pork roast, making sure every side is well coated.

Allow the seasoned pork to sit at room temperature for approximately 10 minutes while preparing the remaining ingredients.

Step 2: Sear the Pork

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place the seasoned pork roast into the hot skillet and sear for approximately 3–4 minutes per side until a rich golden-brown crust develops.

Turn the meat using kitchen tongs to brown the remaining sides.

This step adds extra flavor and improves the finished appearance of the slow cooker pork roast.

Transfer the browned roast to a plate.

Step 3: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Arrange the thickly sliced yellow onions across the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.

Sprinkle the minced garlic over the onions.

Place the seared pork roast directly on top of the onion mixture.

The onions create a flavorful base and absorb the delicious juices released during cooking.

As the pork cooks slowly, the onions become soft, sweet, and richly flavored.

Step 4: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

In a medium mixing bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and Dijon mustard.

Whisk everything together until the brown sugar dissolves and the ingredients are evenly combined.

The honey provides natural sweetness, while soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce add savory depth.

Apple cider vinegar balances the sweetness, creating a delicious sweet-and-tangy glaze.

Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the pork roast.

Add crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer a slightly spicy flavor.

Step 5: Slow Cook Until Tender

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook using one of the following settings:

• Low: 8–9 hours

• High: 4½–5½ hours

Cooking on low is recommended because it allows the pork shoulder’s connective tissue to soften gradually.

Avoid repeatedly opening the lid because this releases heat and can increase cooking time.

The pork is ready when it becomes fork-tender. For fall-apart pork shoulder, the internal temperature commonly reaches approximately 195–205°F (90–96°C), well above the minimum safe temperature for whole cuts of pork.

Step 6: Prepare the Thick Honey Garlic Glaze

When the pork is tender, carefully transfer it to an oven-safe baking dish.

Pour approximately 1½ cups of the slow cooker cooking liquid into a saucepan, skimming excess fat if necessary.

Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth.

Slowly whisk the cornstarch mixture into the simmering sauce.

Continue cooking for 3–5 minutes until the sauce becomes thick, glossy, and slightly sticky.

If the sauce is too thick, add a small amount of chicken broth.

Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 7: Create the Beautiful Glazed Finish

Preheat the oven broiler.

Generously brush the thickened honey garlic sauce over the top and sides of the cooked pork roast.

Place the roast under the broiler for approximately 2–4 minutes, watching continuously.

The glaze should bubble slightly and develop a rich caramelized appearance.

Because honey and brown sugar can burn quickly, remove the pork as soon as the glaze develops a beautiful glossy finish.

This optional finishing step creates the deep golden-brown appearance shown in the recipe.

Step 8: Rest and Garnish

Remove the pork roast from the oven and allow it to rest for approximately 10 minutes.

Transfer the caramelized onions from the slow cooker to a serving platter.

Carefully place the glazed pork roast over the onions.

Spoon a little additional honey garlic sauce over the meat.

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, toasted sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes if desired.

Serve warm with your favorite side dishes.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Roast

1. Choose the Right Cut of Pork

Boneless pork shoulder is an excellent choice for this recipe because it contains enough fat and connective tissue to stay juicy during long cooking.

Pork loin is much leaner and should not be substituted using the same extended cooking times.

2. Brown the Meat Before Slow Cooking

Searing the pork before placing it in the slow cooker develops a deeper flavor.

Although this step is optional, it makes a noticeable difference in the finished dish.

3. Avoid Adding Too Much Liquid

Pork shoulder naturally releases moisture while cooking.

Using too much broth can dilute the honey garlic sauce and prevent it from developing a concentrated flavor.

4. Cook on Low for Maximum Tenderness

Slow cooking on the low setting allows the meat to soften gradually.

This method produces a tender roast that can be sliced into thick portions or gently pulled apart.

5. Adjust the Sweetness

For a less sweet version, reduce the brown sugar or honey slightly.

If you prefer a tangier glaze, add an additional teaspoon or two of apple cider vinegar after thickening the sauce.

6. Make the Glaze Extra Glossy

Reducing the cooking liquid and thickening it with cornstarch creates a shiny, restaurant-style sauce.

Brush the thickened glaze over the pork shortly before serving to improve its appearance and flavor.

7. Add Fresh Herbs Before Serving

Fresh parsley, rosemary, or thyme adds color and a pleasant herbal aroma.

For extra texture, sprinkle a small amount of toasted sesame seeds over the finished roast.

8. Best Side Dishes

This honey garlic glazed pork roast pairs beautifully with several classic side dishes.

Creamy mashed potatoes are particularly delicious because they absorb the rich sauce.

Other excellent options include roasted baby potatoes, steamed green beans, buttered carrots, garlic rice, roasted Brussels sprouts, and warm dinner rolls.

For a lighter meal, serve the pork with cauliflower mash and a fresh green salad.

Storage

Refrigeration

Allow the cooked pork roast to cool slightly before transferring it to an airtight container.

Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.

Store the pork with some of its cooking juices to prevent it from drying out.

Properly refrigerated leftovers will keep for 3–4 days.

Freezing

Slice or shred the leftover pork and divide it into freezer-safe containers.

Add a little honey garlic sauce to each portion to maintain moisture.

Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Thaw frozen pork overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Place leftover pork in an oven-safe dish with a few tablespoons of sauce or broth.

Cover with aluminum foil and heat at 325°F (165°C) until the meat reaches 165°F (74°C).

Alternatively, reheat individual portions in the microwave, covering them loosely to retain moisture.

Make-Ahead Instructions

This slow cooker honey garlic pork roast can be prepared in advance.

Season the meat, slice the onions, and mix the sauce ingredients the evening before cooking.

Store the meat and sauce separately in the refrigerator.

The following morning, arrange the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook as directed.

For the best results, thicken the sauce and glaze the roast immediately before serving.

The result is a tender, juicy, and beautifully glazed pork roast surrounded by sweet onions and a rich honey garlic sauce.

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