5 Ingredient Pork Recipes

Choosing Pork

Whether you choose recipes for pork chops, pork tenderloin, or pork roast, remember that today's pork is leaner than pork of 15 or 20 years ago. Most cuts of pork have less fat and cholesterol than the thigh or leg of chicken; these cuts come from the loin, or back, of the pig.

The meat should be pink and firm, with flecks of white fat evenly distributed throughout the cut. You can keep pork, refrigerated and tightly wrapped, up to four days in your refrigerator before cooking it. Raw pork can be frozen for up to six months, and any of these recipes will freeze well for up to three months.

Cooking Pork Safely

It's no longer necessary to cook pork to well done; you no longer need worry about parasites like trichinosis, since the way pork is raised and fed eliminates that problem.

 Pork should be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees F (the USDA lowered this temp in 2011); at that point, the meat will be slightly pink in the center and will be juicy and tender.

Caribbean Crockpot Pork

Warm spices of curry and cumin are rubbed into a pork loin roast, then cooked in a crockpot with apple juice and onions for a wonderfully flavored, super tender roast.

Crockpot Pork and Beans

This was one of the first crockpot recipes I ever created. I love the combination of tender pork chops with the beans that are dressed up with seasonings. 

Orange Roast Pork

Frozen orange juice concentrate is the secret ingredient in this sweet and spicy crockpot recipe. Orange and pork belong together, with the sweet acidity of citrus balancing with the tender pork. You can spice it up with jalapenos, or add more root vegetables to make a one-dish meal.

Regina's Pork Roast

Lots of thyme and garlic add wonderful flavor to this simple roasted pork loin. Serve it with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a delicious dinner you won't hesitate to serve to guests.

Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Pork Roast

Onions, apples, and honey mustard provide lots of flavor to this rolled boneless pork roast cooked in your crockpot. It makes a lovely presentation at the table and you can enjoy it along with your favorite sides.

Pork Chops and Peppers

This super easy recipe takes just minutes to make. Serve it with some hot cooked couscous to soak up the wonderful sauce. You can change up the vegetables if you'd prefer green beans or asparagus to the bell peppers, or even substitute zucchini to lessen your overload in season.

Slow Cooker Pork and Potatoes

Potatoes and baby carrots are flavored by a juicy boneless pork loin roast in this super easy crockpot recipe. If you use a bone-in pork roast, you'll need to increase the cooking time. If you're up for an additional ingredient, consider adding some mushrooms.

Crockpot Italian Pork Chops

Pasta sauce and mozzarella cheese smother these tender loin chops cooked in your slow cooker. Serve it with a green salad and some garlic bread.