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Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Honey Garlic Pork Roast (Easy & Tender Recipe)

If you’re looking for a simple, budget-friendly, and incredibly flavorful slow cooker recipe, this 3-Ingredient Honey Garlic Pork Roast is the perfect choice. With just pork, honey, and garlic, you get a melt-in-your-mouth, tender, and juicy roast that’s ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or family gatherings.

This recipe requires almost no prep and delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Let’s dive into the full, step-by-step details.

Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Pork Roast

Only 3 main ingredients
Hands-off slow cooker convenience
Sweet, savory, rich flavor
Pork becomes incredibly tender and easy to shred
Perfect for sandwiches, rice bowls, tacos, or classic dinner plates
Great for beginners and busy cooks

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

3 to 3 1/2 lb boneless pork shoulder (or pork butt), trimmed of excess hard fat
1/2 cup honey
6 cloves garlic, minced or very finely chopped

Optional but Recommended

Kosher salt & black pepper, to taste
2–3 tablespoons water, to thin the honey if needed

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pork

Pat the pork shoulder dry using paper towels.
For best flavor, season the pork all over with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
(This doesn’t count as one of the main 3 ingredients, but it enhances everything.)

Step 2: Mix the Honey Garlic Sauce

In a small bowl, combine:

1/2 cup honey
6 cloves minced garlic

Mix until the garlic is evenly distributed.
If the honey is very thick:

Warm it slightly, OR
Add 1–2 tablespoons of water to help it pour smoothly.

Step 3: Add the Pork to the Slow Cooker

Place the seasoned pork shoulder directly into the slow cooker.

Pour the honey-garlic mixture over the pork.
Turn the pork once or twice to ensure it gets coated evenly.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Pork

Cover and cook on:

LOW for 7–9 hours (best tenderness), OR
HIGH for 4–5 hours

The pork is ready when it easily shreds with a fork.

Slow cookers vary, so start checking at the earlier time range.

Step 5: Remove & Shred the Pork

Once fully cooked and tender:

Carefully transfer the pork to a cutting board or large bowl.
Let it rest for 10 minutes.
Shred using two forks, discarding any large fatty pieces.

Step 6: Prepare the Sauce (Optional but Delicious)

Skim any excess fat from the surface of the liquid in the slow cooker.

If you prefer a thicker glaze:

Pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan.
Simmer for 5–10 minutes to reduce and concentrate the flavor.

Step 7: Combine & Serve

Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker.
Toss well so the meat absorbs the honey-garlic sauce.

Taste and adjust seasoning with a bit of salt or pepper if needed.

Serve warm and spoon extra sauce over the top.

Serving Suggestions

This tender honey garlic pork roast pairs perfectly with:

Mashed potatoes
Steamed rice or fried rice
Roasted vegetables
Buttered noodles
Soft dinner rolls
Tacos, wraps, or sandwiches

Its sweet-savory sauce works with almost any side dish.

Variations & Tips

1. Add a Tangy Twist

Mix 1–2 tablespoons of the following into the honey-garlic mixture:

Soy sauce
Apple cider vinegar
Rice vinegar

This creates a more BBQ-style flavor.

2. Add Heat (Optional)

For a spicy kick:

Red pepper flakes
Sriracha
Chili paste

Sweet and spicy pairs beautifully!

3. Use Pork Loin Instead of Pork Shoulder

You can use pork loin for a leaner version.
But reduce the cooking time to avoid drying out:

LOW for 4–5 hours, or
HIGH for 2–3 hours

4. Broil for Caramelized Edges

After shredding:

Spread pork on a sheet pan.
Spoon sauce over it.
Broil for 3–5 minutes until lightly crispy.

This adds incredible texture and flavor.

5. Great for Meal Prep

Leftovers reheat beautifully.
Use the pork in:

Rice bowls
Tacos
Sandwiches
Lettuce wraps
Stir-fries

If the sauce thickens in the fridge, add 1–2 tablespoons of water when reheating.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Honey Garlic Pork Roast is the perfect recipe when you want something delicious, effortless, and family-friendly. With minimal ingredients and rich flavor, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Honey Garlic Pork Roast