Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin
Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin is a delicious and easy dish that makes the perfect family meal. With tender, juicy pork surrounded by a savory sauce, it’s a comfort food favorite. Plus, using a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, making dinner time stress-free.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is great for a few reasons. First, it uses simple ingredients that you likely already have at home. Second, the slow cooker does all the work for you, allowing the flavors to blend together beautifully while you go about your day. Lastly, it’s versatile! You can serve it with various sides, making it a dish that everyone will love.
How to Make Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin
Making Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin is easy. Just follow these steps!
Ingredients
- 2 pork tenderloins (about 1.5 to 2 pounds total)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Directions
- Season the pork: Pat the pork tenderloins dry with paper towels. Rub them with olive oil, then season evenly with salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and black pepper.
- Sear the pork: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned tenderloins and sear for about 2 minutes per side, until nicely browned. This step is optional but adds extra flavor.
- Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic.
- Slow cook: Place the pork tenderloins in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over them. Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours, or until the thickest part reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius).
- Thicken the sauce: Transfer the pork to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Pour the cooking liquid into a small saucepan. Mix the cornstarch with cold water until smooth, then whisk it into the sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Slice and serve: Slice the pork into medallions and spoon the warm sauce over the top. Serve immediately with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice, or green beans.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin
Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin pairs wonderfully with sides like mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with a fresh salad for a lighter option. Don’t forget to drizzle extra sauce over your sides for added flavor!
How to Store Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin
To store any leftover Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin, let it cool down first. Place the meat and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to label your container!
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin
- Choose the right pork: Look for tenderloins that are a nice pink color and firm to the touch.
- Don’t skip searing: Searing the tenderloins before cooking adds great flavor.
- Adjust the sauce: Feel free to adjust the seasonings or add your favorite herbs to customize the flavor to your liking.
Variation
You can vary this recipe by adding different spices or using different sauces. Try teriyaki sauce for a sweet glaze or add crushed red pepper for a spicy kick.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of meat?
Yes, you can use pork loin or pork shoulder, but cooking times may vary.
Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes, you can cook on high for about 2-3 hours, but low cooking often yields more tender meat.
Can I use frozen pork tenderloin?
While it’s better to use thawed pork, you can cook it from frozen. Just increase the cooking time by an hour or so.
Enjoy making your Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin! It’s simple, nourishing, and a great way to enjoy a hearty meal with minimal effort.
Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients
Method
- Pat the pork tenderloins dry with paper towels.
- Rub them with olive oil, then season evenly with salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and black pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned tenderloins and sear for about 2 minutes per side until nicely browned.
- In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic.
- Place the pork tenderloins in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over them.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours, or until the thickest part reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius).
- Transfer the pork to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.
- Pour the cooking liquid into a small saucepan.
- Mix the cornstarch with cold water until smooth, then whisk it into the sauce.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Slice the pork into medallions and spoon the warm sauce over the top.
- Serve immediately with sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice, or green beans.
