This glazed slow cooker pork tenderloin is super simple and incredibly juicy! Just coat the pork in a tasty sauce, set it in the slow cooker, and let it do all the work for you.
You won’t believe how tender it turns out! I love serving it with rice or veggies for a complete meal. Trust me, your family will be asking for seconds—who can resist that glaze? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Tenderloin: This cut is perfect because it stays tender while cooking. If you’re looking for an alternative, you could use chicken breasts or thighs, but keep in mind the cooking times will vary.
Soy Sauce: Light soy sauce adds saltiness without overpowering the dish. For a gluten-free option, choose tamari or coconut aminos. I also use low-sodium soy sauce to cut back on salt, making the dish healthier.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar gives a rich, caramel-like flavor. If you’re out of brown sugar, you can mix white sugar with a bit of molasses or use honey as a sweetener instead.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a nice tang. If you don’t have it, white vinegar or lemon juice can work. I find that it helps balance the sweetness from the sugar and honey well.
Dijon Mustard: Adds depth and a slight tang. If you prefer, yellow mustard can be used, but it has a milder flavor. I love the sharpness that Dijon brings to the dish!
What’s the Best Way to Cook Pork Tenderloin in a Slow Cooker?
Cooking pork tenderloin in a slow cooker is simple, but there are a few key tips to get delicious results!
- Prepare the Sauce: Whisk together all your sauce ingredients well before pouring it over the pork. This helps the flavors blend nicely.
- Cooking Time: Low and slow is the best way to go. Cooking on low for 6-8 hours lets the meat absorb flavors and stay juicy.
- Resting the Meat: Once cooked, let the pork rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps keep all the juices in the meat.
- Thickening the Sauce: If you like a thick sauce, mix cornstarch with water as a slurry and add it to simmering sauce for a few minutes. This really enhances the dish!
Glazed Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pork:
- 2 pounds pork tenderloin
For The Sauce:
- 1 cup soy sauce
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pork tenderloin takes about 15 minutes to prepare and can be cooked in a slow cooker for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Including prep and cooking, you’re looking at a total of about 6-8 hours, but most of that time is hands-off! Perfect for a busy day.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, ground ginger, and black pepper. Make sure everything is well mixed and the sugar has dissolved a bit. This is where all the flavor comes from!
2. Coat the Pork:
Take your pork tenderloin and place it in the slow cooker. Pour the delicious sauce over the pork, ensuring it’s well coated all over. This will infuse the meat with amazing flavor as it cooks.
3. Set to Cook:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The pork is ready when it’s tender and easily pulled apart with a fork. Just let it do its thing while you go about your day!
4. Slice the Pork:
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the pork tenderloin from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for a few minutes to keep it juicy, then slice it into nice portions.
5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you like a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with the water in a small bowl to create a smooth slurry. Pour the leftover sauce from the slow cooker into a saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Drizzle the thickened sauce over the sliced pork tenderloin. Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and serve warm. Enjoy your wonderful meal!
Can I Use Other Cuts of Pork Instead of Tenderloin?
Absolutely! While pork tenderloin is ideal for this recipe, you can use pork loin or pork shoulder as alternatives. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary; larger cuts like pork shoulder will take longer to cook until they’re tender.
What Can I Use Instead of Soy Sauce for a Gluten-Free Option?
You can substitute soy sauce with tamari, which is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Alternatively, coconut aminos offer a soy-free and gluten-free option with a slightly sweeter taste.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pork tenderloin and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cool them completely before freezing to maintain the best texture.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and season the pork the night before. Just keep the pork in the refrigerator, and when you’re ready to cook, pour the sauce over the pork in the slow cooker and cook as directed.
