This glazed slow cooker pork tenderloin is super easy to make and so flavorful! With a sweet and tangy glaze, the meat becomes tender and juicy, perfect for any dinner.
You’ll love how the slow cooker does all the work while you relax. I usually serve it with rice, so I can soak up that tasty glaze; it’s a real crowd-pleaser! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Tenderloin: This cut is naturally tender and flavorful, making it perfect for slow cooking. If you can’t find tenderloin, you can use pork loin, but keep in mind the cooking time might vary.
Chicken Broth: Using chicken broth adds depth to the sauce. You can substitute with vegetable broth if you want a lighter flavor or use low-sodium broth for a healthier option.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce provides a salty umami flavor. Try using tamari for a gluten-free option, or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative.
Brown Sugar: This brings sweetness to the dish. If you need a substitute, you can use coconut sugar, honey, or maple syrup, though you might need to adjust the liquid content slightly.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a great aroma, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch. About 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder equals one clove.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Tender Pork in a Slow Cooker?
Cooking pork tenderloin in a slow cooker is simple, but to make it perfectly tender, you need to follow a couple of tips:
- Choose the right cut: Pork tenderloin cooks quickly and stays moist when cooked low and slow.
- Don’t skip the seasoning: Make sure to whisk together all the marinade ingredients well before pouring them over the pork. This infuses flavor.
- Cooking time matters: For best results, aim for low heat for 6-8 hours. Cooking on high may dry it out more quickly.
How to Make Glazed Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork and Sauce:
- 2 pounds pork tenderloin
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For Thickening (Optional):
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Water (for mixing with cornstarch)
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 6-8 hours to cook on low (or 3-4 hours on high) in the slow cooker. Perfect for a busy day, just set it and forget it until dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
Start by whisking together the chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, ground ginger, and black pepper in a bowl. Make sure it’s well mixed so all the flavors blend together nicely.
2. Add the Pork:
Place the pork tenderloin right into the slow cooker. Pour the delicious sauce mixture over the top, ensuring the pork is coated well.
3. Cook the Pork:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook. If you’re using low heat, set it for 6-8 hours; if you’re in a hurry, go for high heat for 3-4 hours. The pork is ready when it’s tender and can be shredded easily with a fork.
4. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you’d like a thicker sauce, remove the cooked pork from the slow cooker and set it aside. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a little cold water to make a slurry. Add this to the sauce in the slow cooker and stir until it thickens up, which should take about 10 minutes.
5. Serve the Pork:
Slice the pork tenderloin into pieces and return them to the slow cooker. Gently stir to coat the pork slices with the thickened sauce.
6. Garnish and Enjoy:
Serve your glazed slow cooker pork tenderloin warm, topped with chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy this delightful dish with your favorite sides!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
Absolutely! You can substitute pork loin or even pork shoulder for the tenderloin. Just remember that cooking times may vary; pork shoulder might need a bit longer to become tender, so check for doneness with a fork.
What Can I Use Instead of Soy Sauce?
If you need a substitute for soy sauce, try tamari for a gluten-free option, or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative. Keep in mind that these may slightly change the flavor, but they will still work well in the recipe!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pork and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pot on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare everything in the slow cooker insert and refrigerate it overnight (without turning it on). In the morning, simply bring it to room temperature before cooking or set the slow cooker directly to low to keep it safe and start cooking right away!
