Asian Style Pork Tenderloin (Slow Cooker)
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
6 hrs 30 mins
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Total Time
6 hrs 45 mins
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Servings
6 Servings
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Calories
274 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Asian
Asian Style Pork Tenderloin (Slow Cooker)
Description
Asian Style Pork Tenderloin (Slow Cooker) starts with a dry rub mixture containing brown sugar, salt, powdered ginger, cinnamon, garlic powder, cloves, black pepper, and crushed red pepper, which is rubbed all over pork tenderloins. The meat is placed in a slow cooker with some water to avoid washing off the rub and cooked on low heat for 6 to 8 hours until tender. Meanwhile, a glaze is made by thickening a mixture of brown sugar, cornstarch, rice vinegar, water, soy sauce, and minced fresh ginger on the stovetop. After slow cooking, the tender pork is removed, coated with the glaze, and broiled to caramelize the surface and deepen the flavors.
The final dish offers tender pork with a spiced, sweet, slightly tangy glaze that has a sticky, caramelized finish. The cinnamon and cloves provide warmth, while the fresh ginger and lime wedges brighten the flavor. This recipe works well served with steamed rice and garnished with fresh cilantro, adding herbaceous contrast to the richness.
If pressed for time, you can use a quicker cooking method for the pork tenderloin itself, about 30 minutes, before applying the glaze and broiling. Although the texture might not be quite as tender, it will still deliver flavorful results.
Ingredients
For the rub:
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ginger powdered
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cloves powdered
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 2 pounds pork tenderloin
For the glaze:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ cup rice vinegar or white
- ½ cup water cold
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons ginger minced, fresh
- cilantro to garnish, fresh
- lime to garnish, wedges
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, salt, powdered ginger, cinnamon, garlic, cloves, black pepper, and crushed red pepper.
- Place the tenderloins in the slow cooker. Rub the seasonings over the pork, including the bottom.
- Pour ½ cup water in the slow cooker, on the edge or in the middle so that you don't wash off all the spices you just rubbed on.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours, then preheat your broiler.
- While the pork is finishing up in the slow cooker and your broiler heats up, combine 1/2 cup brown sugar, cornstarch, rice vinegar, COLD water, and soy sauce in a small saucepan.
- Set over medium heat and stir until mixture thickens, about 4 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in minced ginger.
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with nonstick spray.
- Remove the pork from the crock pot (discard the liquid) and place on the lined baking sheet. Brush a generous amount of the glaze on the pork.
- Put your oven rack as high as it will go, and broil the pork for 1 or 2 minutes, until bubbly and caramelized. Don't walk away! Repeat 2 to 3 more times until it is as crusty as you want it. I wouldn't go many more times than this though, or your pork will dry out.
- Serve with remaining glaze on the side, and garnish with lime and cilantro. I love to serve this pork with Asian Cauliflower "Rice."
Notes
- If short on time, cook the pork tenderloin by a faster method for about 30 minutes before broiling with the glaze.
- Broil the pork after slow cooking to caramelize the glaze and develop a sticky coating.
- Serve with fresh cilantro and lime wedges to balance the sweet and spiced flavors.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 274 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1plate | |
| Calories | 274kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 23g | 8% |
| Protein | 32g | 64% |
| Fat | 5g | 8% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 98mg | 33% |
| Potassium | 653mg | 14% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 20g | 40% |
| Vitamin A | 54IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 33mg | 3% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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