Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
4 hrs
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Total Time
8 hrs 5 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
178 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin
Description
The Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin centers on cooking a 2-pound pork tenderloin with a blend of garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and onion powder for seasoning. The pork is cooked in a sauce made from chicken broth, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, honey, and cornstarch, which thickens to form a flavorful glaze over the meat. Cooking times vary between low and high settings, but aim to reach an internal temperature of 145-150 °F to ensure the pork is safely cooked yet juicy.
The pork is cooked whole in the slow cooker, allowing the sauce to infuse flavor while helping keep it moist. Resting the tenderloin after cooking lets juices redistribute, improving tenderness. The dish is served sliced with the thickened sauce spooned over it, enriching each bite with umami and sweet notes from the honey and balsamic.
Using pork tenderloin specifically is crucial since it's a lean, tender cut suited for slow cooking, unlike pork loin which has different qualities. Monitoring the cooking process helps avoid overcooking, preserving the pork’s tenderness and preventing dryness.
Leftover pork tenderloin should be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to five days to maintain freshness and safety.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds pork tenderloin
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 3 Tablespoons honey
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Place the pork tenderloin in the crock pot.
- Sprinkle the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper and onion powder over the top of the tenderloin.
- In a small bowl whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, honey and cornstarch together in a small bowl.
- Pour this mixture into the crock pot.
- Cover and cook on low for 2-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours until a meat thermometer reads an internal temperature of 145-150 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the pork tenderloin. Watch closely as the pork can easily overcook in the crock pot.
- Remove the pork tenderloin from the crock pot. Let it rest for 10 minutes and then the pork is ready to slice, serve with the sauce from the crock pot over the top and enjoy!
Notes
- Use pork tenderloin specifically, not pork loin, for appropriate cooking and texture.
- Monitor the slow cooker closely to avoid overcooking, aiming for an internal temperature of 145-150 °F.
- Let the pork rest for 10 minutes after cooking before slicing to retain juices.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 178 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 178kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 10g | 3% |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Fat | 4g | 6% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Trans Fat | 0.04g | 2% |
| Cholesterol | 74mg | 25% |
| Sodium | 720mg | 30% |
| Potassium | 488mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 0.3g | 1% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 12IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0.3mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 21mg | 2% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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