Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
4 hrs
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Total Time
4 hrs 10 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
318 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin
Description
This recipe transforms pork tenderloin into a tender, flavorful entrée by slow cooking it in a sauce combining chicken broth, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and garlic. To develop a deeper flavor and appealing texture, the pork tenderloins are first seasoned and seared until golden brown on all sides. The slow cooker then gently finishes cooking the meat, allowing it to become juicy and tender over several hours.
Once cooked, the pork is removed and kept warm while the flavorful cooking liquid is simmered on the stove. Adding a cornstarch slurry thickens the sauce slightly, creating a glossy coating enriched with butter for added silkiness. The final presentation involves slicing the pork tenderloin and serving it with this sweet and tangy sauce, which highlights the pork’s natural flavors and adds a savory depth.
This dish is versatile for dinner, pairing well with sides like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or rice. The recipe notes allow for skipping the searing step if needed, though it enhances flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided use
- 2 pork tenderloin approximately 2 1/4 lbs total
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons parsley chopped
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium high heat.
- Season the pork tenderloins on all sides with the salt, pepper and Italian seasoning. Cut the pork tenderloins in half if needed to fit into your slow cooker.
- Sear the pork for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- Place the pork in a slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, mix together the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, chicken broth, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar and garlic.
- Pour the sauce over the pork. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or HIGH for 4 hours.
- Remove the pork from the slow cooker and place on a plate; cover with foil to keep warm.
- Pour the liquid from the slow cooker into a pot. Heat the pot over medium heat and bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Mix the cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water. Add the cornstarch to the pot and bring to a boil.
- Cook for 1 minute, or until sauce has just thickened.
- Add the butter to the pot and stir until melted. Remove the pot from the heat.
- Slice or shred your pork and pour the sauce over the top. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.
Notes
- For convenience, you can skip searing and add seasoned pork directly to the slow cooker, though searing improves flavor and color.
- Use pork tenderloin specifically, as it differs in texture and cooking requirements from pork loin.
- The sauce thickening step on the stove enhances the final dish with a smooth, rich glaze.
- Serving with mashed potatoes or rice complements the savory-sweet sauce well.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 318 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 318kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 7g | 2% |
| Protein | 26g | 52% |
| Fat | 18g | 28% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Cholesterol | 398mg | 133% |
| Sodium | 617mg | 26% |
| Potassium | 2442mg | 52% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 80IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 2.7mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 55mg | 6% |
| Iron | 6.5mg | 36% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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