Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin
A cozy, budget-friendly recipe for perfectly cooked pork tenderloin with a flavorful sauce, all made effortlessly in a slow cooker.
Ingredients
For the Pork
- 1 lb Pork tenderloin 1 to 1.5 pounds, silver skin trimmed
- 1 tsp Kosher salt For seasoning
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper Freshly ground for best flavor
- 2 tsp Garlic powder For seasoning
- 1 tsp Onion powder For seasoning
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika or sweet paprika For seasoning
- 0.5 tsp Dried thyme or Italian seasoning For seasoning
- 1/2 cup Chicken broth For sauce
- 2 tbsp Soy sauce For sauce
- 2 tbsp Brown sugar or pure maple syrup For sweetness in sauce
- 2 tbsp Balsamic vinegar For tanginess in sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard For sauce
- 1 tbsp Olive oil For optional searing
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch Mixed with 1 tbsp water for thickening
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the tenderloin dry and rub with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and herbs. Press the seasoning in so it sticks.
- Optional: Heat a skillet with olive oil and sear the tenderloin 1 to 2 minutes per side until lightly browned.
- Whisk together the broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, balsamic, and Dijon. Pour it into the slow cooker.
- Nestle the tenderloin in the sauce. Cover and cook on Low for 2.5 to 3.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F.
Finishing Touches
- Remove the tenderloin to a cutting board and tent loosely for 5 minutes.
- Turn the slow cooker to High, stir in the cornstarch slurry, and cook for 5 to 10 minutes until the sauce is glossy.
- Slice the pork against the grain and spoon the sauce over the top before serving.
Notes
For a varied flavor, consider adding a squeeze of orange juice, or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Serve with sides such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.