This Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin is juicy and full of flavor, making dinner a breeze! Just toss the meat in with some herbs and let the slow cooker do all the work.
You’ll love how tender the pork gets after cooking all day. I like to serve it with mashed potatoes, so every bite is tasty. Plus, fewer dishes to clean up—win-win!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Tenderloin: This cut is lean and cooks well in the crock pot, staying tender. If you need a substitute, you could use pork loin or chicken breasts, but adjust cooking times as they may vary.
Olive Oil: A healthy choice for searing. You can swap it with avocado oil or vegetable oil if you don’t have olive oil on hand. Both will work just fine.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These add depth of flavor. If you’re fresh out, you can use fresh garlic and onions instead, but use a bit more (about 2-3 cloves crushed and 1/2 onion sliced) for the best results.
Smoked Paprika: This brings a lovely smoky flavor. If you can’t find it, regular paprika will do—though you’ll miss that smokiness. A pinch of cumin could also work in its place.
Chicken Broth: I always prefer low-sodium broth to control salt levels. If you need a substitute, vegetable broth is a good alternative, or even water in a pinch, just add more seasonings.
Brown Sugar: It adds sweetness that balances flavors. For a healthier swap, consider honey or maple syrup, adjusting the quantity a bit as these are more potent.
How Do I Achieve the Best Searing for My Pork Tenderloin?
Searing helps lock in juices and build flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat your skillet: Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the oil. This helps get a nice crust.
- Don’t overcrowd: If your skillet is small, sear in batches to avoid steaming. Use just enough oil to coat the bottom.
- Timing is key: Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Resist the urge to flip it too often—let it sit!
- Resting is important: Always let the meat rest after cooking; this helps keep it juicy.
With these tips, you’re on your way to a delicious, flavorful pork tenderloin! Enjoy!
How to Make Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork:
- 2 pounds pork tenderloin
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Optional:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and then it needs to cook for either 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the crock pot. It’s a great option for a busy day since you can set it and forget it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Seasoning Mix:
Start by mixing the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This seasoning mix is what will give your pork tenderloin lots of flavor!
2. Sear the Pork Tenderloin:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the pork tenderloin in the skillet and sear it for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until it’s browned. This step helps to lock in the juices and adds extra flavor!
3. Transfer to the Crock Pot:
After searing, take the pork tenderloin out of the skillet and carefully transfer it to your crock pot.
4. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 2 minutes until they are just softened and fragrant.
5. Prepare the Sauce:
Add the chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir everything together, and bring it to a simmer while scraping up any tasty bits stuck to the skillet. This will add more depth to your sauce!
6. Combine and Cook:
Pour this delicious sauce mixture over the pork tenderloin in the crock pot. Make sure the pork is well covered with the sauce.
7. Slow Cook the Pork:
Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The pork is done when it’s tender and cooked through, so you can easily slice it!
8. Slice and Serve:
Once cooked, carefully remove the pork tenderloin from the crock pot and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve the sliced pork with the sauce drizzled on top.
9. Garnish and Enjoy:
If you like, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor. Enjoy your homemade crock pot pork tenderloin with your favorite sides, like green beans or mashed potatoes!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Pork?
Absolutely! While pork tenderloin is ideal for this recipe, you can also use pork loin or even pork shoulder. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly; pork shoulder may need a bit longer to become tender, while pork loin should be checked earlier to avoid drying out.
What if I Don’t Have Soy Sauce?
No worries! If you don’t have soy sauce, you can substitute it with tamari for a gluten-free option or use coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative. Just adjust the salt in the recipe, as these substitutes can be less salty than regular soy sauce.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the sliced pork tenderloin in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just make sure to separate the sauce into another container for best results!
Can I Add Vegetables to the Crock Pot?
Yes, adding vegetables is a great idea! You can include carrots, bell peppers, or potatoes in the crock pot with the pork. Just chop them into similar-sized pieces and add them at the beginning, they’ll cook perfectly along with the pork!
