Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin: Effortless Flavor for Any Night
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Are you looking for a dinner recipe that’s both incredibly flavorful and requires minimal effort? Look no further than this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin! This recipe is a delightful combination of savory and sweet, resulting in a truly delicious and satisfying meal. The best part? It’s made entirely in your slow cooker, which means you can simply set it and forget it. Imagine coming home to a tender, juicy pork tenderloin infused with the irresistible flavors of honey and garlic. Once you experience the ease and deliciousness of this recipe, it’s sure to become a regular in your weekly meal rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin Recipe
This slow cooker honey garlic pork tenderloin is a game-changer for busy weeknights. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a flavorful and healthy meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Here’s why you’ll absolutely love it:
- Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, so you can focus on other things.
- Incredible Flavor: The honey garlic sauce creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory that’s simply irresistible.
- Tender and Juicy: Slow cooking ensures the pork tenderloin is incredibly tender and juicy.
- Minimal Ingredients: This recipe uses just a handful of common ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
- Versatile: Serve it with rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week.
It is a nice change up from our usual chicken dishes. Sometimes I just can’t get myself to even look at another chicken breast, haha! Whenever I’m feeling that way, I like to make pork tenderloin. It’s a yummy but lean cut of meat that’s easy to cook and simple to season. It goes with so many different flavors.
Don’t be intimidated by the seemingly simple ingredient list. This recipe delivers incredible flavor with just a few key components. I promise you already have them in your fridge at home.
Essential Ingredients for Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin
To create this delectable Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Pork Tenderloin: This is the star of the show! Make sure you are using pork tenderloin and not a pork loin, the pork loin isn’t nearly as tender.
- Honey: Provides the sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
- Ketchup: Adds a touch of tanginess and depth to the sauce. (Trust me!)
- Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Contributes a savory umami flavor and helps to tenderize the pork.
- Minced Garlic: Infuses the dish with its pungent and aromatic goodness.
- Yellow Mustard: Adds a subtle tang and helps to emulsify the sauce.
Step-by-Step Guide: Making Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin in Your Slow Cooker
This recipe is incredibly simple to follow. Here’s a detailed guide on how to make the most delicious honey garlic pork tenderloin in your slow cooker:
- Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan, combine the honey, ketchup, soy sauce, minced garlic, and yellow mustard.
- Simmer the Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the sauce to a boil, stirring constantly. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer until the sauce has thickened slightly. This usually takes around 5-10 minutes. A simple test to check if the sauce is thickened enough is to dip a spoon into the sauce. If the sauce clings to the back of the spoon, it’s ready. If it runs off easily, continue simmering for a few more minutes.
- Add Pork to Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker. Place the pork tenderloin inside the slow cooker.
- Pour Sauce Over Pork: Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce evenly over the pork tenderloin, ensuring it is well coated.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours. Cooking on low heat is key to achieving a tender and juicy pork tenderloin.
- Check for Doneness: After 5-6 hours, check the pork for doneness. It should be cooked through and easily shredded with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Shred the Pork: Using two forks, shred the pork tenderloin directly in the slow cooker. Stir the shredded pork into the remaining sauce, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin hot with your favorite sides.
Cooking on low heat is crucial for achieving the best texture. I always cook pork tenderloin on low, not high, because I think it ends up more tender that way.
To complete the meal, serve your pork with rice or over mashed potatoes for a yummy and cozy experience. For a well-balanced meal, consider adding steamed or roasted vegetables on the side. A sprinkle of sesame seeds on top adds a nice visual appeal and a subtle nutty flavor.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
One of the great things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are some variations and serving suggestions to inspire you:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat.
- Pineapple Twist: Incorporate chunks of pineapple into the slow cooker for a tropical flavor.
- Vegetable Medley: Add chopped bell peppers, onions, or carrots to the slow cooker for a more complete meal.
- Serve in Sandwiches: Use the shredded pork as a filling for sandwiches or sliders.
- Tacos or Wraps: Use in your favorite tacos or wraps!
More Delicious Pork Tenderloin Recipes to Try
If you enjoy pork tenderloin, here are a few other recipes you might like:
- Roasted Garlic and Black Pepper Pork Tenderloin
- Sheet Pan Pork Tenderloin
- Balsamic Pork Loin
63 votes
Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin
Julia Pacheco
10
minutes
40
minutes
50
minutes
4
servings
Save Recipe
Saved Recipe
Pin Recipe
Comment
Print Recipe