Why You’ll Love this Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin Recipe
You’ll absolutely love this Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin recipe for its incredible flavor and simplicity.
I can’t get enough of the tender, juicy meat that practically melts in your mouth. The combination of savory and sweet ingredients creates a mouthwatering glaze that elevates the dish to new heights.
Plus, I appreciate how easy it’s to prepare; just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work!
It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Trust me, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients of Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin
When it comes to making a delicious Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin, the first step is gathering your ingredients. Trust me, you don’t want to start cooking only to realize you’re missing something essential.
So, let’s make sure you have everything on hand before you jump in. This recipe is a breeze, and the ingredients are pretty straightforward—no exotic spices or hard-to-find items here. Just grab a few pantry staples and you’ll be ready to go.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 lbs pork tenderloin
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 – 4 tablespoons maple syrup (no substitutes, please)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons diced dried onions
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic salt or 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
Now, let’s talk about the ingredients a bit more. The pork tenderloin is the star of the show, of course—it’s lean, tender, and perfect for slow cooking.
The soy sauce adds that savory umami flavor, while the yellow mustard gives it a nice tang. And let’s not forget about the maple syrup; it’s what brings the sweet element to the dish, balancing everything out beautifully.
If you don’t have dried onions on hand, feel free to use fresh onions instead, but just remember to adjust the quantity since fresh onions pack a bigger punch.
And if you’re a garlic lover, you can definitely go heavier on the garlic powder or salt. Just keep in mind that cooking is all about personal taste, so don’t hesitate to play around a bit.
How to Make Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin
Now that we’ve our ingredients ready to go, let’s get started on making this delicious Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin. First things first, grab your 2 lbs of pork tenderloin and place it right into your trusty crock pot. This is like the cozy bed for our meat, where it will become tender and flavorful over the next few hours—just think of it as a spa day for pork.
Next, we need to whip up that mouthwatering sauce. In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard, and let’s not forget the star of the sweet show—2 to 4 tablespoons of maple syrup. Yes, I said maple syrup. It’s the secret weapon here, adding a delightful sweetness that balances the savory notes perfectly.
Stir in 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of diced dried onions, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of garlic salt (or garlic powder if that’s your jam). Mix it all together until it’s well blended—this sauce is going to make the pork sing.
Once your sauce is ready, pour it over the tenderloin in the crock pot, making sure to coat it evenly. You want every inch of that pork to soak up all that goodness.
Now, set your slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for 6 hours. Yes, I know, patience is a virtue, but trust me, it will be worth the wait. The aroma that fills your kitchen as it cooks? Unforgettable.
Just try not to hover too much; it may be hard, but let the crock pot do its thing. When it’s time, you’ll have a tender, flavorful dish that’s perfect for dinner—or lunch tomorrow, if you’re feeling generous.
Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin Substitutions & Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up with your Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin, there are plenty of tasty substitutions and variations to contemplate.
For a different flavor, try using teriyaki sauce instead of soy sauce, or switch the mustard for a tangy barbecue sauce. You can also experiment with sweeteners; honey or agave syrup works well if you don’t have maple syrup.
If you’re feeling adventurous, add some chopped apples or pears for a hint of sweetness.
Finally, consider swapping the pork for chicken or beef for a completely different dish while keeping the cooking method the same. Enjoy!
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin
Wondering what to serve with Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin?
I love pairing it with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes, as they balance the savory flavors beautifully.
A fresh green salad adds a nice crunch, while steamed broccoli or green beans bring a pop of color and nutrients.
If you’re in the mood for something heartier, consider serving it with rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce.
For a touch of sweetness, a side of applesauce or glazed carrots works wonders.
These sides create a well-rounded meal that complements the tender pork perfectly!
Additional Tips & Notes
When preparing Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin, I’ve found that a few additional tips can enhance the overall experience.
First, searing the tenderloin in olive oil before placing it in the slow cooker adds depth of flavor. I also recommend marinating the pork for a few hours or overnight for maximum tenderness.
If you like a bit of heat, adding red pepper flakes can spice things up.
Finally, don’t forget to let the tenderloin rest for about 10 minutes after cooking; it helps retain those delicious juices.
Trust me, these small tweaks make a big difference in taste and texture!