This glazed slow cooker pork tenderloin is a real treat! It’s juicy and tender, with a sweet and tangy glaze that makes your taste buds dance.
I love how easy this dish is to make. Just pop it in the slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you relax. Perfect for busy days! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Tenderloin: This is the star of the dish. Look for tenderloins that are uniformly shaped for even cooking. You can substitute with chicken breasts or beef tenderloin for a different flavor but keep in mind cooking times may vary.
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels. If you’re avoiding chicken, vegetable broth works well, too. You can also use water with additional seasoning for a lighter option.
Soy Sauce: This gives the dish its savory flavor. For a gluten-free version, opt for tamari or coconut aminos. If reducing sodium is important, look for low-sodium soy sauce.
Brown Sugar: This adds a nice depth of sweetness. If you don’t have it, granulated sugar or honey can work in a pinch. Just remember to adjust the sweetness to your taste!
Dijon Mustard: This helps to balance the sweetness with a tangy kick. If you prefer a milder flavor, yellow mustard can be used instead. Whole grain mustard adds an interesting texture!
How Do I Get the Perfectly Glazed Sauce from the Slow Cooker?
Getting a thick and flavorful sauce is a crucial step! Here’s how to do it right:
- After cooking the pork, carefully pour the sauce from the slow cooker into a saucepan.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth to create a slurry.
- Add this slurry to the sauce in your saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. This helps it thicken nicely!
- Once it reaches your desired consistency, drizzle it over the sliced pork for a beautiful presentation.
Patience is key here; take your time to mix and heat for the best results!
How to Make Glazed Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork:
- 2 pork tenderloins (about 1.5 to 2 lbs total)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and will need to cook in the slow cooker for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Allow another 10 minutes for the pork to rest before slicing. So, overall, you’re looking at around 6 to 8.5 hours, depending on your cooking method!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, ground ginger, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix it well until everything is combined—this will be your delicious glaze!
2. Set Up the Slow Cooker:
Place the pork tenderloins in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture over the pork, making sure each piece is well coated with that tasty glaze. It’s like giving the pork a sweet, savory bath!
3. Cook the Pork:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know the pork is ready when it’s cooked through and tender. The longer you cook it on low, the more flavorful and juicy it will be!
4. Rest and Slice the Pork:
Once cooked, carefully remove the pork tenderloins from the slow cooker and place them on a cutting board. Let them rest for about 10 minutes before slicing—this helps keep the juices in!
5. Thicken the Sauce:
To make a wonderful glaze, transfer the liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Add this to the saucepan, and bring the mixture to a boil while stirring continuously until it thickens. This should only take a few minutes!
6. Serve and Garnish:
Slice the rested pork tenderloin and arrange the pieces on a serving platter. Drizzle the thickened glaze over the slices for that extra flavor boost. Lastly, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top to make it look pretty and delicious!
Enjoy your glazed slow cooker pork tenderloin with your favorite sides! Happy cooking!
Can I Use Other Cuts of Pork for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! While pork tenderloin is ideal for this recipe due to its tenderness, you can substitute pork loin or pork chops. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time, as different cuts may require more or less time to cook through completely.
What Can I Substitute for Soy Sauce?
If you need a soy sauce alternative, try using tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter taste. You can also make a mix of balsamic vinegar and water (about 3 parts vinegar to 1 part water) for a different flavor profile.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the sliced pork and sauce in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Absolutely! To add some heat, incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha into the sauce mixture before cooking. Starting with a small amount will help you control the spice level!
