This glazed slow cooker pork tenderloin is super tender and full of flavor! The sweet and tangy glaze makes every bite exciting. Plus, it’s so easy to prepare!
I love letting it cook while I do other things. It smells amazing and the best part? It’s ready when you are—perfect for busy days or cozy dinners!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Tenderloin: This lean cut of meat cooks beautifully in the slow cooker. If you’re looking for an alternative, you can try chicken breasts or even beef tenderloin, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Chicken Broth: Using chicken broth enhances the flavor. However, you can swap it for vegetable broth or even water if that’s all you have. Just know that water will give you a milder taste!
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce is essential for umami flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, tamari is a great alternative. Coconut aminos also work as a soy-free substitute.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness and depth; however, you can use white sugar or honey if you prefer. Maple syrup is another tasty option that adds a unique flavor!
Ginger: Fresh ginger is wonderful for its zing, but if you don’t have it, ground ginger can stand in. Just remember, ground ginger is more potent, so use a bit less!
How Do I Get the Sauce to Thicken Perfectly?
Thickening the sauce is simple once you know how to make a cornstarch slurry. This is the key to a glossy glaze for your pork!
- Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl until smooth.
- After removing the pork, pour the slow cooker liquid into a saucepan and bring it to a boil.
- Stir in the cornstarch mixture and keep cooking while stirring for about 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens to your liking.
Timing is crucial here – once the sauce bubbles, add the slurry quickly to avoid clumps!
How to Make Glazed Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds pork tenderloin
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and you can cook it in a slow cooker for either 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Just let it sit and do its thing while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Pork:
Begin by seasoning the pork tenderloin generously. Sprinkle salt and pepper all over the meat until it’s well coated. This step adds great flavor to your dish!
2. Whisk the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Use a whisk to mix everything together until it’s well blended and the sugar is dissolved.
3. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Place the seasoned pork tenderloin into the slow cooker. Then, pour the delicious sauce mixture over the pork. Make sure the pork is nicely covered with the sauce!
4. Cook the Pork:
Now, it’s time to cook! Cover the slow cooker with its lid. You can set it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The pork is ready when it becomes tender and fully cooked through. You can enjoy the aroma filling your kitchen while it cooks!
5. Rest the Pork:
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for a few minutes to keep it juicy.
6. Make the Glaze:
While the pork is resting, we’ll make the glaze. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to form a slurry. Then pour the remaining liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan and heat it over medium heat until it starts to boil. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the pork tenderloin into nice pieces and drizzle the thickened glaze over the top. Don’t forget to garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a lovely touch. Now, it’s ready to serve!
Enjoy your delicious glazed pork tenderloin! It’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table!
Can I Use Another Type of Meat in This Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute pork tenderloin with chicken breast or thighs for a different flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time; chicken usually cooks faster, so check it after about 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high.
What If I Don’t Have Honey? Can I Substitute It?
Absolutely! If you don’t have honey, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a sweetener. Both will add a lovely flavor to your glaze! Just keep the quantity the same as the honey in the recipe.
How to Store Leftovers?
Let any leftovers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the sliced pork in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating!
Can I Make This Dish Spicy?
Yes! If you like a little heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust according to your preference before cooking!
