Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin
Introduction
If you’re looking for a dinner that’s packed with flavor yet effortless to prepare, Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin delivers on both fronts. The tenderloin emerges irresistibly juicy, bathed in a sweet-and-savory honey garlic glaze that’s perfect for pairing with rice, roasted vegetables, or your favorite sides. Set it up in the morning, and you’ll return home to an aromatic, crowd-pleasing meal that’s restaurant-worthy but completely home-cooked.
Why Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin is a Weeknight Winner
With just a handful of pantry staples and a pork tenderloin, you can create a meal with the comforting flavors of honey, garlic, and a hint of soy. The slow cooker does all the work, infusing the meat and sauce with maximum flavor while keeping the pork melt-in-your-mouth tender. The best part? No need to watch the stove or oven—let your slow cooker take care of the dinner rush.
Crafting the Ultimate Honey Garlic Glaze
The secret to the bold flavor of this dish is the honey garlic sauce. Mixing honey with soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of vinegar brings just the right balance of sweet, savory, and tangy. Whisk these together before pouring over the pork for even coverage and maximum depth of taste as it slow cooks.
How to Slow Cook Pork Tenderloin to Perfection
Begin by seasoning the pork with salt, pepper, and a little smoked paprika for deeper flavor. Searing the meat quickly before adding to the slow cooker is optional, but it adds a savory crust. Once nestled in the slow cooker, cover it with the honey garlic sauce and let it simmer low and slow for ultimate tenderness.
Serving Suggestions: Make It a Complete Meal
Slice the pork tenderloin and drizzle it generously with the remaining honey garlic sauce. Serve alongside steamed rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. For extra flair and color, garnish with fresh parsley or thinly sliced green onions.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields about 4 hearty servings. Each portion typically contains approximately 300–350 calories, depending on the cut of pork and sauce ingredients used. It’s a fulfilling entrée perfect for a balanced dinner.
Ingredients
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Instructions
- Season pork tenderloin on all sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- (Optional) Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the tenderloin for 2–3 minutes per side, until browned.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, and apple cider vinegar.
- Place the seasoned (and browned, if prepped) pork tenderloin in the slow cooker. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the top.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours, or until the pork is tender and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 145°F).
- Transfer pork to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Optional: Pour cooking juices into a small saucepan. Simmer for 3–5 minutes to thicken into a glaze, if desired.
- Serve sliced pork drizzled with the honey garlic sauce, and garnish with parsley or green onions.
Weekly Meal Planning
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin is an ideal make-ahead meal, great for busy weeknights or even entertaining. Save and plan this recipe within your meal schedule—CookifyAI’s smart tools help you organize your week’s dinners and produce precise shopping lists.
Planning Benefits:
– Calculates exact ingredient amounts needed for all your meals
– Combines grocery items to eliminate duplicate purchases
– Organizes your shopping list by store section for maximum efficiency
– Helps prevent food waste and forgotten ingredients
Pro tip: When planning several meals for your week, schedule your recipes with CookifyAI to spot overlapping ingredients like garlic or soy sauce—you’ll only buy what you truly need!
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3–4 hours (on LOW in slow cooker)
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes