The 8 Best Slow-Cooker Pork Tenderloin Recipes

Pork tenderloin is often an overlooked cut of meat; some people think it doesn't have enough fat to be flavorful. But these people have clearly never tried any one of these eight slow-cooker recipes before. Balsamic vinegar and honey? Yes. Bacon-wrapped? YES. And do not be deterred by the slow cooker just because it's spring now -- it's always pork season around these parts.

Bacon Wrapped Pork Loin
Courtesy of Damn Delicious

This pork tenderloin is bacon-wrapped. We probably don't have to say more, but we will anyway, because it also has a fig jam glaze. And that's important. Here's the recipe.

Key ingredients:

  • Brown sugar
  • Bacon
  • Garlic
  • Rosemary
  • Fig jam

 

It's all the flavor of stuffed pork tenderloin, without all the work. The sweetness comes from apples and cinnamon. Check it out right here.

Key ingredients:

  • Apples
  • Cinnamon
  • Chicken stock
  • Onions
  • Honey
Pulled pork
Courtesy of Le Crème De La Crumb

Just close your eyes and imagine the sweet-and-tangy deliciousness of a honey and balsamic tenderloin. Or don't imagine it and just make it here.

Key ingredients:

  • Honey
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Brown sugar
  • Soy sauce

 

A classic pork tenderloin gets a few upgrades with mustard, soy sauce, and maple syrup for a sweet kick. Bonus: the sauce can be poured over rice for an amazing side dish. Get the recipe here.

Key ingredients:

  • Mustard
  • Soy sauce
  • Onions
  • Maple syrup
  • Garlic powder
Asian Pork Tenderloin
Courtesy of Creole Contessa

This recipe can be easily duplicated for a slow cooker. The tenderloin gets great flavor and kick from a spice rub that includes chili powder, garlic, ginger, paprika, brown sugar, and Creole seasoning. All it takes is about four hours. Check out the recipe here.

Key ingredients:

  • Soy sauce
  • Garlic
  • Chili powder
  • Chicken broth

 

If "balsamic gravy" doesn't pique your interest, then maybe "super-easy and deliciously tender and sweet pork" will! Stop drooling and start cooking with the recipe here.

Key ingredients:

  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Soy sauce
  • Worcestershire
  • Honey
  • Chicken broth
Cuban Mojo Pork Special
Courtesy of Half Baked Harvest

Scroll to the bottom of the recipe for the slow-cooker version of this dish. And don't forget to make the "mojo sauce," a marinade of cilantro, orange & lime juice, jalapeños, and olive oil. Think Cuban pesto. The recipe's here.

Key ingredients:

  • Orange juice
  • Lime juice
  • Cilantro
  • Garlic
  • Olive oil

Searing the pork on all sides in a pan before putting it in the slow cooker adds a lot of flavor depth. This recipe also calls for making gravy from the leftover sauce by adding a little cornstarch. You don't have to, but why not have gravy, when you CAN have gravy? Check it out right here.

Key ingredients:

  • Chicken broth
  • Garlic
  • Onion powder
  • Soy sauce
  • Cornstarch


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Dara Pollak is a freelance writer and recipe creator. She likes her pasta with a side of bacon. Follow her at @theskinnypignyc.