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.
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
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
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
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.