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Easy Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin Crockpot Recipe for Tender Juicy Meat

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This easy honey garlic pork tenderloin crockpot recipe delivers tender, juicy meat with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Slow cooking locks in moisture, making it a comforting and fuss-free weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 to 2 pounds pork tenderloin (680 to 900 grams)
  • 4 to 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • ⅓ cup honey (113 grams)
  • ¼ cup soy sauce (60 ml), reduced-sodium preferred
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (30 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup (30 grams)
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil (15 ml), for searing (optional)
  • ¼ cup water (60 ml)
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger

Instructions

  1. Trim any silver skin or excess fat from the pork tenderloin. Pat dry with paper towels. (About 5 minutes)
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, black pepper, and water until smooth. Set aside. (3 minutes)
  3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork tenderloin on each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. (About 10 minutes)
  4. Place the seared pork tenderloin into the crockpot. Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the top. (2 minutes)
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, or on HIGH for 2.5 to 3 hours, until pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and is tender.
  6. Remove pork from crockpot and let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing against the grain. (10 minutes)
  7. Serve sliced pork with honey garlic sauce from the crockpot, or simmer sauce briefly in a pan to thicken before serving (optional, 5 minutes).
  8. If sauce is too thin, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and stir into sauce. Heat gently until thickened.

Notes

Searing the pork before slow cooking adds flavor and a caramelized crust but is optional. Use a meat thermometer to ensure pork reaches 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption. Rest the meat before slicing to keep it juicy. Adjust sweetness and saltiness to taste before cooking. Sauce can be thickened with cornstarch slurry if desired. Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic pork tenderloin, crockpot pork recipe, slow cooker pork, easy pork dinner, tender pork tenderloin, honey garlic sauce, weeknight dinner, comfort food