If you want a simple way to make tender and flavorful pork without spending hours in the kitchen, slow cooker pork tenderloin is a great choice. Cooking pork tenderloin in a slow cooker keeps the meat juicy and soft, making it almost effortless to prepare a delicious meal.
This post may contain affiliate links.
You just need to season the pork, add a sauce or marinade of your choice, and let it cook low and slow. This method gives you more time to relax or focus on other things while your dinner cooks itself.
Whether you like sweet, savory, or spicy flavors, slow cooker pork tenderloin is easy to customize. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a hearty, home-cooked meal without the fuss.
Related Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chops Made Easy and Delicious Every Time
How to Make Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin
Making pork tenderloin in the slow cooker is simple if you know how to pick the right cut, season it well, and follow the right steps for cooking. These details will help you get juicy, flavorful pork every time without dry or tough meat.
Related Recipe: Tender Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder Recipe
Choosing the Best Pork Tenderloin
Look for pork tenderloin that is fresh and pink with a firm texture. Avoid cuts that look gray or have too much fat. You want a tenderloin that feels slightly firm when pressed but not hard.
Related Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe for Cold Winter Days
Choose a piece about 1 to 1.5 pounds for even cooking in the slow cooker. Smaller sizes cook faster, so adjust time if your piece is smaller or larger.
Try to buy pork labeled as “fresh” and “natural” without added water or preservatives. This keeps the flavor pure and helps the meat stay tender while cooking.
Seasoning and Marinade Tips
Seasoning pork tenderloin well adds flavor and keeps the meat juicy. A mix of garlic, salt, pepper, and herbs like rosemary or thyme works well.
Related Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast That Tastes Like Grandma’s
You can marinate the tenderloin for at least 30 minutes before cooking, or even overnight. Use a marinade with acid (like vinegar, lemon juice, or soy sauce) to help tenderize the meat.
For easy seasoning, you can rub a dry spice mix over the tenderloin. Use paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for a simple but tasty crust once cooked.
Related Recipe: Creamy Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
Total Time: About 8 hours
Ingredients
- 1½ to 2 pounds pork tenderloin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (optional for tangy flavor)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce)
- 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels and season it with salt, pepper, and thyme.
Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until lightly browned — this helps lock in flavor but is optional if you’re short on time.
Place the tenderloin in the slow cooker.
Related Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Roast Easy Recipes for Tender, Flavorful Meals
In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, and onion powder. Pour the mixture over the pork.
Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the pork is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
Once cooked, transfer the pork to a cutting board and cover loosely with foil to rest.
Related Article: Easy Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas – Perfect for Taco Night
To thicken the sauce, whisk cornstarch and water in a small bowl to make a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker juices and cook on high for about 10–15 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
Slice the pork tenderloin and drizzle the thickened sauce over the top.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Related Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Pork Ribs – Cozy Fall Comfort Food
Serving and Storing Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin
You’ll want to serve your pork tenderloin with sides that match its tender, juicy flavor. Afterward, storing the leftovers correctly helps keep the pork fresh and tasty for days.
Perfect Side Dishes
For a balanced meal, pair your pork tenderloin with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. These sides soak up the juices and sauces well.
Consider steamed greens or a fresh garden salad to add lightness. Crusty bread is great for soaking up any extra sauce.
You can also try creamy grits or hearty greens with the leftover sauce. These options bring out the pork’s sweet and tangy barbecue flavors.
Simple sides like roasted carrots or garlic green beans add color and texture without overpowering the pork.
Storage Guidelines
After cooking, let the pork cool to room temperature before storing. Place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
You can keep cooked pork tenderloin in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freezing is best. Wrap it well and freeze for up to 3 months.
Make sure the container or wrap seals tightly to protect the flavor and texture. When reheating, do it gently to avoid drying out the meat.
Follow my Slow Cooker recipe board on Pinterest.