This slow cooker honey garlic pork tenderloin is the kind of dinner you can set up in the morning and forget about until it is time to eat. The pork turns out incredibly tender, and the sweet and savory honey garlic sauce soaks into every slice.
This recipe is beginner friendly and works well on busy weeknights. The slow cooker does most of the work, so you can focus on the rest of your evening.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 4 hours, with only 10 minutes of hands-on prep
- Budget-friendly cut of pork that feeds the whole family
- Sweet, sticky honey garlic flavor that kids and adults enjoy
- Beginner friendly with simple steps
- Leftovers reheat well for lunches
Ingredients
- 2 pounds pork tenderloin, trimmed of silver skin
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional, adds a little tang)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water (optional, for thickening the sauce)
Helpful Ingredient Notes
- Use low-sodium soy sauce so the sauce does not turn too salty during the long cook.
- Pork tenderloin is lean, so keep it in one piece for the most even cooking.
- Swap maple syrup for honey if you prefer a deeper, more caramel flavor.
Kitchen Equipment
- Slow cooker (4 to 6 quart)
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Instant-read meat thermometer
- Cutting board and sharp knife
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels and season it all over with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
-
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
-
Place the pork in the slow cooker. Pour about two-thirds of the honey garlic mixture over the top and turn the meat to coat it.
-
Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, until the pork reaches 145 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer.
-
Transfer the pork to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. The juices will settle back into the meat.
-
If you want a thicker glaze, pour the cooking liquid into a small saucepan. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for about 2 minutes, until glossy and slightly thick.
-
Slice the pork into rounds about 1 inch thick and spoon the sauce over the top before serving.
Expert Tips
Avoid Overcooking
Pork tenderloin dries out quickly. Start checking the temperature at the 3 hour mark, and pull it out as soon as it reaches 145 degrees F.
Best Vegetables to Add
- Carrots and baby potatoes can cook in the slow cooker alongside the pork.
- Green beans or broccoli are best added as a side dish, since they cook quickly.
Storage Shortcut
Slice the pork ahead of time and store it with some sauce to keep it moist.
Variations
- Spicy: Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce.
- Kid Friendly: Skip the mustard and use a little less garlic for a milder sauce.
- Air Fryer Finish: Slice the cooked pork, brush it with extra glaze, and air fry at 400 degrees F for 2 to 3 minutes to add a light crust.
What to Serve With
- Steamed white or brown rice to soak up the sauce
- Roasted green beans or steamed broccoli
- Mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles
- A simple green salad with vinaigrette
- Iced tea or sparkling water with lemon for drinks
- Fresh fruit salad or vanilla ice cream for dessert
Storage
Refrigerator
Store leftover pork and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze sliced pork with some sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Warm the pork gently in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of water, or microwave it in short bursts until hot all the way through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen pork tenderloin?
It is best to thaw the pork in the refrigerator first. Frozen meat can cook unevenly in the slow cooker.
Do I need to sear the pork first?
Searing is optional. It adds color, but the slow cooker still produces tender meat without it.
Why is my sauce thin?
Simmer the cooking liquid on the stove and stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken it.
Can I double the recipe?
You can cook two tenderloins in a large slow cooker, but check the temperature a little earlier to avoid overcooking.
What internal temperature should pork reach?
Cook pork to 145 degrees F, then let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition
Approximate values per serving, based on 6 servings:
- Calories: about 230
- Protein: about 28 g
- Fat: about 5 g
- Carbs: about 15 g
- Fiber: about 0 g
- Sugar: about 13 g
- Sodium: about 480 mg
Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary.
Conclusion
I hope this slow cooker honey garlic pork tenderloin becomes a regular on your weeknight table. Give it a try this week and let me know how it turned out in the comments. If your family loved it, please leave a rating. Be sure to browse more recipes on our site for your next easy dinner.
