Crockpot Brown Sugar Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Introduction
This Crockpot Brown Sugar Pork Tenderloin is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for busy days. The slow-cooked pork becomes tender and juicy, while a sweet and tangy glaze adds a delicious finishing touch.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork tenderloin
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup apple juice or chicken broth
- 2 Tbsp salted butter (cut into pieces)
- 4 garlic cloves (smashed)
- ½ cup water
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, mix together the dried thyme, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Step 2: Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels and rub the seasoning evenly over all sides.
- Step 3: Pour the apple juice or chicken broth into the slow cooker and place the pork inside.
- Step 4: Add the butter pieces and smashed garlic cloves around the pork.
- Step 5: Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, until the pork is very tender.
- Step 6: In a saucepan, whisk together water, cornstarch, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard.
- Step 7: Cook over medium heat, stirring often, for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture thickens into a glaze.
- Step 8: During the last hour of cooking, brush the glaze over the pork 2 to 3 times.
- Step 9: Optionally, transfer pork to a foil-lined baking sheet, brush with glaze, and broil 1 to 2 minutes until bubbly. Repeat glazing and broiling up to 3 times if desired.
- Step 10: Slice the pork and serve with extra glaze spooned over the top.
Tips & Variations
- Use chicken broth instead of apple juice for a less sweet flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, choose tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Broiling adds a lovely caramelized finish, but you can skip this step if short on time.
- Leftover pork makes great sandwiches or salads the next day.
Storage
Store leftover pork and glaze separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the glaze has thickened too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of pork?
Pork tenderloin works best for this recipe due to its tenderness, but pork loin can be used with slightly longer cooking times.
How do I know when the pork is fully cooked?
The pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and is tender enough to pull apart easily after slow cooking.
PrintCrockpot Brown Sugar Pork Tenderloin Recipe
This Crockpot Brown Sugar Pork Tenderloin recipe offers a tender, flavorful pork dish slow-cooked with a fragrant blend of spices and a rich, sweet-savory brown sugar glaze. Perfectly cooked in the slow cooker for hours, the pork becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender and is finished with a deliciously thick glaze made from balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. Ideal for an easy weeknight meal or meal prep, this recipe yields 8 satisfying servings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pork and Seasoning
- 2 lbs pork tenderloin
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For Slow Cooking
- ½ cup apple juice or chicken broth
- 2 Tbsp salted butter (cut into pieces)
- 4 garlic cloves (smashed)
Brown Sugar Glaze
- ½ cup water
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Prepare the Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together 1 tsp dried thyme, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp paprika, ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper to create a flavorful dry rub for the pork.
- Season the Pork: Pat the 2 lbs pork tenderloin dry using paper towels. Evenly rub the prepared seasoning mixture all over the tenderloin, ensuring every side is well coated.
- Set Up Slow Cooker: Pour ½ cup of apple juice or chicken broth into the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the seasoned pork tenderloin inside the slow cooker on top of the liquid.
- Add Butter and Garlic: Scatter 2 Tbsp of salted butter pieces and 4 smashed garlic cloves around and on top of the pork in the slow cooker to infuse additional flavor and moisture.
- Slow Cook the Pork: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 6 to 8 hours, or until the pork is very tender and easily shreddable with a fork.
- Make the Glaze: While the pork cooks, whisk together ½ cup water, 1 Tbsp cornstarch, ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup balsamic vinegar, 2 Tbsp soy sauce or tamari, and 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard in a saucepan.
- Cook the Glaze: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir frequently for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture thickens to a glossy, syrupy consistency.
- Glaze the Pork: During the last hour of the slow cooking process, brush the thickened glaze over the pork 2 to 3 times to build flavor and a sticky coating.
- Optional Broil Finish: For extra caramelization, transfer the cooked pork to a foil-lined baking sheet. Brush with glaze and broil for 1 to 2 minutes until bubbly. Repeat glazing and broiling up to 3 times for a beautifully glossy finish.
- Serve: Slice the pork tenderloin and serve with extra brown sugar glaze spooned generously over the top for a sweet and savory meal.
Notes
- Using apple juice or chicken broth adds moisture and a subtle sweetness; choose according to your preference.
- Broiling the glazed pork at the end is optional but adds a lovely caramelized crust.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days and can be reheated gently with extra glaze to retain moisture.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before slow cooking if you prefer less salt.
Keywords: slow cooker pork tenderloin, crockpot pork recipe, brown sugar pork, easy slow cooker dinner, pork with glaze
