Crockpot 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
Scale
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
