Emilie Meyer
Slow cooker pork tenderloin is a delicious and easy meal for any day of the week. With just a few minutes of prep and some common pantry staple ingredients, you can have a tasty dinner cooking while you get other stuff done or relax. This recipe is for a peppercorn pork tenderloin cooked in a crock pot. Pork tenderloin is a lean cut of meat, so it needs to be cooked hot and fast. It can be cooked in a skillet in the oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes. However, if you want to cook it in a crock pot, it is recommended to cook it on high for about 2 to 2.5 hours, or on low for 4 hours.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation time | 5-10 minutes |
| Cook time | 2-2.5 hours on high, 4-5 hours on low |
| Meat weight | 1-2 pounds |
| Meat temperature | 145°F |
| Meat type | Pork tenderloin |
| Meat treatment | Trim excess fat, remove silver skin |
| Meat seasoning | Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, Italian seasoning, brown sugar |
| Additional ingredients | Butter, beef broth, red wine, onion, mushrooms, basil, thyme |
| Sides | Mashed potatoes, green beans, rice, salad |
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What You'll Learn
Prepping the pork tenderloin
Next, pat the tenderloin dry with a paper towel. This step is important as it helps the spice rub adhere better to the meat. Now, prepare your spice rub. In a small bowl, mix together your chosen spices. A simple combination could include brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. You can also add a packet of dry onion soup mix to the spice rub for extra flavour. Alternatively, you can use a premade spice rub or your own custom blend.
Once your spice rub is ready, use your hands to coat the tenderloin evenly on all sides. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies of the meat. You may want to place the tenderloin on a plate to avoid making a mess. After the tenderloin is coated, it's time to add the liquid element. Pour beef broth or water into your slow cooker, and place the tenderloin inside. You can also add any remaining spice rub to the slow cooker for extra flavour.
Finally, top the tenderloin with butter pats and close the lid of the slow cooker. You're now ready to begin cooking your peppercorn pork tenderloin!
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Making the spice rub
To make the spice rub, you will need:
- Brown sugar
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Chili powder
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
Add the beef broth to your slow cooker. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper. Stir to mix the ingredients together. You can adjust the quantities of each ingredient to your taste preferences.
Using your hands, coat the tenderloin with the spice rub. Ensure that the rub is evenly distributed and covers all sides of the meat. You may want to place the tenderloin on a plate to make the coating process easier.
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Cooking the meat
Firstly, prepare your pork tenderloin by trimming off any excess fat and the silver skin. It is important to note that pork tenderloin is a lean cut of meat and can dry out if overcooked. It is also recommended to defrost the meat before cooking.
Next, add liquid to your slow cooker. You can use beef broth or water to keep the pork moist during cooking. Then, add your choice of vegetables to the slow cooker. Onions, mushrooms, and garlic are popular choices. You can also add sliced onions to the bottom of the slow cooker before adding the meat.
Now, it's time to prepare the seasoning for your pork tenderloin. You can use a combination of spices, such as brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir these ingredients together in a small bowl and coat the tenderloin evenly on all sides using your hands. You can also add butter to the meat and the slow cooker.
Place the seasoned pork tenderloin in the slow cooker and cook on high for about 2 to 3 hours or on low for 4 to 5 hours. The cooking time will depend on your preference and the size of the tenderloin. It is important to note that slow cookers can vary, so it's a good idea to check the meat after 2 hours on low or 1 hour on high to prevent overcooking.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork tenderloin. Remove the meat from the slow cooker when it reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F. Let the meat rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing to seal in the juices and keep it tender.
Finally, slice the pork tenderloin and serve with your choice of sides and gravy. Enjoy!
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Making the gravy
While the crock pot is perfect for cooking lean meats like pork tenderloin, it is not ideal for making gravy. The crock pot's low and slow cooking method is designed to break down fatty meats and connective tissues, which is not necessary for making gravy. Therefore, it is recommended to make the gravy separately on a stovetop or in a saucepan.
To make gravy for your peppercorn pork tenderloin, you can use the juices from the crock pot as a base. First, strain the liquid from the crock pot into a saucepan or skillet. If you prefer a thicker gravy, create a cornstarch slurry by whisking together equal parts cornstarch and water (for example, 2 tablespoons of each). Whisk the slurry into the juices in the saucepan. Turn the heat up to high and continue whisking until the gravy reaches your desired consistency.
Alternatively, you can make the cornstarch slurry and whisk it directly into the juices in the crock pot. Turn the crock pot up to high and let the gravy thicken for about 20-30 minutes.
You can also add other ingredients to the gravy for extra flavour. Some options include sliced onions, fresh herbs like basil and thyme, mushrooms, beef broth, garlic, or a dry onion soup mix. If you're feeling creative, you can even experiment with different spice combinations like smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Remember, the key to making delicious gravy is to whisk continuously over high heat until it reaches the desired thickness. So, get creative, experiment with different ingredients, and most importantly, enjoy the process of crafting a mouth-watering gravy to complement your peppercorn pork tenderloin feast!
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Storing and reheating
When it comes to reheating, there are several methods you can use, each with its own advantages:
- Stovetop/Frying Pan: This method is quick and helps retain moisture in the meat. Place a lid on the pan to trap the steam and ensure the meat doesn't dry out. Heat the pork tenderloin over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, then lower the heat and let it heat through for another 2 minutes.
- Slow Cooker: This is a convenient option if you want to reheat a larger quantity of meat. Place the leftover pork tenderloin slices in the slow cooker with the gravy and heat until warmed through.
- Microwave: The microwave is the fastest method but also the easiest way to dry out your meat. Place the pork tenderloin slices on a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Use a medium power setting and heat in short bursts of 10-20 seconds to avoid overcooking.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Wrap the pork slices in foil and place them on a wire rack or baking sheet. You can add a splash of broth, butter, or barbecue sauce for extra moisture. Heat for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
- Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to around 350°F. Wrap the pork tenderloin in aluminum foil and add a bit of broth or butter for moisture. Reheat for a few minutes until warmed through.
No matter which method you choose, the key to successfully reheating peppercorn pork tenderloin is to ensure it doesn't dry out. Always aim for gentle and even heating, and avoid overcooking the meat.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes about 2 hours on HIGH or 4 hours on LOW in a slow cooker.
You will need pork tenderloin, butter, beef broth, and a spice rub. The spice rub can be made with brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
While it is possible to cook peppercorn pork tenderloin in a crock pot, some people believe that the crock pot dilutes the flavor of the meat. Alternative cooking methods include grilling, roasting, or using an air fryer.
