Ella Walter
Cooking pork tenderloin in a crock pot is an easy way to prepare a delicious and juicy meal. With just a few minutes of preparation and some common pantry staple ingredients, you can have a tasty dinner cooking while you get on with other things. This simple recipe involves trimming the fat from the tenderloin, coating it in a spice rub, and slow-cooking it in a crock pot with vegetables and sauce. The result is a mouth-watering dish that's perfect for any day of the week.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prep time | 5 minutes |
| Cook time | 2-4 hours |
| Temperature | 145°F |
| Rest time | 5-10 minutes |
| Meat type | Pork tenderloin |
| Seasoning | Barbecue sauce, mustard, chili powder, kosher salt, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, soy sauce, cinnamon, honey, garlic |
| Sides | Mashed potatoes, baked rice, crusty bun, kale salad, Mexican corn, potato packets, sweet potatoes, green beans, rolls, rice, coconut jasmine rice, Thai cucumber salad |
| Equipment | Slow cooker, meat thermometer |
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What You'll Learn
Prepping the pork tenderloin
Once the meat is thawed and at room temperature, trim off any excess fat and the silver skin, which is the tough membrane that may cover parts of the tenderloin. This step ensures that the meat is tender and juicy after cooking. Then, using a sharp knife, cut several slits across the tenderloin, being careful not to cut all the way through.
The next step is to stuff the tenderloin with flavourful ingredients. One option is to fill the slits with apple slices, which will add a touch of sweetness to the dish. You can also try other fruits or herbs, such as rosemary or thyme sprigs, for a unique flavour profile. If you're looking for a more savoury option, try stuffing the slits with garlic cloves or thin slices of onion.
After stuffing the tenderloin, it's time to season the meat. You can use a variety of spices and herbs to create a rub that will infuse the pork with flavour. Try a combination of brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix these spices together in a small bowl, and then use your hands to coat the tenderloin evenly on all sides.
In addition to the spice rub, you can also marinate the tenderloin in a sauce before cooking. A classic combination is honey, soy sauce, and garlic, which creates a delicious umami flavour. For added depth, include balsamic vinegar, stone-ground mustard, and a pinch of cinnamon. Alternatively, you can create a savoury sauce by mixing chicken broth, teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, onion, garlic, red chilli peppers, and black pepper.
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Making the spice rub
To make the spice rub, you will need the following ingredients: brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. You can also add a dash of hot sauce or substitute the chili powder for smoked paprika, depending on your preference.
In a small bowl, add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Stir the ingredients together until they are well combined.
If you want to adjust the spice level, you can add more or less chili powder and pepper to suit your taste. You can also add other spices that you like to give it your unique twist.
Once the spice rub is mixed, you will use your hands to coat the tenderloins evenly on all sides. Make sure to trim any excess fat and silver skin from the tenderloins before applying the rub. You can do this over a plate to catch any excess rub, which you can then add to the slow cooker along with the pork.
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Cooking the tenderloin
Firstly, it is not recommended to cook the tenderloin directly from frozen, so make sure it is defrosted before you begin.
Before placing the tenderloin in the crock pot, trim off any excess fat and the silver skin. You can then make cuts in the meat and insert apple slices, if you wish.
Next, prepare the sauce or seasoning. You can use a homemade spice rub, a combination of spices added to barbecue sauce, or a mixture of chicken broth, teriyaki sauce, and brown sugar. You can also add onion, garlic, red chilli peppers, and black pepper.
Once the tenderloin has been prepared and the sauce or seasoning is ready, place the tenderloin in the crock pot and cover with the sauce or seasoning. You can also add potatoes, carrots, and butter at this stage.
Cook on a high setting for 2 to 4 hours or on a low setting for 4 hours, depending on the recipe you are following. It is important to check that the tenderloin is cooked properly. The recommended internal temperature for pork is 145°F.
Once cooked, remove the tenderloin from the crock pot and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
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Resting the meat
During the resting period, the internal temperature of the meat will continue to rise and equalize, ensuring that it is cooked to perfection. This process is crucial as it prevents the juices from escaping when the meat is cut, keeping it moist and flavorful.
The ideal resting time for pork tenderloin depends on the size of the cut and the cooking temperature used. For a smaller tenderloin cooked on high heat, 5 minutes of resting time may be sufficient. However, for larger cuts or those cooked at lower temperatures, extending the resting time to 10 minutes is advisable.
While the meat rests, it's important to keep it covered to retain heat and moisture. You can loosely tent it with foil or place a lid on the platter to prevent excessive heat loss. This helps maintain the temperature of the meat while still allowing it to rest and relax.
After the resting period, you can then slice the tenderloin and serve it with your choice of sides and sauces. It is essential to note that the meat will continue to cook slightly as it rests, so it is important not to overcook it in the crockpot to avoid dryness.
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Serving suggestions
Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways to suit different tastes and occasions. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of this delicious meal:
Hearty Comfort Food
For a comforting and satisfying meal, serve the tenderloin with a generous helping of mashed potatoes. The creamy texture and mild flavour of mashed potatoes provide the perfect foil for the juicy, spiced meat. You can also drizzle some of the extra sauce from the crockpot over the potatoes for an added flavour boost.
Light and Healthy
For a lighter option, pair the tenderloin with a fresh and crisp kale salad. The slight bitterness of the kale will complement the richness of the meat. You can also add some baked or boiled rice for a heartier option without sacrificing the healthy aspect.
Weeknight Dinner
For a quick and easy weeknight meal, serve the tenderloin in a crusty bun with a side of Mexican corn. This sandwich-style option is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty and filling but don't have much time to prepare a complicated meal.
Special Occasion
If you're looking to impress, try serving the tenderloin with a side of homemade stuffing and a thick, rich gravy made from the juices of the meat. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or when you have guests over for dinner. Don't forget to let the meat rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to ensure it stays juicy and tender.
Leftovers
Finally, don't forget that this dish also makes for excellent leftovers! Shred any leftover meat and use it for pulled pork sandwiches, or simply reheat the tenderloin slices in a small saucepan over low heat. You can even freeze individual portions for up to three months and enjoy this delicious meal long after you've cooked it!
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking tenderloin in a crock pot can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the size of the cut and the setting of the crock pot.
Pork is cooked at 145°F. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
Some side dishes that go well with crock pot tenderloin include mashed potatoes, green beans, crusty bread, and a kale salad.
