Marianne Martinez
Slow-cooked pork tenderloin is a simple, tasty, and juicy meal that can be prepared with minimal effort and common ingredients. It's a versatile dish that can be adapted to your preference, served with anything from mashed potatoes to Mexican corn, and even used as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. This guide will explain how to slow cook pork tenderloin in a crock pot, ensuring it's cooked to perfection and doesn't dry out.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Pork tenderloin, beef broth, butter, onion, mushrooms, garlic, rosemary, chicken broth, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, Italian seasoning, mustard, kosher salt, beef gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, rice, Mexican corn, potato packets, kale salad, crusty bun, sweet potatoes, etc. |
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 2-2.5 hours on high, 4 hours on low, or 1 hour on high if you want to speed it up |
| Temperature | 145°F |
| Rest Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Nutritional Information | Calories: 527, Carbohydrates: 60g, Protein: 48g, Fat: 9g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 147mg, Sodium: 1945mg, Potassium: 1252mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 48g, Vitamin A: 888IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 68mg, Iron: 4mg |
| Storage | Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months |
| Notes | Pork tenderloin is lean and can dry out if overcooked. It is not recommended to cook directly from frozen. |
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What You'll Learn
Prep and cooking time
Slow cooker pork tenderloin is a simple recipe that requires minimal preparation and common pantry staple ingredients. The entire process, from preparation to cooking, should take between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the setting of your crock pot.
To begin, trim any excess fat and silver skin from the tenderloin. You can then make a seasoning rub by mixing ingredients such as brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Coat the tenderloin with this rub, ensuring it is evenly distributed on all sides.
Next, pour beef or chicken broth into your slow cooker, and place the seasoned tenderloin inside. You can also add vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, onions, and celery to create a complete meal. Close the lid of the crock pot and set it to cook.
The cooking time will depend on your preference for heat settings and the capabilities of your crock pot. On a high setting, the pork tenderloin should be cooked in about 2 hours, while a low setting will take around 4 hours. It is important to note that pork tenderloin can dry out if overcooked, so it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Remove the tenderloin from the crock pot when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
Let the tenderloin rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period helps seal in the juices, keeping the meat tender and juicy.
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Trimming and seasoning the pork
Trimming the Pork
Start by examining the pork tenderloin for any excess fat or silver skin. The silver skin is a tough, translucent membrane that covers parts of the meat. Using a sharp knife, carefully trim away any visible fat and silver skin. This step ensures that your cooked pork is tender and not chewy.
Seasoning the Pork
Now, let's move on to seasoning the pork, which is a simple yet essential step to building flavour. You can create a basic seasoning rub by combining the following ingredients in a small bowl:
- Brown sugar
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Chili powder
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Pepper
Mix these ingredients well. You can adjust the quantities of each spice to suit your taste preferences. For instance, if you prefer a spicier kick, add a little more chili powder. Alternatively, if you're a fan of garlic, you can increase the amount of garlic powder.
Applying the Rub
Once you've prepared the seasoning rub, it's time to apply it to the pork tenderloin. Using your hands, coat the trimmed tenderloin with the spice rub generously and evenly. Ensure you cover all sides of the meat. Don't be afraid to really work the rub into the meat; this will ensure maximum flavour.
Adding Extra Flavours
For an extra flavour boost, you can add some butter pats on and around the seasoned tenderloin. Additionally, you can pour beef broth, chicken broth, or even a combination of soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and honey into the slow cooker before adding the pork. These liquids will create a delicious sauce and keep the meat moist during cooking.
Remember, slow-cooking pork tenderloin is quite forgiving, so feel free to experiment with different seasonings and flavours to find your perfect combination.
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Using a slow cooker
Preparation:
First, trim off any excess fat and silver skin from the tenderloin. You can then choose to sear the meat before slow cooking, which some sources suggest improves the flavour and texture. To sear, heat some oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the tenderloin until golden brown on all sides.
Slow cooking:
Place the pork tenderloin in your slow cooker. If you haven't seared the meat, you can add some beef or chicken broth to the slow cooker for extra flavour and moisture. You can also add sliced onions, mushrooms, or other vegetables to the slow cooker to create a complete meal.
Next, prepare your seasoning. You can use a simple combination of salt and pepper or create a more complex spice rub. A popular spice rub includes brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chilli powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix your chosen spices in a small bowl, then coat the tenderloin with the rub.
Place the seasoned tenderloin back into the slow cooker, along with any remaining spice rub. You can also add butter to the slow cooker for extra flavour and moisture. Close the lid and set your slow cooker to low or high heat.
Cooking time:
The cooking time will depend on your slow cooker's heat settings and your desired level of doneness. As a guide, cooking on high heat for 1-2 hours or on low heat for 2-4 hours should result in tender meat. However, it's important to check the internal temperature of the pork to ensure it's fully cooked. The recommended safe internal temperature for pork is 145°F.
Resting and serving:
Once the pork reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Resting helps seal in the juices, keeping the meat tender and moist. After resting, slice the pork tenderloin and serve it with your choice of sides. Suggested sides include mashed potatoes, rice, green beans, and salad.
Leftovers:
Slow cooker pork tenderloin can also be enjoyed as leftovers. Store any leftover pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat the pork in the slow cooker, on the stovetop, or in the microwave until heated through. Leftover pork can be used in sandwiches, tacos, or soups.
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Serving suggestions
Slow-cooked pork tenderloin is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of this delicious meal:
Mashed Potatoes and Vegetables
Pairing slow-cooked pork tenderloin with mashed potatoes is a popular choice. You can serve it with homemade mashed potatoes, or even microwave mashed potatoes for a quick and convenient option. For a healthier twist, try mashed sweet potatoes. To round out the meal, add a side of vegetables such as roasted asparagus, sautéed leeks, creamed corn, roasted green beans, or frozen green beans. If you're looking for something different, air fryer eggplant adds a unique texture to the plate.
Rice
Rice is another great option to serve with slow-cooked pork tenderloin. You can choose from a variety of rice types, such as baked rice, brown rice, or Rice-a-Roni. For an extra indulgent touch, try Stick of Butter Rice.
Salad
For a lighter meal, serve your pork tenderloin with a salad. A simple spring mix with a homemade ranch dressing is a great option. Alternatively, you can pair it with a kale salad for a weeknight dinner.
Sandwiches and Tacos
Leftover pork tenderloin can be transformed into delicious sandwiches or tacos. Shred the pork and toss it with barbecue sauce for mouthwatering pulled pork sandwiches, sliders, or tacos. Load up your sandwiches with pickles and fresh herbs for added flavour.
Gravy
Don't forget the gravy! Thicken the juices from the slow cooker with cornstarch to create a delicious gravy that pairs perfectly with the pork tenderloin and your choice of sides.
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Storing and reheating
You can also freeze the pork tenderloin for future use. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer bag, ensuring you remove as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
When you're ready to enjoy your meal again, simply reheat the pork tenderloin in the slow cooker, on the stovetop, or in the microwave or oven. Reheat only the amount you plan to eat, as pork tenderloin dries out quickly and is best served juicy.
To retain moisture, reheat the pork tenderloin in slices with the gravy. You can also shred the leftover pork and use it for pulled pork sandwiches, tacos, or sliders.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes around 2 to 2 1/2 hours on a high setting and 4 hours on a low setting.
The pork tenderloin should reach 145°F.
It is not recommended to cook directly from frozen in the crock pot. It is best to defrost your pork tenderloin first.
You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
You can serve pork tenderloin with mashed potatoes, rice, green beans, crusty bread, or a side salad.
