Crockpot pork tenderloin recipe is easy to cook! We showed you How to Cook Smithfield Pork Tenderloin in the oven before, now it is time for a balsamic glaze cooked to tender bites of goodness for dinner packed with protein.
Jump To
- Frozen Pork Tenderloin in Crockpot
- How Long to Cook Pork Tenderloin in Crockpot with Balsamic
- Should you brown pork first?
- Is there a simple way to do a brown sugar & balsamic sauce for pork?
- How to Thicken the Sauce
- How do you know when pork tenderloin is done?
- Tips
- Crockpot Pork Tenderloin Recipe
- How to save leftovers
- What should you serve with shredded pork?
Not only is this the perfect way to slow cook pork to make it tender and moist but it’s also a recipe that my family loved as well. Anytime I can whip up a dinner that we all enjoy, you know it’s certain to be good!
Crockpot recipes might be my favorite way to cook various cuts of meat. Just set it and forget it until you’re home! I like to use my meat thermometer to be certain that the pork is done cooking all the way before allowing it to rest because it’s better to be safe than sorry when you’re eating various meats.
Frozen Pork Tenderloin in Crockpot
From frozen is possible to make just as good my friends! You would want to use the timing and temp. from our Frozen Pork Loin in Crock Pot instructions. You could still make this sauce to cook it or just drizzle on top when done.
We began this whole journey by creating Instant Pot pork tenderloin, then a crispy air fryer pork loin with a dry rub on the outside, and then moved on to this one. You should try them all as they all taste a bit different, but all good.
I have added fruit in our Crockpot pork chops, and sometimes in this as well. Onions are a must, an apple sliced if I have it BUT balsamic vinegar is a must either way. I’m about to throw a huge wrench into your meal planning. I love this recipe so much because there are so many ways that you can easily make it.
How Long to Cook Pork Tenderloin in Crockpot with Balsamic
You are going to need 6-8 hours to get the texture to tender, not dried out, but cooked all the way thru to the center. Of course the timing will vary depending on the size and thickness so keep that in mind but rarely will it be beyond 8.
Should you brown pork first?
Yes, you will want to put olive oil in a skillet on the stovetop and set piece of meat that has been seasoned, at least with salt and pepper, into a large skillet and brown on all sides of meat. This will lock in the juices to keep it as tender as possible.
Then you’ll want to whisk together sauce in a small bowl with your broth, balsamic vinegar and soy sauce to create your glaze that will get soaked up by the protein.
Is there a simple way to do a brown sugar & balsamic sauce for pork?
Yes, just whisk together with garlic, balsamic, sugar, broth and soy sauce to make a sort of marinade to pour over the top. There will be a bit of liquid that is in the slow cooker once it starts to cook and that liquid is tasty to eat!
How to Thicken the Sauce
If you want to make pressure cooker gravy remove meat, allow to rest before slicing, and pour liquids into a saucepan. Allow to bubble. Take some liquid out into a cup and whisk in 2 tbsp of cornstarch. Add this back in and stir. Allow to thicken and serve together.
How do you know when pork tenderloin is done?
You definitely need to test the center since this is pork and it needs to reach a safe 145 degrees F. before consuming. You should do this in the thickest area with a meat thermometer. The juices should run clear and the outside should be golden brown.
The meat is tender and there are so many great flavors that you’ll get in every single bite. When it comes to garnishes and toppings, there are a few choices to consider. You can garnish with fresh cilantro and chives to give it a light and delicious flavor or you can drizzle a bit of balsamic vinegar or soy sauce on top as well.
Tips
While this slow cooker dish isn’t hard to make, there are a few tips that you need to remember. It is possible to overcook the meat so in this case, longer doesn’t always mean better. Pay attention to the cook time in the printable recipe below and do your best to adhere.
Understand that different cuts of meat will also work for this recipe. This will also mean that they’re going to have different textures, too. If you’re fine with that, great but don’t be surprised if this recipe turns out chewier than you thought it was going to be. Use more of your balsamic to make this beef arm roast recipe next!
Crockpot Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Equipment
- 1 slow cooker
Ingredients
- 3 lb pork tenderloin
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup broth, beef or vegetable
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 pinch salt, to taste
Instructions
- Put olive oil in a skillet on the stovetop over medium high heat.
- Season all sides of tenderloin with salt and pepper. Put into skillet and sear all sides. If yours is quite thick and you want to make pulled pork to fall apart when done I would cut it in half in the middle thickest part of your meat.
- Put sliced onions on bottom of Crockpot with seared tenderloin on top of that.
- Sprinkle minced garlic and brown sugar on top of meat.
- Whisk together in a bowl your broth, balsamic vinegar and soy sauce. Pour this on top.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 – 8 hours or until the center at the thickest part reaches 145 degrees F and/or it is easy to shred with 2 forks if you want it so tender it falls apart.
- If you want to make gravy to serve with it then remove meat, allow to rest before slicing, and pour liquids into a saucepan.
- Allow to bubble. Take some liquid out into a cup and whisk in 2 tbsp of cornstarch. Add this back in and stir. Allow to thicken and serve together.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How to save leftovers
Just be ready as this will serve quite the crowd. If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, just put them in the fridge to enjoy later! This will taste just as amazing the very next day! Try our other methods of cooking pulled pork this month too.
What should you serve with shredded pork?
Last but not least, let’s talk about the other food recipes that would pair up perfectly with this crockpot tenderloin recipe. As I mentioned earlier, anything potatoes is always a win in my book. I love mashed potatoes, garlic potatoes, air fryer baked potatoes, slow cooker cheesy potatoes…the list could go on and on.
But if you’re wanting to stay on the healthier side for side dishes options, air fryer green beans and Instant Pot corn are an awesome idea, too. You can even whip up a nice side salad to go along with this!
Great recipe. Served with rice and vegetables. Added more liquid.
glad it was a hit for dinner
Made this yesterday for company. It was fabulous. Only change I made was making the gravy/sauce separately and added a 1/2 teaspoon of ginger. I did this only because the pork was done in less time (4.5 hrs) & I did not want to cook it any more. Will definitely make again.
glad it was a hit!!
This is not a pork tenderloin, it’s a pork loin…huge difference.