Description
A succulent pork tenderloin slow-cooked with brown sugar and spices, creating a perfect blend of savory and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs pork tenderloin
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 0.5 tsp onion powder
- 0.5 tsp paprika
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 cup apple juice (or chicken broth)
- 2 Tbsp salted butter (cut into pieces)
- 4 cloves garlic (smashed)
- 0.5 cup water
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- 0.5 cup brown sugar
- 0.25 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce (or tamari)
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Prepare the pork: Start by patting your pork tenderloin dry with paper towels to help it sear perfectly.
- Mix the seasoning: In a small bowl, combine dried thyme, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture all over the pork tenderloin.
- Sear the meat (optional): For an extra layer of flavor, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a touch of oil and sear the pork for 2-3 minutes on each side.
- Prep the slow cooker: Place the seasoned pork tenderloin in the crockpot. Scatter the garlic cloves around the meat and add butter chunks on top.
- Mix the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the apple juice, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar. Pour this mixture over the pork.
- Add the water: Pour in the water, covering the meat to ensure it stays moist while cooking.
- Cook low and slow: Close the lid and set your crockpot to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Thicken the sauce: Once the pork is done, remove it and strain the cooking liquid into a saucepan. Whisk the cornstarch into a bit of cold water, then stir until combined.
- Slice and serve: Cut the pork tenderloin into medallions, drizzling the thickened sauce over the top.
Notes
Make-ahead tips: This dish can be prepped the night before. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with gluten-free tamari.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg