Marinated pork tenderloin is a mass favorite! It is juicy, meaty, rich, and loaded with tons of flavor. Cooking can be hard at times, but things get easier when you do it in a slow cooker. You can make it easily in large batches; therefore, it is a favorite recipe on the holiday dinner menu.
Most people grill or even cook marinated pork tenderloin. But you can cook it in a slow cooker as well. In fact, slow cooking it in the slow cooker or crock pot is super easy. So if you are wondering how to cook marinated pork tenderloin in a slow cooker, read ahead!
Why cook marinated pork tenderloin in a slow cooker?
A slow cooker ensures your meat is cooked at low heat so that the flavors stay put. You should cook marinated pork tenderloin in a slow cooker for many reasons. Here are a few to convince you:
- When you cook pork tenderloin in a slow cooker, you can allow the muscles and protein to break down slowly. As a result, the meat is cooked to perfection and falls apart.
- A slow cooker ensures all the juices and flavors don’t leave the meat. You get a rich and flavorsome dish that is loaded with flavors.
- Cooking pork tenderloin in a slow cooker is super convenient. You can add everything into the slow cooker and set the time and temperature. Forget all about it until you hear the timer go off.
Marinade ideas
There are so many amazing marinades you can try for your pork tenderloin. Here are a few to name:
- Dijon and maple marinade: Dijon mustard and maple marinade is a simple and quick marinade glaze that offers the right balance of tanginess and sweetness. Add apple cider vinegar, dried herbs, and salt to finish off the marinade.
- Asian-style marinade: Asian-style marinade is always a hit, especially when you love Asian flavors. So, add soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil, chili oil, garlic, ginger, 5 spice powder, and brown sugar to get a rich Asian flavor.
- Balsamic vinegar marinade: balsamic vinegar marinade is yet another quick and easy way to add tons of flavor to your pork tenderloin. Add herbs, honey, garlic, and Dijon mustard as well.
- Hawaiian marinade: Get the Hawaiian flavors rolling by adding sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and ginger powder.
- Jerk marinade: Turn a simple jerk dry rub into a perfect marinade by adding a little oil or vinegar to it. You can marinate the pork with this paste and enjoy Caribbean flavors.
- BBQ Sauce: You can never go wrong with good ole BBQ sauce or Worcestershire sauce!
How to serve marinated slow cooker pork tenderloin?
Resting the Meat
Allow your pork tenderloin to rest for 10 minutes after removing it from the slow cooker. This pause lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each slice is moist and flavorful.
Slicing and Presentation
Cut the pork tenderloin into 1/2-inch thick slices. Arrange the slices neatly on a warm platter, fanning them out to showcase their tender texture and the caramelized outer crust.
Side Dishes
Serve your pork tenderloin with sides that complement its rich flavor. Here are a few suggestions:
Starches:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Herb roasted potatoes
- Steamed white or brown rice
Vegetables:
- Glazed carrots
- Green beans almondine
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
Sauces:
- Apple compote
- Dijon mustard sauce
- Homemade gravy
How to store marinated slow cooker pork tenderloin?
You can refrigerate uncooked and marinated pork tenderloin for up to 3 days. Make sure you store it in a plastic zip-lock bag or in an air-tight container.
You can also store slow cooker pork loin effortlessly as well. It stays good in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
You can also freeze the slow-cooked meat. Store it in a freezer-safe container, and it will last for up to three months.
How to Cook Marinated Pork Tenderloin in Slow Cooker
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Marination time: 2 hours
- Cooking time: 3 hours
- Total time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. pork tenderloin, boneless
- 1 cup portobello mushroom, sliced
- 1 cup baby carrots
- 1 cup potatoes, diced
- ¼ cup beef stock
For the marinade:
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp white vinegar
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp black pepper
Preparation
- Add soy sauce, vinegar, maple syrup, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and black pepper in a zip-lock plastic bag.
- Place the raw pork tenderloin in the zip lock bag and seal it.
- Massage the meat with your fingers so that the marinade covers the meat completely.
- Place pork in the refrigerator for at least two hours to get maximum flavor into the pork roast.
- Once the marination time is up, take the meat out of the refrigerator and set it aside.
- Place sliced mushrooms, carrots, and potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Pour in beef stock.
- Place marinated pork tenderloin over the bed of vegetables. You can pour the leftover marinade on top for more flavor as well.
- Seal the slow cooker, and set the timer to 3 hours at medium temperature.
- Once the timer is up, remove the meat from the slow cooker, and let it rest for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Slice the marinated pork tenderloin, and serve alongside slow-cooked vegetables, sweet potato, regular baked potato, or mashed potato.
How to Cook Marinated Pork Tenderloin in Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. pork tenderloin boneless
- 1 cup portobello mushroom sliced
- 1 cup of baby carrots
- 1 cup of potatoes diced
- ¼ cup beef stock
- For the marinade:
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp white vinegar
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- In a zip-lock plastic bag, add soy sauce, vinegar, maple syrup, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.
- Place the raw pork tenderloin in the zip lock bag and seal it.
- Massage the meat with your fingers so that the marinade covers the meat completely.
- Place pork in the refrigerator for at least two hours to get maximum flavor into the pork roast.
- Once the marination time is up, take the meat out of the refrigerator and set it aside.
- Place sliced mushrooms, carrots, and potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Pour in beef stock.
- Place marinated pork tenderloin over the bed of vegetables. You can pour the leftover marinade on top for more flavor as well.
- Seal the slow cooker, and set the timer to 3 hours at medium temperature.
- Once the timer is up, remove the meat from the slow cooker, and let it rest for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Slice the marinated pork tenderloin, and serve alongside slow-cooked vegetables or sweet potato or regular baked potato or mashed potatoes.
- Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature should pork tenderloin reach when cooked in a slow cooker?
The safe internal temperature for pork tenderloin is 145°F (63°C). You can use a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached this temperature after cooking.
Can you cook a pre-seasoned pork tenderloin with vegetables such as onions, potatoes, and carrots in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook pre-seasoned pork tenderloin with vegetables in a slow cooker. Place the vegetables in the bottom of the cooker and the pork on top, as this allows the meat’s flavors to infuse with the vegetables.
How long typically does it take to cook a pork tenderloin in a slow cooker on low and high settings?
Typically, pork tenderloin takes about 4-5 hours to cook on a high setting or 7-8 hours on low in a slow cooker. Sizes vary, so adjust the time accordingly.
Should I add liquid to the slow cooker when cooking pork tenderloin, and if so, how much?
Yes, add liquid to prevent drying out. A half cup of broth, water, or marinade is typically sufficient for a tenderloin.
How can I make sure my pork tenderloin remains tender and moist when cooking it in a slow cooker?
To keep your pork tenderloin moist, cook it on a low setting, and don’t remove the lid frequently. Ensuring there’s adequate liquid and not overcooking is also key.
How do I cook marinated pork tenderloin in an instant pot?
To cook marinated pork tenderloin in an Instant Pot, you use the “Sauté” mode to sear the meat for color, then switch to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode and set it for about 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of the tenderloin. Quick release after cooking.
Want more protein ideas to improve your diet and build your muscles?
Check out The Power Lifting Diet: How to Fuel your Strength and the other great diet and exercise resources on the Boostcamp app.