Slow Cooker Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin: Effortless Flavor Explosion!
Craving a delicious and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen? Look no further than this incredible Slow Cooker Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin recipe! This dish is a flavor powerhouse, combining the tenderness of pork tenderloin with the savory-sweet goodness of teriyaki sauce, all achieved with minimal effort thanks to your trusty slow cooker.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress without the stress. The slow cooker does all the work, transforming a simple pork tenderloin into a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Effortless Cooking:** The slow cooker is your best friend here. Just dump in the ingredients and let it work its magic.
* **Tender and Juicy Pork:** Slow cooking ensures the pork tenderloin becomes incredibly tender and juicy.
* **Flavorful Teriyaki Sauce:** The homemade teriyaki sauce is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy.
* **Versatile Meal:** Serve it over rice, noodles, or with your favorite roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
* **Minimal Cleanup:** One-pot cooking means less cleanup!
Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Pork Tenderloin:** 2-3 pounds, trimmed of excess silver skin. Pork tenderloin is lean and cooks beautifully in the slow cooker. Make sure it’s defrosted fully before cooking.
* **Soy Sauce:** 1 cup. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the teriyaki sauce.
* **Brown Sugar:** ½ cup, packed. Brown sugar adds sweetness and a subtle molasses flavor.
* **Honey:** ¼ cup. Honey adds a touch of sweetness and contributes to the glossy texture of the sauce.
* **Rice Vinegar:** ¼ cup. Rice vinegar provides a crucial tanginess that balances the sweetness and savory notes.
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is essential for that aromatic teriyaki flavor.
* **Ginger:** 1 tablespoon, grated. Fresh ginger adds a warm, spicy kick to the sauce. Use a microplane or ginger grater for best results.
* **Sesame Oil:** 1 tablespoon. Sesame oil adds a nutty aroma and enhances the overall flavor profile.
* **Cornstarch:** 2 tablespoons. Cornstarch is used to thicken the teriyaki sauce at the end of the cooking process.
* **Water:** 2 tablespoons. To make the cornstarch slurry.
* **Sesame Seeds:** For garnish (optional).
* **Green Onions:** Sliced, for garnish (optional).
Equipment You’ll Need
* **Slow Cooker (Crock-Pot):** A 6-quart or larger slow cooker is recommended.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons**
* **Mixing Bowl**
* **Whisk**
* **Small Bowl**
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create the most delicious Slow Cooker Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin:
**Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce**
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil until the brown sugar is dissolved. This homemade teriyaki sauce is far superior to store-bought versions, offering a depth of flavor you won’t find elsewhere.
**Step 2: Place the Pork Tenderloin in the Slow Cooker**
Place the pork tenderloin in the slow cooker. If you have two smaller tenderloins, you can arrange them side-by-side. If you have one large tenderloin, you may need to trim it slightly to fit comfortably in the slow cooker without overlapping the sides.
**Step 3: Pour the Teriyaki Sauce Over the Pork**
Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce evenly over the pork tenderloin, ensuring it’s fully coated. This is where the magic begins! The sauce will slowly infuse the pork with its incredible flavors as it cooks.
**Step 4: Slow Cook the Pork Tenderloin**
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The exact cooking time will depend on your slow cooker and the size of the pork tenderloin. The pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy. Avoid overcooking, as this can result in dry pork. Check the temperature after the minimum cooking time; you can always cook it longer if needed. The best way to test the tenderness is with a fork. The pork should be very tender and easily pulled apart with a fork.
**Step 5: Remove the Pork and Thicken the Sauce**
Once the pork is cooked through, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in even more tender and flavorful pork.
While the pork is resting, it’s time to thicken the teriyaki sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker with the remaining teriyaki sauce. Stir well to combine.
Turn the slow cooker to high and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent lumps from forming. The sauce should be glossy and easily coat the back of a spoon.
**Step 6: Slice and Serve**
Slice the rested pork tenderloin into medallions or bite-sized pieces. Arrange the sliced pork on a serving platter and spoon the thickened teriyaki sauce over the top. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired.
**Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!**
Serve your Slow Cooker Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin immediately over rice, noodles, or with your favorite side dishes. It’s also delicious served in lettuce wraps or sliders. Enjoy the explosion of flavor in every bite!
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin
* **Don’t Overcook:** Pork tenderloin is lean and can dry out if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
* **Trim the Silver Skin:** Remove the silver skin from the pork tenderloin before cooking. This tough membrane can make the pork chewy.
* **Use Low-Sodium Soy Sauce:** This allows you to control the saltiness of the teriyaki sauce.
* **Adjust the Sweetness:** If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar or honey.
* **Add Heat:** For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce.
* **Broil for Extra Glaze:** For an even glossier finish, place the sliced pork on a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes after slicing, brushing with extra teriyaki sauce.
* **Sear the Pork (Optional):** For added flavor and texture, sear the pork tenderloin in a hot pan with oil before adding it to the slow cooker. Sear each side for 2-3 minutes, until browned. This step is optional but adds a delicious depth of flavor.
* **Add Vegetables to the Slow Cooker:** Consider adding vegetables like broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or snow peas to the slow cooker during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking time for a complete one-pot meal.
* **Let the Pork Rest:** Allowing the pork to rest for 10 minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
Serving Suggestions
This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:
* **Over Rice:** Serve over steamed white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice. The rice soaks up the delicious teriyaki sauce beautifully.
* **With Noodles:** Toss with your favorite noodles, such as udon, soba, or ramen noodles.
* **In Lettuce Wraps:** Serve in crisp lettuce cups with shredded carrots, cucumbers, and a drizzle of sesame oil.
* **In Sliders:** Use the sliced pork to make mini sliders with Hawaiian rolls and a dollop of sriracha mayo.
* **With Roasted Vegetables:** Serve alongside roasted broccoli, asparagus, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts.
* **As a Salad Topping:** Add the sliced pork to a salad for a protein-packed and flavorful meal.
Variations
Want to customize this recipe to your liking? Here are a few variations to try:
* **Spicy Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of sriracha to the teriyaki sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Pineapple Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin:** Add a can of crushed pineapple (drained) to the slow cooker for a tropical twist.
* **Garlic Ginger Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin:** Increase the amount of garlic and ginger in the teriyaki sauce for a more intense flavor.
* **Mushroom Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin:** Add sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking time.
* **Vegetarian Option:** Substitute the pork tenderloin with firm tofu or tempeh. Press the tofu or tempeh to remove excess moisture before adding it to the slow cooker.
Make-Ahead Instructions
This recipe is perfect for meal prepping! You can prepare the teriyaki sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also trim the pork tenderloin and store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Simply add the prepared sauce and pork to the slow cooker when you’re ready to start cooking.
Storage Instructions
Leftover Slow Cooker Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a pan on the stovetop until heated through. You can also freeze leftover pork for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin Recipe
**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 3-4 hours on low, or 2-3 hours on high
**Ingredients:**
* 2-3 pounds pork tenderloin, trimmed
* 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
* ½ cup packed brown sugar
* ¼ cup honey
* ¼ cup rice vinegar
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
* 1 tablespoon sesame oil
* 2 tablespoons cornstarch
* 2 tablespoons water
* Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
* Sliced green onions, for garnish (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil until the brown sugar is dissolved.
2. Place the pork tenderloin in the slow cooker.
3. Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce evenly over the pork tenderloin.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
5. Carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for 10 minutes.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
7. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker with the remaining teriyaki sauce. Stir well to combine.
8. Turn the slow cooker to high and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, stirring occasionally.
9. Slice the rested pork tenderloin into medallions or bite-sized pieces.
10. Arrange the sliced pork on a serving platter and spoon the thickened teriyaki sauce over the top.
11. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired.
12. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or with your favorite side dishes.
Enjoy your delicious and effortless Slow Cooker Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin! This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll make again and again.