Cooking Time:
4 hoursServings:
4-6
Ingredients
1 1/2 - 2 lb. pork tenderloinoptional: cooking oil for searing
Sauce ingredients:
2/3 c. honey
4 T. soy sauce
2 T. brown sugar
3 T. sesame oil
4 T. balsamic vinegar
The combination of soy sauce and sesame oil give this Slow Cooker Honey Seared Pork Tenderloin and Asian flavoring that is out of this world. This recipe pairs well with a flavorful rice (like Jasmine) and a cucumber salad topped with sesame seeds. The optional searing step can add extra flavor but is not a must if you are pressed for time or want one less dish to clean. 🙂
Optional step: Heat 2 T. cooking oil in a skillet on Med-High and sear all sides of tenderloin. (about 10-15 minutes total)
- Place tenderloin in slow cooker.
- Mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl. (if you like it “saucy” you can double the sauce recipe)
- Pour sauce over tenderloin and coat well.
- Cover and cook on Low for 1 1/2 hours then flip tenderloin over.
- Cook 1 to 1-1/2 additional hours and remove from the slow cooker.
- Let the tenderloin sit for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Slice tenderloin into pieces and (optional) serve over rice topped with sauce from the slow cooker.
Note: If desired, you can thicken sauce remaining in slow cooker by combining 1 T corn starch with 3 T. water in a small cup then pouring in slow cooker. Cover and simmer sauce on High for 10 minutes while pork is resting.
OPTIONAL: I have also made this recipe with 3/4 to 1 inch thick Pork Chops and it is also very good, but it should not be in the slow cooker more than the crocking time, as it will dry out.
Happy Crocking!
XOXO,
Jenn
What would happen if it stayed in on low all day?
Cristie it all depends on your crock pot?? I would not cook it all day, as it most likely would become dry… Some people prep a recipe like this, and have it ready and if you work run home and put it on at lunch, but sometimes that is not possible for others, just a thought?? Happy Crocking!
Sounds yummy! should you only cook it till it reaches 145 as if baking? or will it stay moist if it cooks beyond that?
Amy I get these quesions, and it is really hard because every crock pot cooks differently! I would test it, and if it seems very moist, you could crock it a bit longer. Thanks for the question, and Happy Crocking!
What about adding sesame seeds? Would you put them on just before serving?
This too would be an individual preference. Some may like the seeds soft others may like some crispy taste to the seeds. Good Suggestion! Happy Crocking!
What about adding garlic?
Hey Judy…. the fun of cooking is making things your way… Happy Crocking!
I made this tonight…it was SO GOOD!I doubled the sauce recipe and used chicken breasts. Cooked for same time as stated, and added sesame seeds and scallions to it when serving. Served with white rice. Absolutely delicious! Thanks for a great recipe!
Thanks Amy, and thanks for making it your own by using chicken…. Yeah! Happy Crocking!
Hi! I’m planning on making this tomorrow but will be cooking 2 tenderloins in one crock pot, totaling 4.3 pounds! Should I use the same tempature settings? Appreciate the advice!
Hi Sarah – I think you’ll be fine. I just suggest using a meat thermometer to check for doneness just to be sure. (Pork should measure at least 145 degrees followed by a 3-minute rest time before serving.) Happy Crocking!
What could I use as a substitute for the sesame oil and balsamic vinegar? Snowed in and cannot get to a store today.
Hi Dawn, I’m afraid for sesame oil it has such a distinctive flavor, and it has been suggested to use peanut oil, but I’ve not found it to be very flavorful. For each tablespoon of Balsamic vinegar you can make it by substituting 1 Tablespoon red wine vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon sugar to equal 1 Tablespoon of Balsamic Vinegar. Hope this helps some! Happy Crocking! and….stay warm! 🙂
Can’t copy and paste this to print. I am seriously almost blind and would love to try this simple recipe.
🙁
I made this tonight along with a recipe I found for Vegetable Fried Rice. It was delicious!!!!
Hi….I was planning on making a pork roast tomorrow, but am really in the mood for mashed potatoes and green beans. Do you have any other great recipes that would pair with those sides? This one sounds great, but I already bought the potatoes and green beans! Thanks 🙂
Joan I have several pork roast recipes on my website, and on the upper right hand corner of each page you will find a search button. If you type in pork roast several will come up for you. Also I have some great green bean and mashed potato slow cooker recipes for you to view. If you have multiple slow cookers you can crock your whole meal. Happy to share one pork roast recipe with you: http://www.getcrocked.com/2014/02/18/slow-cooker-cola-pork-roast/ Happy Crocking! 🙂
Can I put the pork in frozen?
You can put it in frozen Kristal, but you will need to crock it a bit longer, and I would use a meat thermometer to check and make sure it is done. Happy Crocking!
How much longer do you think? 6-8 hours instead of 4?
Does T stand for tablespoons or teaspoons?.Thanks
Hello Jill, the T = Tablespoon, and the tsp. = teaspoon! Thank you for your question! Happy Crocking!
I made this today. It is absolutely delicious. So tender and a beautiful flavour. The sauce is great on rice. Thanks for sharing!!
I want to make this for 12 people so doubling it at least – does the cook time change?
Hi Jayne, depending on the size of your slow cooker, it should be okay and crock for the same time. You’ll just want to make sure the slow cooker is only 1/2 to 2/3 full. If it is two full you may want to use two separate slow cookers. Thanks for the question, and Happy Crocking!