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Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Asian-Inspired Sauce Recipe

BySarah
Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 20 reviews

There’s something incredibly cozy about coming home to a meal that’s been slow-cooking all day, filling the house with warm, inviting aromas. This Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Asian-Inspired Sauce Recipe is my absolute go-to when I want a tender, flavorful dinner that feels special but requires minimal effort. The rich, savory sauce with hints of hoisin, ginger, and a touch of sweetness really elevates the pork, making it perfect for family dinners or even casual gatherings.

What I love most about this Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Asian-Inspired Sauce Recipe is how adaptable it is. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, you’ll appreciate how easily the flavors come together and how forgiving the method is. Plus, it’s a fantastic dish for meal prep or when you want to impress without the stress of last-minute cooking. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become one of your favorite slow cooker recipes.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Hands-Off Cooking: Just set it and forget it—your slow cooker does all the work while you go about your day.
  • Balanced Asian Flavors: The combination of soy, hoisin, ginger, and sesame creates a delicious, well-rounded sauce without being overwhelming.
  • Tender, Juicy Pork: Slow cooking ensures the pork tenderloin stays moist and falls apart effortlessly for slicing or shredding.
  • Flexible Serving Options: Whether you want to serve it over rice, veggies, or as a sandwich filler, the recipe adapts to your mood.
A large white plate filled with a single layer of brown shredded meat that looks moist and tender, scattered with small slices of bright green onions on top. In the background, there is a white bowl filled with yellow rice, green vegetables, and more shredded meat, with a pair of wooden chopsticks resting on the edge. Small white ceramic bowls with sesame seeds and a light-colored sauce are placed around the plate, all sitting on a white marbled surface. The scene is softly lit and styled to look inviting and fresh. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Asian-Inspired Sauce Recipe plays a crucial role in layering the flavors and keeping the pork juicy and tender. I always recommend fresh ginger and garlic for the most vibrant taste, and the 5-spice powder (which is optional) adds a subtle depth if you have it on hand.

  • Pork Tenderloin: Lean yet tender, it’s the perfect cut for slow cooking because it absorbs the sauce beautifully without drying out.
  • Beef Broth: Adds rich, savory depth to the sauce that complements the pork.
  • Soy Sauce: Brings umami and saltiness, which helps balance the sweetness of the brown sugar.
  • Dark Brown Sugar: Provides a smoky sweetness essential for that classic Asian-inspired glaze.
  • Hoisin Sauce: Adds complexity and a slight tanginess that makes the sauce stand out.
  • Rice Vinegar: Brightens the sauce with a gentle acidity, balancing rich flavors.
  • Sesame Oil: Infuses a nutty aroma and subtle richness to the sauce.
  • Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce for a glossy finish that clings to the pork.
  • Garlic & Ginger: Essential aromatics that bring freshness and warmth.
  • Chinese 5-Spice Powder (Optional): A fragrant mix of spices that adds a unique twist if you have it on hand.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I love about this Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Asian-Inspired Sauce Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I often adjust the sweetness or add more heat depending on what I’m craving, and you can too without fuss.

  • Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a fiery touch that wakes up the flavors.
  • Fresh Herbs: Fresh cilantro or Thai basil sprinkled on top freshens it up and adds a lovely herbal note.
  • Vegetable Boost: Throw in sliced bell peppers or mushrooms halfway through cooking for extra texture and nutrition.
  • Diet-Friendly: For a low-carb option, serve the pork over cauliflower rice instead of traditional white rice—you won’t miss a thing!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Asian-Inspired Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pork and Slow Cooker

I start by patting the pork tenderloins dry with paper towels—that little step helps the sauce stick better later on. I place the pork right in the bottom of my 6-quart slow cooker so there’s enough room for sauce and air circulation. This helps the pork cook evenly and soak up the sauce flavors.

Step 2: Whisk the Sauce Ingredients

While the pork is resting, I whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, dark brown sugar, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, minced garlic, ginger, and if I’m using it, Chinese 5-spice powder. I like to do this in a measuring cup with a spout because it’s easier to pour evenly over the pork.

Step 3: Coat the Pork with Sauce

Pour the sauce over the pork tenderloins, then gently turn the meat to make sure it’s all coated—don’t worry if the pork isn’t fully submerged. This makes sure every bite has that beautiful glaze once it’s cooked.

Step 4: Slow Cook and Relax

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours. This slow cooking time is magic—it transforms the pork to fork-tender perfection. Resist the urge to open the lid too often, as it lets heat escape and makes the cooking time longer.

Step 5: Slice or Shred

When the pork is done, it’ll be incredibly tender—soft enough to shred with forks or slice neatly if you prefer. I usually shred it right back into the sauce in the slow cooker to soak up every bit of flavor before serving.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve this Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Asian-Inspired Sauce over steamed rice or veggies, then sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for that extra pop of flavor and texture. It’s always a crowd-pleaser!

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Asian-Inspired Sauce Recipe

  • Use Fresh Ginger and Garlic: Fresh aromatics really brighten the sauce and make a noticeable difference in flavor.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker: Make sure the pork has space around it so it cooks evenly and the sauce reduces nicely.
  • Check the Pork’s Doneness Early: Start checking tenderness at the minimum cooking time to avoid overcooking and drying out the pork.
  • Thicken the Sauce If Needed: If your sauce isn’t thick enough at the end, remove the pork and simmer the sauce on high for 10 minutes to thicken it before serving.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Asian-Inspired Sauce Recipe

Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Asian-Inspired Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of topping this dish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds—that little crunch and fresh bite complements the rich, tender pork beautifully. Sometimes I also add a few sprigs of fresh cilantro or a dash of chili flakes if I want a bit of heat.

Side Dishes

This pork pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a lighter option. For veggies, I often roast broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts with a drizzle of sesame oil and garlic—it echoes the flavors in the pork and rounds out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

When I want to dress this up for a dinner party, I serve the sliced pork on a large platter with an extra drizzle of sauce, garnished with herbs and sesame seeds. You can even wrap the shredded pork in lettuce leaves or bao buns for fun, interactive bites that guests love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover pork along with some of the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge—it stays delicious for up to 4 days. Keeping the sauce with it helps the meat stay moist and flavorful when reheated.

Freezing

This recipe freezes really well. I portion the shredded pork and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeks!

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickened too much. This keeps the pork moist and prevents it from drying out.

FAQs

  1. Can I use pork loin instead of pork tenderloin in this recipe?

    Absolutely! Pork loin can work, but it’s a bit leaner and thicker, so I recommend adjusting cooking times accordingly and checking for tenderness to avoid dryness. The slow cooker method still infuses great flavor, making it a solid alternative.

  2. What can I substitute for hoisin sauce if I don’t have any?

    If you’re out of hoisin sauce, a mix of soy sauce, a little honey or brown sugar, and a tiny splash of rice vinegar or miso paste can mimic some of its sweet and tangy depth. It won’t be identical, but it still keeps the sauce tasty.

  3. How do I prevent the pork from drying out in the slow cooker?

    The key is not overcooking it—start checking tenderness at the lower end of the recommended cooking times. Also, keep the pork mostly coated in sauce and avoid lifting the lid too often, which saves moisture and heat.

  4. Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?

    Yes, you can! Use the sauté function to brown the pork if you want an extra flavor boost, then pressure cook on high for about 20-25 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release. Just combine the sauce ingredients and pour over the pork before sealing.

  5. What’s the best way to serve leftovers?

    Leftovers are fantastic over rice or as filling for sandwiches, wraps, or lettuce cups. Reheating gently with some sauce keeps it juicy and flavorful, so get creative with how you enjoy it!

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Asian-Inspired Sauce Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen routine because it combines convenience with restaurant-worthy flavor. It’s one of those dishes I always recommend to friends who want to impress with minimal effort. Give it a try—you’ll love how effortless it is to create something warm and comforting that everyone asks for again and again.

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Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Asian-Inspired Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 20 reviews
  • Author: Sarah
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 hours
  • Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Asian
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Description

This slow cooker pork tenderloin recipe features tender, flavorful pork cooked in a savory Asian-inspired sauce with hoisin, soy, and a touch of Chinese 5-spice powder. Perfect for an easy, hands-off dinner served over rice and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Pork

  • 2 lb. pork tenderloin (or 2 loins)

Sauce

  • 3/4 cup beef broth
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup dark brown sugar, packed
  • 1 Tbsp. hoisin sauce
  • 1 Tbsp. rice vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp. sesame oil
  • 1 Tbsp. cornstarch
  • 1 tsp. garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp. ginger, minced
  • 1/2 tsp. Chinese 5-spice powder (optional)

Garnish and Serving

  • Green onions, sliced
  • Sesame seeds
  • Cooked rice
  • Steamed or roasted vegetables (broccoli, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, etc.)

Instructions

  1. Place Pork in Slow Cooker: Place the pork tenderloins in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker, making sure they lay flat and spaced evenly.
  2. Whisk Sauce Ingredients: In a measuring cup or bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, dark brown sugar, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, minced garlic, minced ginger, and Chinese 5-spice powder until well combined.
  3. Pour Over Pork: Pour the sauce evenly over the pork tenderloins in the slow cooker, turning the pork a couple of times to ensure it is fully coated with the sauce. The pork should be coated but not fully submerged.
  4. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8 hours to achieve maximum tenderness, or cook on high heat for 5 hours if pressed for time.
  5. Slice or Shred: Once cooked, the pork will be very tender. Remove it from the slow cooker and slice or shred the meat according to your preference. For extra flavor, return the pork to the slow cooker and toss it in the sauce.
  6. Serve: Serve the tender pork over cooked rice with your choice of vegetables. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a fresh and nutty finish.

Notes

  • For accompaniments, serve with roasted broccoli, asparagus, brown rice, cauliflower rice, or Brussels sprouts for a balanced meal.
  • Store leftover pork and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • For longer storage, freeze cooked pork in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
  • If you don’t have Chinese 5-spice powder, simply omit it or substitute with a pinch of cinnamon and star anise for a similar flavor profile.
  • You can also add vegetables to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking if desired.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg

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