Slow Cooker Honey Dijon Glazed Pork Tenderloin
Discover the effortless way to create a succulent and flavorful pork tenderloin with this slow cooker recipe. Infused with the sweet and tangy notes of balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet meal without the need for constant supervision. Perfect for busy days, it cooks low and slow, making the pork tender and juicy, while the glaze caramelizes beautifully, providing a delightful finish. Serve it with your favorite sides for a wholesome and nourishing meal that the whole family will love.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
pork tenderloin
1 1/2-2 lbs (trimmed)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup (none)
honey
3 tablespoons (none)
Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon (none)
dried leaf thyme
1/2 teaspoon (none)
garlic powder
1 dash (optional)
Instructions
1
Begin by sprinkling the pork tenderloin evenly with salt and black pepper.
2
Place the seasoned pork tenderloin into the slow cooker.
3
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, and garlic powder (if using) until well combined.
4
Pour the mixture over the pork in the slow cooker, ensuring that the tenderloin is fully coated by turning it as needed.
5
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 1/2 to 4 hours, until the pork is tender and cooked through.
6
Once cooked, remove the pork tenderloin from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
7
Serve the sliced pork drizzled with the remaining glaze from the cooker.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein used in this recipe?
The primary protein is 1 1/2 to 2 pounds of trimmed pork tenderloin.
What are the key flavors in the glaze?
The glaze is made from a flavorful combination of balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard.
How do I season the pork tenderloin?
Sprinkle the pork evenly with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
Can I cook this dish on a low heat setting?
Yes, you can cook it on the LOW setting for 7 to 8 hours.
What is the recommended cooking time for the high setting?
On the HIGH setting, the pork should cook for 3 1/2 to 4 hours.
How do I prepare the glaze?
Whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, and garlic powder in a separate bowl.
Should I coat the pork in the glaze before cooking?
Yes, pour the mixture over the pork and turn it to ensure it is fully coated.
Is garlic powder necessary for this recipe?
Garlic powder is optional and can be added as a dash for extra flavor.
What should I do after the pork is finished cooking?
Remove the pork from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
How is the final dish served?
Serve the sliced pork drizzled with the remaining glaze from the slow cooker.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is described as an effortless way to create a gourmet meal without constant supervision.
What kind of mustard is used?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard.
How much balsamic vinegar is required?
You will need 1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar for the glaze.
What amount of honey is used?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of honey.
Can I use dried herbs in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of dried leaf thyme.
What kind of cooker is best for this recipe?
A slow cooker or Crockpot is ideal for this recipe.
Is this a high protein meal?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as being high in protein.
Is this dish suitable for families?
Yes, it is a wholesome and nourishing meal that the whole family will love.
Does the glaze caramelize?
Yes, the glaze caramelizes beautifully during the slow cooking process.
How much salt is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt, or to taste.
How much pepper is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, or to taste.
Does the pork need to be trimmed?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 1 1/2-2 lbs of trimmed pork tenderloin.
Why should the pork rest?
Letting the pork rest for a few minutes before slicing helps keep it juicy and flavorful.
Can I make this on a busy day?
Yes, it is perfect for busy days as it transforms simple ingredients into a meal with minimal effort.
What type of vinegar is used?
Balsamic vinegar is used to provide sweet and tangy notes to the glaze.
Is the garlic powder optional?
Yes, the ingredient list notes that the garlic powder is optional.
How do I ensure the pork is tender?
Cooking the pork low and slow in the slow cooker makes it tender and juicy.
What do I do with the remaining liquid in the cooker?
The remaining liquid serves as a delicious glaze to be drizzled over the sliced pork.
Is this considered a gourmet meal?
Yes, the description mentions it transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet meal.
How do I start the cooking process?
Begin by seasoning the pork and placing it in the slow cooker before adding the whisked glaze mixture.