Some nights, you want dinner to feel special without spending hours in the kitchen.
This sweet and sticky crockpot pork tenderloin is exactly that. A simple honey garlic glaze coats the tender meat, creating a rich, savory-sweet sauce that’s absolutely irresistible. And the best part? It takes just five minutes to prep.
Toss the pork in the slow cooker before you leave for work, and come home to a dinner that looks and tastes like you spent all afternoon on it. Each serving packs 35 grams of protein, so you’re getting real fuel, not just empty calories.
Serve it over rice, slice it for sandwiches, or shred it for tacos. This recipe is flexible, fast, and guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Let’s get cooking.
Why This Recipe Works
- Five minutes of prep. Seriously. Just season, sauce, and walk away.
- Sweet and sticky glaze. A honey garlic sauce that caramelizes beautifully.
- 35g protein per serving. Keeps you full and fueled.
- Works for dinner AND meal prep. Slice it, shred it, or cube it.
- No vegetables to chop. Just the pork and the sauce – serve with your favorite sides.
Sweet and Sticky Crockpot Pork Tenderloin
This pork tenderloin is all about the sauce – a sticky, sweet, savory honey garlic glaze that coats every bite. The pork cooks up tender and juicy, and the sauce thickens into something you’ll want to pour over everything.
Ingredients
For the Pork:
- 1.5 to 2 lb pork tenderloin
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional, but adds great flavor)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening at the end)
For Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick and the meat brown better.
- In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Rub this seasoning all over the pork.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Place the seared pork in the crockpot.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, chicken broth, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Pour this over the pork.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours or on HIGH for 1-2 hours. The pork is done when it reaches 145°F and is tender.
- Remove the pork to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- While the pork rests, pour the cooking liquid into a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer and whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Slice the pork against the grain and serve with the thickened honey garlic sauce drizzled over top. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
Save some of the sauce to brush on the pork after slicing. It adds an extra layer of sticky goodness.
Tips for the Best Sticky Pork Tenderloin
- Sear it for flavor. This step takes just 5 minutes and adds so much depth.
- Don’t overcook it. Pork tenderloin is lean and dries out fast. Pull it at 145°F.
- Use a meat thermometer. This is the only way to guarantee perfect pork every time.
- Let it rest. Always rest the meat for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- Double the sauce. This sauce is amazing. Make extra to drizzle over rice or veggies.
- Slice against the grain. This makes the meat more tender and easier to chew.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over steamed white rice or cauliflower rice to soak up the sauce.
- Pair with roasted broccoli, green beans, or asparagus
- Pile the sliced pork onto soft buns for pork sandwiches.
- Shred the pork and use it in tacos or lettuce wraps.
- Top with extra sesame seeds and green onions for a pop of color
- Serve with a side of pickled vegetables or kimchi for a Korean-inspired meal.
Storage and Meal Prep
Fridge: Store sliced pork and sauce in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Reheat: Microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Freezer: Freeze sliced pork with sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Meal prep tip: Cook two pork tenderloins at once. Use one for dinner and slice the other for lunches. It’s great cold in salads or heated up over rice.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy pork tenderloin. Add 1/2 tsp of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
- Orange ginger pork. Replace the honey with orange marmalade and add 1 tbsp of fresh grated ginger.
- Balsamic pork. Swap the honey for balsamic glaze and use balsamic vinegar instead of rice vinegar.
- Teriyaki pork. Replace the honey with brown sugar and add 1 tsp of grated ginger.
- Pineapple pork. Add 1/2 cup of pineapple juice to the sauce and top with grilled pineapple rings.
- Garlic butter pork. Skip the honey and soy sauce. Rub the pork with garlic butter and cook in chicken broth for a simpler flavor.
- Coca-Cola pork. Replace the honey with 1/2 cup of Coca-Cola or Dr Pepper for a sweet, caramelized sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between pork loin and pork tenderloin?
Pork tenderloin is smaller and thinner (about 1-1.5 lbs). Pork loin is larger and wider (about 2-4 lbs). This recipe is for tenderloin – it cooks faster and has a different texture.
Why did my pork tenderloin come out dry?
Pork tenderloin is very lean. It dries out if cooked past 145°F. Use a meat thermometer and pull it when it reaches the right temperature. Also, don’t skip the resting step – the juices need time to redistribute.
Can I cook this from frozen?
No, it’s not safe to cook frozen meat in a slow cooker. Thaw it in the fridge overnight first.
Can I cook this on high?
Yes, cook on high for 1-2 hours. But low and slow gives you the most tender results.
Can I add vegetables to the crockpot?
Yes! Add sliced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the bottom of the crockpot. They’ll soak up the sauce and become incredibly flavorful.
How do I thicken the sauce without cornstarch?
You can use flour mixed with cold water, or simmer the sauce for longer to reduce it. Arrowroot powder also works as a thickener.
What temperature should pork tenderloin be cooked to?
145°F with a 3-minute rest. The meat will have a slight pink center, which is safe and keeps it juicy.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally dairy-free. Just check your soy sauce for any hidden ingredients.
How long does this take in the crockpot?
2-3 hours on LOW or 1-2 hours on HIGH. Start checking the temperature at the low end of the range.
Can I use this sauce for chicken?
Absolutely! This honey garlic sauce works great on chicken thighs, breasts, or even salmon.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Crockpot Pork Loin: The Easiest High-Protein Sunday Roast
- Crockpot Pork Chops That Are Actually Tender (High-Protein, Dump-and-Go Easy)
- Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork (Easy, Crowd-Pleasing & Better Than Takeout)
- Sticky, Sweet Little Smokies Crockpot (25g Protein)
Conclusion
This sweet and sticky crockpot pork tenderloin is proof that easy dinners can still be impressive. With just five minutes of prep and a simple honey-garlic glaze, you get tender, juicy pork packed with 35 grams of protein per serving.
It’s the kind of meal that works for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even a casual dinner with friends. Serve it over rice, shred it for tacos, or slice it for sandwiches – the possibilities are endless.
Give this recipe a try. Your family will love it, and you’ll love how easy it is.
