Name: Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Loin with Honey and Garlic
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 30 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¼ cup honey; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 cup BBQ sauce; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 lbs pork loin; 2 tbsp chopped parsley; 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce; 5 cloves garlic, minced

This Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Loin with Honey and Garlic features tender pork in a sweet, garlicky BBQ sauce. Perfect for a hassle-free meal, it’s an easy recipe that delivers rich, savory flavors with a hint of sweetness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This slow cooker BBQ pork loin with honey and garlic is a delicious, set-it-and-forget-it meal that infuses tender pork with a sweet, garlicky BBQ sauce, making it perfect for busy days or family dinners. Versatile—serve with rice, veggies, or sandwiches—it’s ideal for meal prep and offers a juicy, flavorful dish with minimal effort. The slow cooker’s simplicity creates a protein-packed, savory meal with a delightful sweet-garlic balance.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Trim Excess Fat: Remove fat for even cooking and less greasiness.

Sear for Depth: Browning adds a rich, caramelized crust.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste and tweak honey to your liking.
Thicken the Sauce: Use a cornstarch slurry for a glossy finish.

Low Heat Only: Cook on low to keep pork tender.
Rest Before Serving: Let it sit for 10 minutes to retain juices.
Use Fresh Garlic: Enhances the sauce’s aroma over powdered.

Stir Gently: Avoid breaking pork pieces when mixing.
Check Seasoning: Adjust salt and pepper based on taste.
Serve Hot: Maximizes the BBQ-honey contrast.

Yield: 8 servings

Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Loin with Honey and Garlic

Tender BBQ pork loin with honey and garlic, easy in crock pot.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 8 hours

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 8 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients

¼ cup honey
½ tsp black pepper

1 cup BBQ sauce
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp cornstarch

1 tbsp olive oil
2 lbs pork loin
2 tbsp chopped parsley

2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
5 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

Prep the Pork: Trim excess fat from the pork loin and season with black pepper.

Sear the Pork: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork for 4-5 minutes per side until browned. Transfer to the slow cooker.
Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
Pour Over Pork: Pour the sauce mixture over the pork in the slow cooker, ensuring even coating.

Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, until pork is tender and juicy.
Prepare Cornstarch: Mix cornstarch with 1 tbsp water to create a slurry; set aside.
Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry, cover, and cook on high for 15 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Check Seasoning: Taste and adjust with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Rest and Slice: Turn off the slow cooker and let the pork rest for 10 minutes. Slice or shred as desired, stirring to coat with sauce.
Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with chopped parsley, serve with your favorite sides, and savor this sweet-savory delight!

Notes

Trim excess fat from pork to avoid greasiness; sear in batches if needed.
Use fresh garlic for a stronger flavor; adjust honey to your sweetness preference.
Store leftovers promptly to maintain freshness.

This recipe can be adapted for gluten-free or low-carb diets with appropriate swaps.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 335Total Fat 12gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 91mgSodium 544mgCarbohydrates 25gFiber 0gSugar 21gProtein 31g

The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes

Pork Loin (2 lbs): Trimmed of excess fat for tenderness.
BBQ Sauce (1 cup): Low-sugar or homemade for control; smoky flavor.
Honey (¼ cup): Pure honey for natural sweetness; adjust to taste.

Garlic (5 cloves): Minced for bold aromatic warmth.
Soy Sauce (2 tbsp): Low-sodium adds umami; tamari for gluten-free.
Apple Cider Vinegar (1 tbsp): Adds tangy brightness to the sauce.

Cornstarch (1 tbsp): Thickens the sauce; dissolve in water before adding.
Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Used for searing, adding depth.
Black Pepper (½ tsp): Enhances flavors; adjust to taste.

Parsley (2 tbsp, chopped): For garnish, adds fresh flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

Pork Swap: Use pork shoulder or ribs; adjust cooking time.
BBQ Sauce Alternatives: Substitute with teriyaki or hoisin for variety.

Sweetener Swap: Replace honey with maple syrup or erythritol.
Soy Sauce Alternatives: Use coconut aminos for a soy-free version.
Vinegar Options: Use balsamic vinegar for a richer tang.

Spice Twist: Add smoked paprika or cayenne for heat.
Oil Swap: Use avocado oil or skip for oil-free cooking.
Gluten-Free: Ensure BBQ sauce and soy sauce are certified gluten-free.

Storage Options

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days; reheat with broth.
Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months; thaw in fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop or microwave, stirring to blend sauce.