Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Tenderloin with Tangy Sauce

Instructions

1. Gear Up for a Slow-Cooked Delight: Alright, let’s kick things off with some serious BBQ vibes—grab your slow cooker, a skillet, a tongs, a small bowl, and a spoon! This pork tenderloin is about to become your new favorite, drenched in tangy sauce and cooked to perfection. Picture that juicy, flavorful goodness—let’s dive in with a big, excited grin lighting up our faces!
2. Prep the Pork with Tender Loving Care: Take your 2 lbs pork tenderloin—unwrap it and place it on a cutting board, giving it a quick pat dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. Grab a sharp knife and trim off any silver skin or excess fat—those bits can get tough, so let’s make it lean and lovely. Season it all over with a generous sprinkle of salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder, rubbing it in with your hands—imagine those flavors sinking in already!
3. Sear the Pork for a Golden Glow: Heat your skillet over medium-high—drizzle in 1 tablespoon olive oil and let it shimmer for a minute, swirling it around to coat the pan. Carefully place the seasoned tenderloin in the hot skillet—listen to that sizzle as it hits! Sear it for 2-3 minutes per side, turning with tongs until it’s golden-brown all over. Picture that crust locking in the juices—when it’s done, transfer it to your slow cooker, feeling proud of that beautiful start!
4. Mix the Tangy BBQ Sauce Base: In your small bowl, measure out 1 cup BBQ sauce—pour it in, watching that thick, smoky goodness fill the bowl. Add 1 tablespoon brown sugar—sprinkle it in and stir with your spoon until it starts to dissolve, imagining that sweet depth melding with the sauce. This is your flavor foundation—give it a good mix until it’s smooth and irresistible!
5. Pour the Sauce Over the Pork: Take that BBQ sauce mixture—drizzle it slowly over the seared pork in the slow cooker, making sure every inch gets coated. Use your spoon to spread it around if needed—picture the pork soaking up that tangy, sweet goodness as it cooks. Pop the lid on tight, sealing in all that flavor for the magic to happen!
6. Set the Slow Cooker and Let It Work: Plug in your slow cooker—set it to low for 6-8 hours if you’ve got time to let it simmer, or high for 3-4 hours if you’re eager to dig in sooner! Press start and step away—imagine coming back to a kitchen filled with that mouthwatering BBQ aroma, knowing your tenderloin’s turning into something amazing with zero effort!
7. Check the Pork for Juicy Tenderness: When the time’s up, lift the slow cooker lid—inhale that incredible smoky scent and grab your tongs to peek at the pork. It should be fork-tender and hit 145°F inside—test it by shredding a small piece with a fork. Picture that succulent texture—perfectly cooked and ready to shine!
8. Add the Tangy Finish with Vinegar: Measure 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar—pour it into the slow cooker over the pork and sauce, giving it a gentle stir with your spoon. This zesty kick is your secret weapon—imagine it brightening up the rich BBQ flavor, cutting through with a tangy twist that makes every bite pop!
9. Shred or Slice and Taste the Magic: Use two forks to shred the pork right in the cooker if you want that pulled texture—mix it with the sauce until it’s fully coated. Or grab a knife and slice it into thick medallions if you prefer—either way, sneak a taste! Adjust with more salt, pepper, or a splash of vinegar if you want—make it your tangy BBQ dream!
10. Serve Up Your Slow-Cooked Masterpiece: Spoon that juicy pork onto plates—pile it high for dinner, stuff it into buns for sandwiches, or pack it into containers for later! Grab a fork and dive into that tender, tangy goodness, savoring every smoky, zesty bite post-workout or anytime. Pair it with slaw or just enjoy solo—it’s your crockpot triumph, so relish every delicious, melt-in-your-mouth moment!