Slow Cooker Flavorful BBQ Pork Tenderloin with Onion and Brown Sugar

Instructions

1. Gear Up for a Flavor Explosion: Alright, let’s set the stage for some serious slow-cooked goodness—grab your slow cooker, a skillet, a sharp knife, a cutting board, a tongs, and a small bowl! This BBQ pork tenderloin is about to fill your home with mouthwatering vibes. Picture that tender meat and sweet onions—let’s dive in with a big, excited grin lighting up our faces!
2. Prep the Pork with Tender Precision: Unwrap your 2 lbs pork tenderloin—lay it on your cutting board and pat it dry with paper towels, soaking up any moisture for a perfect sear. Take your knife and carefully trim off any silver skin or excess fat—those bits can get chewy, so let’s keep it lean and lovely. Sprinkle it all over with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder, rubbing it in with your hands—imagine those savory flavors sinking deep into the meat!
3. Slice the Onion into Sweet Perfection: Grab your medium onion—peel off that papery skin and rinse it under cold water to keep your eyes happy. Slice it in half, then cut it into thin, even rings—about ⅛-inch thick—so they’ll melt into the sauce. Picture them caramelizing under the pork—pile them up and admire that fresh, pungent aroma!
4. Sear the Pork for a Golden Crust: Heat your skillet over medium-high—drizzle in 1 tablespoon olive oil and let it shimmer for a minute, swirling it to coat the pan. Gently place the seasoned tenderloin in the hot skillet—listen to that glorious sizzle! Sear it for 2-3 minutes per side, turning with tongs until it’s golden-brown all over—imagine that crust locking in all the juicy goodness. Once it’s done, set it aside on a plate, beaming with pride!
5. Layer the Slow Cooker with Onion Bliss: Take those sliced onions—spread them out evenly across the bottom of your slow cooker, creating a sweet, savory bed for the pork. Picture them soaking up the juices as they cook—sprinkle 2 tablespoons brown sugar over the onions, letting it settle in for that rich, caramelized magic!
6. Nestle the Pork and Add the BBQ Sauce: Grab your seared pork tenderloin—place it gently on top of the onion-sugar layer, letting it rest right in the center. Pour 1 cup BBQ sauce over the pork—drizzle it slowly, watching that smoky, thick goodness coat every inch. Use a spoon to spread it if needed—imagine the pork bathing in that sweet, tangy bath as it slow-cooks!
7. Set the Slow Cooker and Relax: Secure the lid on your slow cooker—plug it in and set it to low for 6-8 hours if you’re in for a long, lazy simmer, or high for 3-4 hours if you can’t wait! Hit start and step away—picture your kitchen filling with that irresistible BBQ scent while you go about your day, knowing dinner’s handled!
8. Check the Pork for Melt-in-Your-Mouth Tenderness: When the time’s up, lift the lid—inhale that smoky, sweet aroma and grab your tongs to check the pork. It should be fork-tender and hit 145°F inside—test it by pulling a small piece apart. Imagine that succulent texture—perfectly cooked and ready to wow your taste buds!
9. Shred or Slice and Mix the Flavors: Use two forks to shred the pork right in the slow cooker—let it soak up the sauce and onions, mixing it all together into a juicy pile. Or, if you prefer, lift it out with tongs, slice it into thick medallions with your knife, and spoon the sauce over top—sneak a taste and adjust with more salt or pepper if you like!
10. Serve Up Your BBQ Masterpiece: Time to plate this beauty—spoon that flavorful pork onto plates, piling it high with those sweet onions and sauce! Serve it solo, stuff it into buns, or pair it with a crisp slaw—grab a fork and dive into that tender, smoky goodness. Savor every rich, sweet-savory bite—it’s your crockpot triumph, so enjoy every delicious moment with a big, happy smile!