Slow Cooker Honey BBQ Pork Tenderloin with a Sweet Kick

Instructions

1. Gear Up for a Sweet-Spicy Adventure: Alright, let’s kick off this flavor party—grab your slow cooker, a skillet, a tongs, a small bowl, a spoon, and a cutting board! This honey BBQ pork tenderloin is about to fill your day with anticipation and your plate with deliciousness. Picture that sweet, spicy goodness—let’s dive in with a big, excited grin lighting up our faces!
2. Prep the Pork with Loving Attention: Unwrap your 2 lbs pork tenderloin—set it on your cutting board and gently pat it dry with paper towels, soaking up any surface moisture for a perfect sear. Take a sharp knife and trim away any silver skin or excess fat—those bits can get chewy, so let’s keep it lean and luscious. Sprinkle it all over with salt and 1 teaspoon garlic powder, massaging it in with your hands—imagine those warm, savory notes sinking deep into the meat!
3. Sear the Pork for a Flavorful Crust: 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 evenly. Carefully lower the seasoned tenderloin into the hot skillet—listen to that glorious 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 every juicy drop. Once it’s seared, transfer it to your slow cooker, feeling like a kitchen rockstar!
4. Mix the Sweet BBQ Sauce Base: Grab your small bowl—pour in 1 cup BBQ sauce, watching that thick, smoky goodness fill it up. Measure 2 tablespoons honey—drizzle it in slowly, letting it ooze into the sauce, and stir with your spoon until it blends smoothly. Imagine that sticky sweetness mingling with the BBQ tang—it’s your flavor magic in the making!
5. Coat the Pork with Honey BBQ Love: Take that honey-BBQ mix—pour it gently over the seared pork in the slow cooker, letting it cascade down the sides and pool around the bottom. Use your spoon to spread it evenly, ensuring every inch of that tenderloin is kissed with sauce—picture it soaking up that sweet, smoky goodness as it cooks!
6. Set the Slow Cooker for Slow Perfection: Pop 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’re counting down to dinner! Hit start and walk away—imagine the honey and BBQ melding into a sticky masterpiece while you chill, knowing a treat’s on the way!
7. Check the Pork for Juicy Tenderness: When the timer dings, lift the lid—inhale that sweet, smoky aroma 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 dazzle your taste buds!
8. Add the Sweet Kick with Chili Flakes: Measure 1 teaspoon chili flakes—sprinkle them over the pork and sauce, adjusting to your heat preference (more if you’re bold, less if you’re mild)! Stir gently with your spoon, letting that spicy kick wake up the sweetness—imagine the flavors dancing together in every bite!
9. Shred or Slice and Savor the Glory: Use two forks to shred the pork right in the cooker—mix it with the sauce until it’s fully coated in that honey-spicy goodness. Or lift it out with tongs, slice it into thick rounds with your knife, and drizzle sauce over top—sneak a taste and tweak with more salt or flakes if you like!
10. Serve Up Your Sweet-Kick Masterpiece: Spoon that juicy pork onto plates—pile it high for a hearty meal, stuff it into buns for sliders, or save some for later! Grab a fork and dive into that tender, sweet-spicy delight, savoring every sticky, flavorful bite. Pair it with a crisp salad or enjoy solo—it’s your crockpot victory, so relish every delicious, honey-kissed moment with a big, happy grin!