This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Loin is a succulent, tender dish bursting with sweet and savory flavors. The pork loin simmers in a rich honey-garlic sauce, infusing every bite with irresistible taste. Perfect for busy days, this effortless recipe delivers a melt-in-your-mouth meal that’s sure to impress family and friends.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Sear for Extra Flavor: Browning the pork loin in a skillet before slow cooking adds a delicious caramelized crust.
- Low and Slow: Cooking on low heat ensures the meat stays juicy and tender—resist the urge to rush it!
- Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer; pork is safe at 145°F (63°C) with a slight pink center.
- Thicken the Sauce: After cooking, simmer the juices with a cornstarch slurry for a glossy, spoonable glaze.
- Rest the Meat: Let the pork rest for 10 minutes before slicing to lock in juices.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a game-changer for anyone craving a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, transforming a simple pork loin into a masterpiece of tender, juicy perfection. The honey-garlic sauce strikes a perfect balance—sweetness from the honey, a savory kick from garlic, and a hint of umami from soy sauce. It’s versatile enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough for guests. Plus, the aroma wafting through your home as it cooks will have everyone eagerly awaiting mealtime. You’ll love how easy it is to prep, clean up, and enjoy leftovers that taste even better the next day!
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Loin
Tender pork loin slow-cooked in a sweet honey-garlic sauce—easy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2-3 lb boneless pork loin
- 1/3 cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening sauce)
Instructions
- Get That Pork Ready: Pat your pork loin dry with paper towels—trust me, this helps it brown nicely. Sprinkle it with black pepper and a pinch of salt if you’d like. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the pork for 2-3 minutes per side until it’s got a gorgeous golden crust. This step is optional, but it’s worth it for that extra flavor boost!
- Mix the Magic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. It’ll smell amazing already—sweet, tangy, and garlicky goodness in one go!
- Set It and Forget It: Pop the seared pork loin into your slow cooker. Pour that luscious honey-garlic mixture all over it, making sure it’s coated. Cover the lid, set it to low for 6 hours (or high for 3-4 hours if you’re short on time), and let the slow cooker work its magic. Your house is about to smell like a five-star restaurant!
- Check and Rest: When the time’s up, use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork hits 145°F in the center—it’ll be juicy and tender. Carefully lift it out onto a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes. This keeps all those yummy juices locked in.
- Sauce It Up (Optional): Want a thicker sauce? Pour the liquid from the slow cooker into a small saucepan. Mix the cornstarch and water into a slurry, stir it in, and simmer over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until it thickens. Drizzle this over your pork slices for extra wow-factor!
- Slice and Serve: Slice the pork into thick, beautiful pieces, spoon some sauce over the top, and serve it up with your favorite sides—mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed veggies pair perfectly. Dig in and enjoy every sweet, savory bite!
Notes
- If your pork loin comes with a fat cap, leave it on during cooking for added moisture, then trim before serving.
- Double the sauce ingredients if you love extra for dipping or drizzling.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker—keep an eye on it the first time!
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 964Total Fat 42gSaturated Fat 13gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 22gCholesterol 363mgSodium 769mgCarbohydrates 18gFiber 0gSugar 15gProtein 121g
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: Opt for a 2-3 pound boneless pork loin (not tenderloin)—it’s lean yet stays tender when slow-cooked.
- Honey: Use raw or pure honey for a natural sweetness; it balances the savory elements beautifully.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic cloves provide the best flavor, but pre-minced works in a pinch.
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce keeps the salt in check while adding depth—tamari is a great gluten-free alternative.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a subtle tang to brighten the sauce; white vinegar can substitute if needed.
- Olive Oil: Used for searing, it enhances flavor—feel free to swap with vegetable oil or butter.
Variations and Substitutions
- Spicy Kick: Add 1-2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for heat.
- Herb Infusion: Toss in fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs during cooking for an earthy twist.
- Sweet Swap: Replace honey with maple syrup or brown sugar for a different sweetness profile.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to accommodate dietary needs.
- Veggie Boost: Add carrots, potatoes, or onions to the slow cooker for a complete one-pot meal.
- Citrus Twist: Substitute vinegar with lemon or orange juice for a zesty variation.
Storage Options
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days—slice or shred before storing for easy reheating.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked pork loin (with sauce) in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave with a splash of broth, or reheat in a skillet to crisp the edges.
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