Slow Cooker Tender BBQ Pork Tenderloin with a Smoky Twist

Instructions

1. Gear Up for Smoky BBQ Bliss: Alright, let’s fire up this slow-cooked adventure—grab your slow cooker, a skillet, a tongs, a small bowl, a spoon, and a cutting board! This tender BBQ pork tenderloin is about to bring some serious smoky vibes to your table. Picture that juicy, flavorful meat—let’s dive in with a big, excited grin lighting up our faces!
2. Prep the Pork with Smoky Intent: Unwrap your 2 lbs pork tenderloin—place it on your cutting board and pat it dry with paper towels, soaking up any moisture for a killer sear. Grab a sharp knife and trim off any silver skin or excess fat—those bits can toughen up, so let’s keep it lean and luscious. Sprinkle it generously with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder, rubbing it in with your hands—imagine that savory warmth sinking deep into every fiber!
3. Sear the Pork for a Flavorful Edge: 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—hear 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 sealing in the juices. Once it’s done, transfer it to your slow cooker, feeling like a BBQ pro!
4. Mix the Smoky BBQ Sauce Base: In your small bowl, measure out 1 cup smoky BBQ sauce—go for hickory or mesquite, pouring it in and watching that thick, rich goodness fill the bowl. Add 1 tablespoon brown sugar—sprinkle it in and stir with your spoon until it starts to melt into the sauce, imagining that sweet depth blending with the smoke. This is your smoky-sweet foundation—mix it until it’s smooth and tempting!
5. Coat the Pork with BBQ Goodness: Take that BBQ sauce mixture—pour it slowly over the seared pork in the slow cooker, letting it drizzle down the sides and pool around the bottom. Use your spoon to spread it evenly, ensuring every inch of that tenderloin is wrapped in smoky flavor—picture it soaking up that rich sauce as it cooks!
6. Set the Slow Cooker for Tender Magic: 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 slow, smoky simmer, or high for 3-4 hours if you’re eager to dig in! Press start and step away—imagine the smoky aroma filling your kitchen while you relax, knowing a tender treat’s on the way!
7. Check the Pork for Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: When the time’s up, lift the lid—breathe in that deep, smoky scent 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 with a fork. Picture that juicy, tender perfection—cooked just right and ready to shine!
8. Add the Smoky Twist with Paprika: Measure 1 teaspoon smoked paprika—sprinkle it over the pork and sauce, giving it a gentle stir with your spoon. This smoky twist is your flavor booster—imagine it deepening the BBQ vibe, making every bite bold and irresistible!
9. Shred or Slice and Taste the Smokiness: Use two forks to shred the pork right in the cooker—mix it with the sauce until it’s fully coated in that smoky goodness. Or lift it out with tongs, slice it into thick rounds with your knife, and spoon sauce over top—sneak a taste and tweak with more salt or pepper if you like!
10. Serve Up Your Smoky BBQ Triumph: Spoon that tender pork onto plates—pile it high for a hearty meal, stuff it into buns for sandwiches, or save some for later! Grab a fork and dive into that juicy, smoky delight, savoring every rich, flavorful bite. Pair it with coleslaw or enjoy solo—it’s your crockpot masterpiece, so relish every delicious, smoky moment with a big, happy grin!