Slow Cooker Asian Citrus Pork Tenderloin: An Easy, Flavorful Weeknight Delight
Welcome to a culinary journey that promises to transform your weeknight dinners! This Slow Cooker Asian Citrus Pork Tenderloin recipe is not just another meal; it’s a vibrant, fuss-free addition that will quickly become a family favorite. Say goodbye to mundane chicken dinners and embrace the succulent flavors of tender pork infused with bright, aromatic citrus and savory Asian notes. This recipe is designed for ease without compromising on taste, making it perfect for busy schedules.
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I’m thrilled to share another fantastic pork tenderloin recipe with you! If you recall, the Roasted Chili Maple Pork Tenderloin I shared previously was my inaugural venture into cooking with this incredible cut of meat. It turns out, many of you share my newfound affection for pork tenderloin, and I’ve been amazed by how much my entire family enjoys it. It’s honestly baffling to think I avoided cooking it for so long, given its versatility and fantastic flavor profile.
This time, I decided to experiment with a different cooking method: the slow cooker. Yes, that’s right – this incredibly tender pork tenderloin begins its journey in the slow cooker, soaking up all the delicious flavors, and then gets a quick finish under the broiler for that perfect caramelized exterior. This innovative, two-step method was inspired by a Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin recipe found in the invaluable The Healthy Slow Cooker Revolution cookbook from America’s Test Kitchen. While I initially longed to make their exact Teriyaki version, I found myself missing some crucial ingredients. Necessity, as they say, is the mother of invention, and so I improvised, creating this unique and equally delightful Asian Citrus flavor profile. (And by the way, if you missed it, I was giving away copies of this cookbook plus three others just recently!)
As I often mention, particularly in my recent healthy cookbook giveaway post, I have an immense admiration for America’s Test Kitchen cookbooks. They are an invaluable resource, consistently teaching me new techniques and inspiring culinary exploration. Just recently, I discovered a brilliant method for baking lentils when I prepared this vibrant Lentil Salad with Carrots and Cilantro from their New Family Cookbook, a technique I now rely on exclusively for lentils.
The key takeaway from this particular America’s Test Kitchen method, which I wholeheartedly adopted for this recipe, is the power of a two-stage cooking process for pork tenderloin. First, the tenderloin braises gently with its flavorful sauce in the slow cooker for approximately 1-2 hours. This initial slow cooking ensures the pork becomes incredibly moist, tender, and deeply infused with the Asian citrus marinade. Then, it’s quickly transferred to the broiler. This crucial finishing step creates a beautiful, caramelized crust on the exterior, adding an irresistible texture and depth of flavor that contrasts wonderfully with the tender interior. The result? A perfectly cooked, succulent pork tenderloin that is anything but dry or bland. This technique is a game-changer, and I will most definitely be using it again and again.
To complete our meal, I served the luscious pork alongside some perfectly roasted broccoli (a perennial family favorite in our household) and crisp green beans, complemented by a bed of fluffy brown rice. The combination was utterly satisfying. For those looking for alternative side dishes, this pork would also pair wonderfully with these delicious looking Super Easy Roasted Vegetables or a vibrant medley of Roasted Autumn Vegetables with a Dijon Vinaigrette. The versatility of the Asian citrus flavors means you have a wide array of options for accompanying sides.
The proof, as they say, is in the eating. My family absolutely devoured every last bite, leaving not a crumb behind. There’s truly no greater satisfaction for a home cook than seeing your loved ones enjoy a meal with such enthusiasm. It’s an awesome feeling that makes every minute in the kitchen worthwhile, especially when the cooking itself is so hands-off!
If you’re in the market for a new slow cooker, I highly recommend investing in a model with advanced features. I personally adore my Crock-Pot with Stove-Top Browning. The integrated stove-top browning feature was a complete game-changer for my cooking routine. It allows you to sear meats directly in the slow cooker pot before slow cooking, which adds an incredible depth of flavor and texture, all without needing an extra pan. This significantly reduces cleanup and streamlines the cooking process, especially for recipes like this one that benefit from a nice sear or the reduction of pan drippings. It’s a true kitchen workhorse that makes cooking delicious meals even easier and more efficient.
Print Recipe
Slow Cooker Asian Citrus Pork Tenderloin
Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients:
- 2 pork tenderloins – about 2 lbs total
- 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons orange preserves (or marmalade)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (or pressed for convenience)
- 1 inch cube of fresh ginger, grated
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Sliced scallions (green onions), for garnish and serving
Directions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the low sodium soy sauce, orange preserves, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger until well combined. This will form your flavorful Asian citrus sauce.
- Season the pork tenderloins generously with salt and pepper on all sides. Place the seasoned pork tenderloins into your large slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the pork, ensuring it is well coated.
- Cook on the low setting for 1 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 140 degrees F when tested with a reliable meat thermometer. (Note: Cooking times can vary significantly depending on your specific slow cooker model and how hot it runs. I found 1 hour and a half to be ideal for mine. Always prioritize reaching the correct internal temperature.)
- Once the pork has finished slow cooking, preheat your broiler and adjust an oven rack to be approximately 6 inches below the broiler element.
- Carefully transfer the cooked pork tenderloins from the slow cooker to an aluminum foil-lined, rimmed baking sheet. This makes cleanup much easier.
- Pour the cooking liquid from the slow cooker into a small saucepan. For a smoother sauce, it’s best to place a small strainer over the saucepan to separate any fatty bits or solids. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer over medium heat and allow it to cook for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly reduced and thickened.
- Spoon a generous amount of the reduced sauce over the pork tenderloins on the baking sheet. Reserve any leftover sauce for serving.
- Broil the pork for approximately 5 minutes, or until the top is beautifully browned and slightly caramelized. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning, as broilers can be quite powerful.
- Remove the pork from the broiler and let it rest on the cutting board for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and moist final product.
- Finally, slice the pork into 1/4 to 1/2-inch pieces. Arrange them on a serving platter, sprinkle with fresh chopped scallions, and drizzle with any remaining reserved sauce. Serve immediately with your chosen side dishes and enjoy!
Cooking method adapted from America’s Test Kitchen’s Healthy Slow Cooker Revolution cookbook.
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