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Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin with sage

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin with Sage

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker (Crockpot) A 6-quart crockpot is ideal for this recipe. If you have a smaller or larger one, adjust the quantity of liquids and space accordingly.
  • Skillet For searing the pork before slow cooking. Optional but recommended.
  • Tongs Helpful for flipping the meat while searing.
  • Meat Thermometer To ensure the pork reaches a safe internal temperature (145°F).
  • Cutting board & sharp knife. For chopping vegetables and slicing the tenderloin after cooking.

Ingredients
  

For the Pork

  • 2 to 2.5 lbs pork tenderloin or pork loin if you prefer a slightly fattier cut
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for searing
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried sage)

For the Honey Garlic Sauce

  • ⅓ cup honey
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional for heat

Optional Add-ins

  • 1 lb baby potatoes halved
  • 2 large carrots chopped into thick chunks
  • 1 onion sliced thickly

Instructions
 

Sear the Pork (Optional but Adds Flavor)

  1. Start by patting the pork tenderloin dry and seasoning it with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and chopped sage. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown. This caramelization boosts flavor and gives the exterior a nice texture.

Prepare the Crockpot Base

  1. Add the halved potatoes, carrots, and sliced onions to the bottom of your slow cooker (if using). These veggies soak up the juices and turn buttery soft by the end.

Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, garlic, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Pour half of the sauce over the vegetables, and place the seared pork tenderloin on top. Drizzle the remaining sauce over the pork.

Cook Low and Slow

  1. Cover and cook on low for 7 hours or on high for 4 hours. If using a meat thermometer, check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F. If your crockpot has a warming function, let it rest in the pot for another 20–30 minutes before slicing.

Make It a Little Fancy (Optional Glaze Step)

  1. Remove the pork from the crockpot, cover loosely with foil to rest. Pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat until slightly thickened, about 10–15 minutes. Brush this glaze over the sliced pork just before serving.

Serve and Enjoy

  1. Slice the pork tenderloin against the grain. Serve with the roasted vegetables and a generous drizzle of the glaze. Garnish with additional fresh sage for that earthy pop.