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Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Soy-Hoisin Sauce Recipe

If you’re looking for a hands-off dinner that delivers big on flavor, this Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Soy-Hoisin Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. I love how the pork becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender after hours of slow cooking, soaking up that sweet and savory sauce with hints of garlic and ginger. It’s one of those meals you can set in the morning and come back to a kitchen filled with aroma and a dinner ready to impress with minimal fuss.

This recipe shines when you want something comforting yet a little different from the usual roast. The soy-hoisin sauce adds that perfect punch of Asian-inspired flavor, and the slow cooker does the rest—making your life easier, especially on busy days. Trust me, once you try this Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Soy-Hoisin Sauce Recipe, it’ll quickly become a favorite go-to for easy weeknight dinners or even weekend meal prep.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Tender & Juicy Pork: Slow cooking gently breaks down the pork, keeping it moist and shreddable without drying it out.
  • Perfect Flavor Balance: The soy-hoisin sauce brings a harmonious mix of sweet, salty, and savory flavors that complement the pork beautifully.
  • Hands-Off Convenience: Just whisk your sauce, pour it over the pork, and let the slow cooker work its magic while you relax or get other things done.
  • Customizable & Easy: Optional spices and sides make it fun and flexible, so you can tailor it to your family’s tastes or whatever you have on hand.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Soy-Hoisin Sauce Recipe come together to create a delightful sauce that’s both richly flavorful and perfectly balanced. Each one plays a pivotal role—and I always recommend using fresh garlic and ginger for that extra zing.

  • Pork Tenderloin: This cut is lean yet tender, perfect for slow cooking; make sure you use fresh or thawed, not frozen.
  • Beef Broth: Adds depth and richness to the sauce without overpowering the pork.
  • Soy Sauce: Delivers salty umami flavor and helps balance the sweetness from the brown sugar.
  • Dark Brown Sugar: Adds caramel notes and enhances the hoisin’s sweetness.
  • Hoisin Sauce: A key ingredient that contributes that unique sweet and slightly tangy Asian flavor.
  • Rice Vinegar: Brings acidity to brighten the dish and cut through the richness.
  • Sesame Oil: Adds a toasty, nutty aroma that feels authentic and inviting.
  • Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce beautifully as it cooks down in the slow cooker.
  • Garlic & Ginger: Freshly minced garlic and ginger add warmth and complexity.
  • Chinese 5-Spice Powder (optional): I love the subtle aromatic depth it brings, but feel free to skip it if you don’t have it—it’s still fantastic!
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of my favorite things about the Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Soy-Hoisin Sauce Recipe is how flexible it is. I often tweak it based on what’s in my pantry or dietary preferences. Don’t be shy—make it your own!

  • Add Heat: When I want a little kick, I toss in some crushed red pepper flakes or stir in sriracha after cooking.
  • Use Chicken Broth Instead: Sometimes I swap beef broth for chicken broth if that’s what I have; it still works great.
  • Make It Gluten-Free: Just be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce to suit your needs.
  • More Veggies: Sometimes I add chopped bell peppers or snap peas last 30 minutes for extra crunch and color.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Soy-Hoisin Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Pork Ready

Start by placing your pork tenderloins in the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure they’re thawed completely—this helps the pork cook evenly. Sometimes I trim any excess fat or silver skin, but it’s not essential. Just lay it in the slow cooker, giving yourself space to pour the sauce over it.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce

In a measuring cup, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, dark brown sugar, hoisin, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, minced garlic, minced ginger, and Chinese 5-spice powder (if using). I like to take a minute to ensure the cornstarch isn’t clumpy—that way your sauce will thicken perfectly while cooking.

Step 3: Pour It All Over and Give It a Toss

Pour the sauce over the pork in the slow cooker, gently turning the tenderloins a couple times to coat them evenly. Don’t worry if the pork isn’t submerged in sauce—it just needs a nice coating to soak up all that goodness during cooking.

Step 4: Let the Slow Cooker Do Its Magic

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. I usually prefer low and slow because it really breaks down the pork fibers without drying it out. When it’s done, the pork will be so tender it practically falls apart at the touch of a fork.

Step 5: Slice or Shred, Then Serve

Your call! I like to shred the pork right back into the sauce for extra flavor in every bite. Alternatively, slicing works well if you prefer a chunkier texture. Then serve it up with your favorite sides and a sprinkling of green onions and toasted sesame seeds for that final touch.

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Soy-Hoisin Sauce Recipe

  • Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: It thickens the sauce nicely so you don’t end up with a watery finish.
  • Use Fresh Ginger & Garlic: It really makes the flavor pop compared to powders or pre-minced varieties.
  • Let It Rest Before Serving: After cooking, let the pork sit for 10 minutes off the heat to lock in juices.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker: Give the pork room so heat circulates evenly and the sauce can coat all sides.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Soy-Hoisin Sauce Recipe

Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Soy-Hoisin Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the pork—it gives a fresh crunch and beautiful contrast. Sometimes, I add a few thinly sliced red chilies or a drizzle of extra hoisin for an eye-catching finish. These simple garnishes really elevate the dish without any extra fuss.

Side Dishes

This Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Soy-Hoisin Sauce Recipe pairs beautifully with fluffy steamed rice or fragrant jasmine rice. For veggies, roasted broccoli, asparagus, or even quick sautéed snap peas are my favorites—they soak up the sauce perfectly. If you want a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice works like a charm too!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this pork on a platter lined with fresh cilantro and thin cucumber slices for a refreshing contrast. Another fun way is to pile the pork over steamed buns or lettuce wraps, turning it into a casual party dish. Trust me, guests always get curious and impressed by the flavors and presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Soy-Hoisin Sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It tastes fantastic cold or reheated, so it’s perfect for quick lunches or light dinners during the week.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. I portion leftovers into freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure the pork is coated with plenty of sauce. It keeps well for up to 3 months, so you can pull it out for an easy, flavorful meal anytime.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm leftovers in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce gets too thick. Microwaving works too—just cover loosely to trap moisture and heat in short bursts to avoid drying out the pork.

FAQs

  1. Can I use pork chops instead of pork tenderloin for this recipe?

    You can use pork chops in a pinch, but keep in mind they cook differently and might become dry if left in the slow cooker too long. Pork tenderloin is leaner and more forgiving for slow cooking, making it the best choice for this recipe.

  2. Is it necessary to use Chinese 5-spice powder?

    Not at all—five-spice is optional and adds a nice aromatic depth, but if you don’t have it on hand, the dish will still taste fantastic without it. I often leave it out and rely on garlic, ginger, and hoisin for flavor.

  3. How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin after cooking?

    If your sauce is thinner than you like after the slow cooking, remove the pork and switch your slow cooker to high or transfer the sauce to a pan on the stove. Simmer it gently until it reduces and thickens, or mix a little more cornstarch with cold water and stir it in while heating.

  4. Can I double this Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Soy-Hoisin Sauce Recipe?

    Yes, you can double it if your slow cooker is large enough (at least 6-quart or bigger), but be sure not to overcrowd the pot. If your slow cooker is smaller, cook in batches for best results.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Soy-Hoisin Sauce Recipe is a lifesaver on busy days when I want a comforting, impressive meal without the effort of constant attention. The combination of tender pork and that sticky, flavorful sauce always earns compliments from my family. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy the ease and deliciousness, and I bet it’ll become a staple in your dinner rotation just like it did in mine.

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Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Soy-Hoisin Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 26 reviews
  • Author: Taylor
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 hours
  • Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Description

This Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin recipe offers a flavorful, tender pork dish slow-cooked to perfection in a savory Asian-inspired sauce. Easy to prepare and ideal for a comforting meal, it can be served with rice and vegetables for a complete dinner.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Pork

  • 2 lb. pork tenderloin (or 2 loins)

Sauce

  • 3/4 cup beef broth
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup dark brown sugar, packed
  • 1 Tbsp. hoisin sauce
  • 1 Tbsp. rice vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp. sesame oil
  • 1 Tbsp. cornstarch
  • 1 tsp. garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp. ginger, minced
  • 1/2 tsp. Chinese 5-spice powder (optional)

Garnish & Serving

  • green onions
  • sesame seeds
  • rice
  • veggies (e.g., roasted broccoli, asparagus, brown rice, cauliflower rice, Brussels sprouts)

Instructions

  1. Place pork in slow cooker: Place the pork tenderloins in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
  2. Whisk sauce ingredients: In a measuring cup, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, dark brown sugar, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, minced garlic, minced ginger, and Chinese 5-spice powder (if using) until well combined.
  3. Pour over pork: Pour the sauce over the pork tenderloins, turning the pork a couple of times to ensure it is evenly coated. The pork will not be fully submerged but should be coated with the sauce.
  4. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 5 hours until the pork is very tender and cooked through.
  5. Slice or shred: Remove the pork and either slice or shred it according to your preference. Optionally, return the pork to the slow cooker to soak up more sauce.
  6. Serve: Serve the pork with cooked rice and vegetables, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

  • Serve with roasted broccoli, asparagus, brown rice, cauliflower rice, Brussels sprouts, or your favorite veggies.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
  • Chinese 5-spice powder is optional but recommended for added flavor.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 750 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg

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