This easy pork tenderloin recipe is a flavorful and tender dish that combines a savory spice rub with a rich, tangy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this tenderloin is cooked to perfection in a crockpot, ensuring juicy, melt-in-your-mouth pork every time. With ingredients like smoked paprika, garlic, soy sauce, and molasses, this recipe delivers a sweet and smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice. Whether you choose to slice or shred the pork, this easy-to-follow recipe guarantees a delicious meal with minimal prep time and effort.

Ingredients
For the Pork Tenderloin:
- 2 pounds pork tenderloin
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
For the Rub:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon rosemary
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
Prepare the Pork:
- Pat the pork tenderloins dry with paper towels and allow them to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes (if you have time). This helps achieve a nice sear and ensures proper cooking time.
- In a small bowl, combine the rub ingredients. Stir well to mix.
- Rub the spice mixture generously over the pork tenderloins, massaging it into all sides of the meat.
Sear the Pork:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat until it’s very hot. A hot pan ensures a better sear.
- Add olive oil to the skillet, swirling to coat evenly, then place the pork tenderloins in the pan. Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
Make the Sauce:
- In a measuring cup, combine the chicken broth, soy sauce, molasses, olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine.
Cook the Pork:
- Transfer the seared pork tenderloins to a crockpot.
- Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the pork in the crockpot, and add the fresh thyme. You can leave the thyme sprigs whole or chop them, but remember to remove the stems before serving.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2.5-3 hours. The pork should reach an internal temperature of 145°F for slicing.
- Once done, remove the pork from the crockpot and allow it to rest for 5 minutes on a cutting board. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the pork moist.
- If you prefer shredded pork, cook to 165°F and extend the cooking time by 1-2 hours. This will create a tender, shreddable texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This easy pork tenderloin recipe is a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors. The pork comes out incredibly tender, juicy, and full of flavor thanks to the spice rub and rich sauce. Whether you slice it or shred it, the pork stays moist and delicious, making it an ideal dish for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or family gatherings. With minimal prep time and the convenience of a crockpot, you can enjoy a gourmet meal with ease!
Tips, Variations, and Substitutions
- Rub Variations: If you prefer a spicier rub, you can add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix.
- Different Cuts of Pork: If pork tenderloin is not available, you can substitute with pork loin, though it may need a longer cooking time.
- Cooking Methods: For a crispy exterior, try finishing the pork in the oven under the broiler for 3-4 minutes after searing.
- Sweetener Options: You can substitute molasses with honey or maple syrup for a slightly different flavor profile.
FAQs
Can I cook the pork tenderloin on the stovetop instead of using a crockpot? Yes, you can cook the seared pork in a covered skillet with the sauce, simmering it over low heat for about 1-2 hours, until the pork is fully cooked and tender.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the pork and sauce the day before and store it in the fridge. Then, just heat it up when you’re ready to serve.
How do I know when the pork is done? For slicing, pork tenderloin should reach an internal temperature of 145°F. For shredding, cook it to 165°F.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this juicy pork tenderloin with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. It also pairs well with rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce. If you’ve shredded the pork, consider serving it on sliders or tacos for a fun twist!
Enjoy this easy, flavorful pork tenderloin as a go-to dish for busy nights or special occasions!
Easy Pork Tenderloin Recipe
5
servings15
minutes2
hoursIngredients
For the Pork Tenderloin:
2 pounds pork tenderloin
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 sprigs fresh thyme
For the Rub:
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons brown sugar
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
⅛ teaspoon rosemary
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
For the Sauce:
½ cup chicken broth
¼ cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon molasses
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Directions
- Prepare the Pork:
- Pat the pork tenderloins dry with paper towels and allow them to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes (if you have time). This helps achieve a nice sear and ensures proper cooking time.
- In a small bowl, combine the rub ingredients. Stir well to mix.
- Rub the spice mixture generously over the pork tenderloins, massaging it into all sides of the meat.
- Sear the Pork:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat until it’s very hot. A hot pan ensures a better sear.
- Add olive oil to the skillet, swirling to coat evenly, then place the pork tenderloins in the pan. Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a measuring cup, combine the chicken broth, soy sauce, molasses, olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine.
- Cook the Pork:
- Transfer the seared pork tenderloins to a crockpot.
- Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the pork in the crockpot, and add the fresh thyme. You can leave the thyme sprigs whole or chop them, but remember to remove the stems before serving.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2.5-3 hours. The pork should reach an internal temperature of 145°F for slicing.
- Once done, remove the pork from the crockpot and allow it to rest for 5 minutes on a cutting board. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the pork moist.
- If you prefer shredded pork, cook to 165°F and extend the cooking time by 1-2 hours. This will create a tender, shreddable texture.
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