There’s nothing quite like a slow cooked pork loin that’s juicy, tender, and infused with rich flavors. This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Loin is the ultimate set it and forget it recipe perfect for busy days when you still want a delicious, homemade meal. The combination of garlic, honey, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard creates a balanced glaze that caramelizes beautifully as the pork slow cooks to perfection.
Whether you’re serving it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or over a bed of fluffy rice, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Plus, leftovers make for incredible sandwiches, wraps, or salads the next day! Try this effortless yet flavorful recipe for your next family dinner or meal prep session!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lb pork loin
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten free)
- ¼ cup honey (or brown sugar)
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
- Prepare the Pork Loin: Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels. Season all sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme.
- Sear (Optional): Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Sear the pork loin for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic.
- Slow Cook: Place the pork loin in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over it. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Rest & Serve: Remove the pork loin from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Drizzle with the remaining sauce and garnish with fresh parsley.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6-8 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal per serving | Servings: 6
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Loin: A Comforting and Flavorful Classic
Nothing beats the ease and convenience of slow cooked meals, and this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Loin is the perfect example of how simple ingredients can transform into a flavorful and tender dish. The slow cooking process allows the pork to soak up a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors, creating a melt in your mouth experience that the whole family will love. Whether you’re preparing a comforting Sunday dinner, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to impress with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the best things about this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Loin is that it requires just a few minutes of prep before you let your slow cooker do the work. The result? A perfectly juicy pork loin infused with rich flavors of garlic, honey, and soy sauce.
Here’s why this dish is a must try:
1. Effortless Cooking
This is a true “set-it-and-forget-it” recipe. Unlike stovetop or oven methods that require constant monitoring, the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. Once you season and sear the pork, you simply place it in the slow cooker with the sauce and let the flavors develop over several hours.
2. Perfectly Tender Pork
Pork loin is a lean cut of meat, meaning it can easily become dry if not cooked properly. Slow cooking at a low temperature helps break down the meat’s fibers while keeping it moist and tender. The sauce not only adds incredible flavor but also ensures the pork remains juicy throughout the cooking process.
3. A Flavorful Balance of Sweet and Savory
The beauty of this recipe is in the balance of flavors. The combination of honey, garlic, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce creates a rich, slightly sweet, and umami packed glaze. The garlic enhances the depth of the sauce, while the honey caramelizes beautifully as the pork cooks.
4. Versatile Serving Options
One of the best parts about this slow cooker pork loin is its versatility. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, making it easy to customize your meal based on what you have on hand. Some fantastic pairing options include:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Steamed or roasted vegetables
- Fluffy white or brown rice
- Buttered noodles or pasta
- A fresh, crisp salad
Not only is it delicious fresh out of the slow cooker, but leftovers are just as tasty. The pork can be shredded and used for sandwiches, wraps, tacos, or even added to rice bowls for a quick and satisfying meal.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Pork Loin
To ensure your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Loin turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:
1. Choose the Right Cut of Meat
This recipe calls for pork loin, not pork tenderloin. While both are lean cuts, pork loin is thicker and benefits from the slow cooking process. Pork tenderloin, on the other hand, is much smaller and would require a significantly shorter cooking time. If you only have pork tenderloin on hand, be sure to adjust the cook time accordingly (typically 3-4 hours on low).
2. Sear the Pork for Extra Flavor
While searing the pork loin before placing it in the slow cooker is optional, it adds a rich depth of flavor and helps create a slightly crispy crust that enhances the texture. Searing locks in the juices and adds an extra layer of caramelization that makes a big difference in the final dish.
3. Slow Cook on Low for Maximum Tenderness
For the juiciest pork, cooking on low heat for 6-8 hours is ideal. Cooking on high heat for a shorter amount of time is an option, but slow cooking allows the flavors to fully develop and ensures the pork remains moist.
4. Don’t Overcook
Pork loin is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Overcooking can lead to dry meat, so use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. Let the pork rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
5. Use Leftover Sauce as a Glaze
The honey garlic sauce in this recipe is so delicious that you won’t want to waste a drop! Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let the sauce thicken by reducing it on the stovetop. Drizzle it over the sliced pork for an extra burst of flavor.
Variations and Customizations
One of the great things about this slow cooker pork loin is that you can tweak the recipe to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few fun variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce for a bit of heat.
- Asian-Inspired Twist: Replace Worcestershire sauce with hoisin sauce and add grated ginger for a more Asian style dish.
- Apple Cider Version: Swap out the chicken broth for apple cider to give the dish a sweet and tangy depth of flavor.
- BBQ Version: Add ½ cup of your favorite BBQ sauce to the slow cooker for a smoky, barbecue flavored pork loin.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (which you’ll be happy about!), here’s how to store and reheat them properly:
- Refrigeration: Store sliced pork in an airtight container with some of the sauce to keep it moist. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Freezing: Place cooled pork loin slices in a freezer safe bag or container, along with some of the sauce. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat the pork in the microwave with a little extra sauce, or warm it in a covered skillet with a splash of broth to prevent drying out.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Meal Prep
If you love planning ahead, this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Loin is a great meal prep option. Since it’s easy to make in large batches, you can cook it once and use the leftovers for multiple meals throughout the week. Here are a few meal ideas using leftover pork loin:
- Honey Garlic Pork Bowls: Serve sliced pork over rice with steamed veggies and drizzle with extra sauce.
- Pork Sliders: Shred the pork and serve on small buns with coleslaw for a quick and tasty sandwich.
- Taco Night: Use shredded pork as a taco filling, topped with fresh cilantro, lime juice, and avocado.
- Pork and Veggie Stir-Fry: Toss sliced pork with stir fried vegetables and serve over noodles or rice.
Conclusion:
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Loin is the perfect combination of ease, flavor, and versatility. It’s an excellent choice for busy weeknights, special occasions, or meal prep sessions, ensuring you always have a delicious and satisfying meal on hand. With its balance of sweet and savory flavors, tender texture, and minimal hands on time, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Whether you’re serving it fresh from the slow cooker with comforting sides or repurposing the leftovers for creative meals, this recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again. Try it out and enjoy a stress free, mouthwatering dinner!