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Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Asian-Inspired Sauce Recipe

ByJulia
Jump to Recipe·5 from 9 reviews

I’m really excited to share this Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Asian-Inspired Sauce Recipe with you because it’s one of those meals that feels both special and effortless at the same time. The tender pork soaked in a rich, savory-sweet sauce creates flavors that taste like they’ve been simmering for hours—but without you having to hover over the stove. Perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner, it’s a recipe that fits into your life without fuss.

What I love most is how versatile it is—whether you’re serving it up for family or bringing it to a friend’s potluck, it always impresses. Plus, making it in the slow cooker means you get that melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s just really hard to beat. So, if you want an easy, comforting dish with bold, Asian-inspired flavors, this Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Asian-Inspired Sauce Recipe is absolutely worth trying out.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Hands-Free Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work while you focus on other things.
  • Flavor Depth: The combination of soy, hoisin, ginger, and Chinese 5-spice delivers complex, authentic Asian flavors.
  • Tender Texture: Slow cooking pork tenderloin ensures it’s juicy and easy to shred or slice every single time.
  • Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and a few fresh aromatics for a recipe that’s approachable and wallet-friendly.
A large white plate filled with a single layer of brown shredded meat that looks moist and tender, scattered with small slices of bright green onions on top. In the background, there is a white bowl filled with yellow rice, green vegetables, and more shredded meat, with a pair of wooden chopsticks resting on the edge. Small white ceramic bowls with sesame seeds and a light-colored sauce are placed around the plate, all sitting on a white marbled surface. The scene is softly lit and styled to look inviting and fresh. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Asian-Inspired Sauce Recipe relies on ingredients that balance sweet, salty, tangy, and umami flavors perfectly. I always recommend using fresh garlic and ginger to get that vibrant punch, while pantry staples like soy sauce and hoisin sauce bring depth.

  • Pork Tenderloin: Lean but tender, it cooks beautifully in the slow cooker—don’t skimp on quality here!
  • Beef Broth: Adds richness and helps create the base for the sauce.
  • Soy Sauce: Provides that essential salty umami taste in this Asian-inspired sauce.
  • Dark Brown Sugar: Balances the savoriness with natural sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce.
  • Hoisin Sauce: Adds a sweet and slightly spicy depth that’s signature to many Asian dishes.
  • Rice Vinegar: Brings acidity to brighten and balance the flavors.
  • Sesame Oil: Just a touch imparts a nutty aroma and richness to the sauce.
  • Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce so it clings wonderfully to the pork.
  • Garlic & Ginger (fresh minced): Vital fresh aromatics that wake up the whole dish.
  • Chinese 5-Spice Powder (optional): I love adding it for a warm complexity, but feel free to skip if you don’t have it on hand.
  • Garnishes (green onions, sesame seeds): They add color, texture, and fresh bursts of flavor that finish the dish beautifully.
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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

This Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Asian-Inspired Sauce Recipe is a fantastic base to personalize. I like to switch up the sauce here and there depending on what I have or my mood, and you can too!

  • Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a splash of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce when I crave heat—it never disappoints.
  • Herbal Freshness: Fresh cilantro or Thai basil tossed on right before serving brightens the dish beautifully if you want more herbs.
  • Vegetable Boost: Stir in some sliced bell peppers or snap peas during the last hour of cooking for added crunch and color.
  • Gluten-Free Adjustment: Swap soy sauce for tamari to keep it gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Asian-Inspired Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pork Tenderloin

Start by trimming any excess fat or silver skin from your pork tenderloin—this helps it cook more evenly and keeps the texture nice and tender. Then place the tenderloins right into the bottom of your 6-quart slow cooker. I like to arrange them so they lay flat for even sauce coating later.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce

In a large measuring cup or bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, dark brown sugar, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, minced garlic, ginger, and Chinese 5-spice powder if you’re using it. Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to avoid lumps—this little step makes all the difference for a silky smooth sauce.

Step 3: Pour Sauce and Coat

Pour the sauce directly over the pork tenderloins in the slow cooker. To get all that wonderful flavor in every bite, turn the pork a couple of times to coat it well with the sauce, but don’t worry about submerging it completely. The sauce will thicken and concentrate as it cooks.

Step 4: Slow Cook Low and Slow

Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 6 to 8 hours, or if you’re short on time, high for 4 to 5 hours. I personally prefer the low-and-slow method—it really lets the pork soak up the sauce and become tender, but high works well in a pinch. Avoid opening the lid multiple times to keep the temperature consistent.

Step 5: Slice or Shred and Serve

When it’s done, the pork will be so tender you can shred it easily with two forks or slice it into medallions. I like to toss the pork back into the sauce in the slow cooker to soak up all those lovely juices before serving.

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Asian-Inspired Sauce Recipe

  • Choose Quality Pork: Using a good quality pork tenderloin ensures juicy, flavorful results—avoid ultra-lean or frozen options for best texture.
  • Don’t Skip Fresh Aromatics: Fresh garlic and ginger make the flavor pop far more than powders or pre-minced versions.
  • Coat the Pork Well: Turning the pork in the sauce before cooking helps infuse every bite with flavor instead of just pooling at the bottom.
  • Avoid Overcooking: Pork tenderloin can dry out if cooked too long, so check for tenderness near the lower end of the timing and adjust for your slow cooker’s heat.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Asian-Inspired Sauce Recipe

Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Asian-Inspired Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I always top mine with a scattering of sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds because they add such a lovely burst of freshness and crunch. Sometimes I throw on some chopped fresh cilantro if I want an herbaceous note. It’s those little touches that make the dish feel complete without adding fuss.

Side Dishes

This pork pairs beautifully with steamed white or brown rice to soak up the sauce. I’ve also served it with roasted broccoli or sautéed bok choy for a veggie boost. If I’m feeling low-carb, I turn to cauliflower rice—it’s surprisingly satisfying alongside the rich pork.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I like to serve the pork sliced thinly over a bed of steamed jasmine rice, surrounded by steamed or roasted vegetables arranged colorfully on the plate. Another favorite is layering it in lettuce cups for a fun finger-food style meal that’s perfect for casual entertaining. It always gets compliments!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover pork and sauce together in an airtight container in the fridge, where it keeps well for up to 4 days. The pork actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen, so meal prepping this recipe is a win.

Freezing

Freezing works great here! Just portion the pork and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags and it will keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I usually reheat leftovers gently in a covered skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat to keep the pork tender and avoid drying it out. Adding a splash of water or broth can revive the sauce’s consistency nicely.

FAQs

  1. Can I use other cuts of pork for this recipe?

    Yes, you can substitute pork loin or even pork shoulder, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary. Pork shoulder will take longer but can get even more tender, while pork loin is leaner and might cook faster, so monitor closely to avoid drying out.

  2. What can I serve with Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Asian-Inspired Sauce Recipe?

    This pork goes well with simple sides like steamed rice and roasted or sautéed veggies. I especially love pairing it with broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower rice, or Brussels sprouts for added texture and nutrition.

  3. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

    You absolutely can! Whisk the sauce ingredients together in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good stir before pouring over the pork to make sure the cornstarch hasn’t settled.

  4. Is Chinese 5-spice powder essential?

    Not at all — it adds a lovely warm complexity if you have it, but if not, the sauce will still be delicious thanks to the other ingredients like hoisin, garlic, and ginger.

  5. How do I avoid overcooking pork in the slow cooker?

    Stick to the recommended cook times, and check the pork toward the lower end of the time range for tenderness. Using a slow cooker with an accurate temperature setting helps, and if you find it’s drying out, try adding a little extra broth next time.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Asian-Inspired Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a busy day. I keep coming back to it because it’s easy to prep, bursting with flavor, and delivers such tender pork every single time. I truly believe that once you try it, it’ll become a favorite go-to in your kitchen too — give it a whirl and enjoy the compliments coming your way!

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Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Asian-Inspired Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 9 reviews
  • Author: Julia
  • 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
  • Diet: Low Fat
Print Recipe

Description

This Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin recipe delivers tender, flavorful pork infused with a savory and slightly sweet Asian-inspired sauce. Perfectly cooked in a slow cooker, it’s an easy and convenient dish that pairs beautifully with rice and vegetables, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.

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 and Serving

  • Green onions, chopped
  • Sesame seeds
  • Rice
  • Steamed or roasted vegetables (broccoli, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, etc.)

Instructions

  1. Place Pork in Slow Cooker: Place the pork tenderloins in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker, ensuring they lay flat for even cooking.
  2. Whisk Sauce Ingredients: In a measuring cup or bowl, whisk together 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 Sauce Over Pork: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the pork tenderloins, turning the pork a couple of times gently to coat all sides with the sauce. The pork should be coated but not submerged.
  4. Cook Pork: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8 hours or on high heat for 5 hours until the pork is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.
  5. Slice or Shred: Remove the pork from the slow cooker and either slice or shred it according to your preference. Return the pork to the sauce in the slow cooker to absorb more flavor if desired.
  6. Serve: Serve the tender pork over rice, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Accompany with steamed or roasted vegetables of choice for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Serve with roasted broccoli, asparagus, brown rice, cauliflower rice, Brussels sprouts, or other favorite vegetables.
  • For thicker sauce, remove pork after cooking, switch slow cooker to high, and cook sauce uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
  • If Chinese 5-spice powder is unavailable, omit or substitute with a pinch of ground cinnamon and star anise powder.
  • For a gluten-free version, ensure soy sauce is gluten-free or substitute with tamari sauce.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (about 4 oz cooked pork with sauce)
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg

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