|

Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Soy Hoisin Sauce Recipe

ByMadison
Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 111 reviews

If you’re looking for a meal that’s effortlessly delicious and packed with flavor, this Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Soy Hoisin Sauce Recipe is a real winner. I love how the pork comes out tender and juicy every time, soaking up all those Asian-inspired flavors while you hardly have to lift a finger. It’s the kind of dish that feels special enough for a cozy family dinner but easy enough for a busy weekday meal.

What makes this Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Soy Hoisin Sauce Recipe stand out is the balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes from the hoisin, soy, and rice vinegar. Plus, cooking it low and slow means the pork literally melts in your mouth. Whether you’re new to slow cookers or a seasoned pro, this recipe has a way of turning simple ingredients into something memorable you’ll want to make again and again.

💚

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Hands-off Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work so you can focus on your day.
  • Rich, Deep Flavors: The soy hoisin sauce creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Pairs wonderfully with rice, veggies, or even in sandwiches.
  • Family-Friendly: Everyone loves how tender and flavorful the pork turns out, making it a crowd-pleaser.
A white plate filled with shredded meat that has a rich brown color and a tender, fibrous texture, scattered with thin slices of bright green onion on top for contrast. Behind it, there is a white bowl holding a bowl of yellow rice with pulled meat and green vegetables, held by a pair of brown chopsticks resting on the edge. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with a white cloth underneath the plate and small white bowls nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1 this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The star ingredients here come together to create a sauce that’s full of umami and a little sweetness that complements the pork perfectly. You don’t need anything fancy—just pantry staples you might already have, plus fresh aromatics for that extra flavor punch.

  • Pork tenderloin: Tender and lean, it really soaks up the sauce beautifully.
  • Beef broth: Adds depth and richness to the sauce without overpowering it.
  • Soy sauce: The salty backbone of this recipe, so use a good-quality one.
  • Dark brown sugar: Brings sweetness and helps balance the saltiness of the soy.
  • Hoisin sauce: A sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy addition that makes the dish special.
  • Rice vinegar: Adds a subtle tang to brighten the sauce.
  • Sesame oil: A little goes a long way in giving that signature nutty aroma.
  • Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to a nice, clingy consistency.
  • Minced garlic and ginger: Fresh aromatics that bring warmth and depth.
  • Chinese 5-spice powder (optional): I love this in the sauce for a fragrant, slightly exotic twist, but it’s not a must-have if you don’t have it.
📝
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.

Variations

I like to switch things up depending on what I have on hand or the season. This Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Soy Hoisin Sauce Recipe is pretty flexible, so feel free to tweak it to your taste or diet.

  • Spicy kick: Add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce to the sauce mixture if you want to turn up the heat — I love how it adds a little punch without getting overwhelming.
  • Lower sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the brown sugar a bit to make it healthier without losing flavor.
  • Vegetable boost: Toss in sliced bell peppers or mushrooms halfway through cooking for extra texture and nutrition.
  • Make it gluten-free: Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos, and check your hoisin brand for gluten-free options.

How to Make Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Soy Hoisin Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pork and Slow Cooker

Start by placing your pork tenderloin(s) right in the bottom of your slow cooker. This recipe works best with at least a 6-quart slow cooker to give the pork enough space to cook evenly. I like using two smaller tenderloins, but one larger one works too. No need to brown the pork beforehand—slow cooking will take care of the tenderness and flavor.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Soy Hoisin Sauce

In a measuring cup or bowl, 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 you’re using it. Make sure to blend it well so the cornstarch doesn’t clump up—this sauce is what makes this dish truly shine, and even coating is key!

Step 3: Pour the Sauce Over the Pork

Now pour the sauce all over the pork, turning it a couple of times so every inch is coated. The pork won’t be swimming in liquid, but that’s perfect because you want it nice and covered with that flavorful sauce. It’s almost like a gentle marinade happening right inside the slow cooker.

Step 4: Slow Cook Low and Slow

Cover your slow cooker, set it on low, and let it cook for 6 to 8 hours. If you’re short on time, crank it to high for 4 to 5 hours instead. Either way, expect the pork to come out super tender — the kind of tender where you can practically shred it with a fork or slice it as you prefer. This slow and steady process really lets those soy hoisin flavors seep deep into the meat.

Step 5: Slice, Shred, and Serve

When your pork is ready, it’s time to decide how you want to serve it—either sliced thick for a hearty main or shredded for tossing back into the sauce in the slow cooker. I like to mix it back with the sauce because every bite is extra juicy and flavorful that way. Serve it over steamed rice with your favorite veggies, and sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds for that perfect finishing touch.

💡

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

  • Don’t skip the ginger and garlic: Fresh aromatics brighten up the sauce and cut through the richness, trust me on this one.
  • Use a timer or smart plug: Slow cookers vary, and I’ve learned using a timer keeps the pork from overcooking and drying out.
  • Add veggies later: For fresh-tasting cooked veggies, add them in during the last hour instead of cooking all day.
  • Avoid over-stirring: Since the sauce thickens with cornstarch, stirring too much can break down the pork’s texture.

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

A white bowl filled with three main layers: the bottom layer is yellow rice mixed with small bits of green herbs, topped with a generous pile of shredded brown meat in the center. Around the meat, there are bright green broccoli florets and fresh green snap peas, with thin strips of red pepper scattered for color. The surface of the dish is sprinkled with small white sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions. A pair of wooden chopsticks rests on the left side of the bowl. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface, with parts of two similar bowls visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1

Garnishes

Green onions and toasted sesame seeds are my go-to garnishes here—they add a fresh crunch and a toasty aroma that lift the whole dish. Sometimes I toss in a handful of chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice to brighten it up even more.

Side Dishes

I love serving this pork with steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Roasted broccoli, sautéed snow peas, or a simple Asian slaw all complement these flavors perfectly. You can even serve it alongside stir-fried vegetables for a wholesome, colorful plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like presenting the shredded pork piled high in a pretty serving dish, topped with those garnishes, alongside a rice platter with colorful vegetables arranged artfully. It also makes a fantastic filling for lettuce wraps or bao buns, turning dinner into a fun interactive experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they keep well for up to 4 days. The pork stays juicy, and the sauce thickens slightly, making reheated servings just as tasty or even better the next day.

Freezing

This Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Soy Hoisin Sauce Recipe freezes beautifully. I portion it out in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and the flavors remain intact.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to warm the pork evenly and keep it moist. Adding a splash of water or broth while reheating helps loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much in the fridge.

FAQs

  1. Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?

    Absolutely! While pork tenderloin is lean and tender, pork shoulder can also work if you prefer a fattier cut that shreds nicely. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—shoulder may need longer to become tender in the slow cooker.

  2. Do I need to brown the pork before slow cooking?

    Nope, browning is optional. For this Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Soy Hoisin Sauce Recipe, slow cooking alone produces tender, flavorful results. But if you like, a quick sear adds a deeper flavor and color, especially if you have extra time.

  3. How thick will the sauce be after cooking?

    The sauce will thicken nicely thanks to the cornstarch, becoming glossy and clingy—perfect for coating the pork. If it seems too thin after cooking, you can remove the pork and simmer the sauce on high in the slow cooker for a little while to reduce it further.

  4. Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

    Yes! Use the sauté function to mix your sauce, then pressure cook the pork tenderloin for about 20-25 minutes. Quick release the pressure when done, but I always recommend checking the pork’s internal temperature for perfect doneness.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Soy Hoisin Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes I always go back to—it feels like a hug in food form and wraps your kitchen in amazing aroma while it cooks. I really hope you try it because it’s such a simple way to enjoy delicious, tender pork with minimal effort. Trust me, once you make it, your slow cooker will be your new favorite kitchen buddy!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Soy Hoisin Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 111 reviews
  • Author: Madison
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4-8 hours
  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Print Recipe

Description

This Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin recipe features tender, flavorful pork cooked low and slow in a savory Asian-inspired sauce. The pork is coated with a blend of beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin, and sesame oil, infused with garlic, ginger, and optional Chinese 5-spice for extra depth. Perfectly cooked in a slow cooker, the pork becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender and can be sliced or shredded. Serve it over rice with vegetables, green onions, and sesame seeds for a comforting and easy meal.

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
  • Vegetables such as roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts

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, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, dark brown sugar, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, minced garlic, minced ginger, and optional Chinese 5-spice powder until smooth and well combined.
  3. Pour over pork: Pour the prepared sauce over the pork tenderloins, turning the meat a couple of times to evenly coat it with the sauce. The pork should be coated but not fully submerged.
  4. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook the pork on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 4-5 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shredded or sliced.
  5. Slice or shred: Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and slice or shred it as desired. You can return the pork to the slow cooker to soak in the sauce for more flavor.
  6. Serve: Serve the pork over rice with your choice of vegetables, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Serve with roasted broccoli, asparagus, brown rice, cauliflower rice, Brussels sprouts, or your favorite veggies for a complete meal.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze cooked pork in suitable freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months for meal prep convenience.
  • If Chinese 5-spice powder is unavailable, omit it without significantly affecting the flavor.
  • Adjust cooking time depending on your slow cooker’s performance to ensure the pork is tender.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (about 4 oz cooked pork with sauce)
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg

You Might Also Like These Recipes

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star