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Tender Bourbon Glazed Pork Tenderloin Slow Cooker Recipe Easy & Perfect for Weeknights

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A simple and delicious slow cooker pork tenderloin recipe with a sticky, sweet, smoky bourbon glaze that is perfect for busy weeknights. Minimal prep and hands-off cooking yield tender, juicy pork with rich flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (about 1 to 1.5 pounds / 450-680 grams) pork tenderloin, trimmed of silver skin
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing, optional but recommended)
  • ½ cup bourbon (e.g., Jim Beam)
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark)
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Optional garnishes: fresh chopped parsley or green onions, sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels. Trim any silver skin or excess fat. Season all sides liberally with salt and black pepper.
  2. Optional: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear the tenderloin on each side for about 2 minutes until golden brown.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together bourbon, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, soy or Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes until smooth and glossy.
  4. Place the pork tenderloin in the slow cooker insert. Pour the bourbon glaze evenly over the pork, coating it well.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 3.5 to 4 hours or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Avoid opening the lid during cooking.
  6. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and let it rest tented loosely with foil for 10 minutes.
  7. Optional: Pour the cooking liquid into a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until reduced and syrupy. For thicker glaze, stir in 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water and cook for another minute.
  8. Slice the pork tenderloin into ½-inch slices. Drizzle with the thickened bourbon glaze and garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.

Notes

Searing the pork before slow cooking adds flavor and texture but can be skipped if short on time. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking; pull pork at 145°F (63°C) and let rest. Keep the slow cooker lid closed during cooking to maintain heat. Adjust glaze sweetness to taste. Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: pork tenderloin, bourbon glaze, slow cooker, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food, pork recipe, bourbon pork

Find it online: https://avabowls.com/tender-bourbon-glazed-pork-tenderloin-slow-cooker-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-weeknights/