Easy Apple Cider Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin Recipe (2024)

Easy Apple Cider Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin is an easy healthy recipe made by cooking lean pork tenderloin in a sweet and savory apple cider based liquid. The sauce is reduced after cooking and served over tender slices of pork for a delicious meal your whole family will enjoy!

Easy Apple Cider Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin Recipe (1)



I've partnered with my friends at OhioPork.org to create this delicious recipe and blog post for you. All opinions are my own.

With summer winding down, I'm looking forward to more Fall inspired meals like this Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin! I can't think of any flavors more representative of Fall than pork and apples. The combination is irresistible!

This Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin recipe is the perfect meal for those busy evenings or a delightful Sunday dinner. It can even be made during the day, and simply reheated at dinner time.

What is pork tenderloin?


Pork tenderloin comes from the primal loin cut of the pig. The loin is the area between the shoulders and the legs. Pork from this area tends to be leaner than pork cut from other areas of the pig. Do not confuse pork tenderloin with a pork loin roast. Although they are from the same area of the pig, they are not the same. If you're looking for a pork loin roast recipe, check out my recipe for Grilled Pork Loinor my recipe for Maple Dijon Pork Loin Roast with Sauerkraut.

The pork tenderloin is cut from the bottom portion of the loin. This area is closest to the inside of the pig. Pork tenderloin is the leanest and most tender part of the loin.


When shopping for pork tenderloin, you will find it in your fresh meat case. In most packages labeled pork tenderloin, you will find two long, skinny tenderloins. One package of tenderloins usually weighs between 2 and 3 pounds.

Pork Tenderloin in the Crock Pot

You might be surprised that I'm saying this but, generally speaking, cooking pork tenderloin in the Crock Pot is not something I would recommend. This is because Pork tenderloin is one of the leanest, most tender cuts of pork.

Slow cooking in a crock pot tends to dry this lean piece of pork out.Therefore, it's best suited for cooking methods that cook using high heat quickly, like in this recipe for Easy Pork Tenderloin Marsala or Grilled Orange Pork Tenderloin.


However, I'm here to tell you, you CAN cook delicious, moist pork tenderloin in your crock pot! It just takes a bit of care and know how to do it successfully. That means, there isn't hours of slow cooking to make this recipe. But technically, it is slower than cooking in a skillet or in the oven.

I found that cooking the pork tenderloins in the Crock Pot on LOW for about 2-3 hours was just about right. You might find you will need to adjust the time a bit in either direction, because like ovens, some slow cookers cook faster than others. But, if you follow the directions below, you should end up with a delicious, moist and tender pork meal!

Apple Cider Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin

Like salt and pepper, or peanut butter and jelly, pork and apples were just made to be together! In this recipe for Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin, apple cider is used as a base for the braising liquid. Combined with onions, chicken stock, seasonings, and just a bit of apple cider vinegar this sauce gives the pork tenderloin a wonderful sweet and savory flavor.

If you can't find apple cider (it can be a seasonal product in some areas) you can substitute unfiltered apple juice.

Once the pork is cooked to an internal temperature around 145 degrees Fin the crock pot and removed to rest, the braising liquid is turned into a luscious sauce by reducing it and adding butter. The sauce is delicious served over the pork tenderloin slices and over side dishes likeGarlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes.


Easy Apple Cider Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin Recipe (2)

How to make the best Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin

  1. Remove the pork tenderloins from packaging. Pat dry with a paper towel. Season and sear in a large skillet over medium-high heat in olive oil.
  2. Brown pork tenderloins on all sides.Do not skip this step. Browning adds so much flavor, and everyone loves flavor! Remove each pork tenderloin from skillet and place in crock pot.
  3. Add chopped onion to skillet and cook until translucent, then add garlic.
  4. Slowly add apple cider vinegar and stir, scraping up brown bits. Bring to boil.
  5. Turn heat down to low and simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated.
  6. Add apple cider, chicken stock, and bay leaf to skillet. Stir to combine. Turn off heat and swirl in butter. Pour mixture over pork tenderloins in the slow cooker.
  7. Cover Crock Pot and cook as directed in recipe card below.

Easy Apple Cider Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin Recipe (3)

Variations

  • If you can't find apple cider, you can use apple juice in it's place. The flavor will be lighter, but it will still work.
  • Add a peeled, cored, and chopped apple (any variety) with the onions in the skillet.
  • Switch up the seasonings on the pork tenderloins. Add dried sage or dried rosemary, or both.
  • Swap red onion for white onion or yellow onion.

In a hurry? Cook this recipe in the skillet on your stove top. Here's how:

Reduce apple cider amount to 1/2 cup.

After you add cider, chicken stock, bay leaf, and butter to skillet (step 7) place browned pork tenderloins back into the skillet and turn up to medium heat. Cover skillet and cook over medium heat until the internal temperature of the pork tenderloins are 140 - 145 degrees F when checked with a meat thermometer. Remove pork tenderloins to a plate and tent with aluminum foil to rest for 3-5 minutes. Remove bay leaf from skillet and turn up heat to medium-high. Bring sauce to boil and reduce by 1/4th. Serve pan sauce over pork tenderloins.

Storage for leftovers

Store any leftover pork tenderloin in airtight container with the crock or pan juices in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.


Pork is leaner today!

Did you know that according to the National Pork Board, today’s pork is 16% leaner and 27% lower in saturated fats compared to 26 years ago! This makes cuts like pork tenderloin a lean cut of meat and an ideal choice when in the market for lean proteins.


Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin, Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin, Pork Tenderloin in Crock Pot

main dish, pork

American

Yield: 6 servings

Author: Renee Paj

Easy Apple Cider Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin Recipe (4)

Easy Apple Cider Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin Recipe

Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 3 HourTotal time: 3 H & 15 M

Pork Tenderloin is seasoned, pan seared, and then slow cooked in a sweet and savory apple cider sauce for a tender and flavorful pork dinner!

Ingredients

  • 1 package of pork tenderloins (2 to 3 lbs. total)
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp. fresh ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp. dried thyme
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1 TBSP olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped red onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 1/2 cup chicken stock
  • 1 dried bay leaf
  • 2 TBSP unsalted butter, room temperature
  • fresh thyme for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Remove pork tenderloins from package and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Season all sides with salt, pepper, thyme, and garlic powder.
  3. Heat large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil. When oil begins to shimmer, add pork tenderloins and brown on all sides.
  4. When pork is browned, remove to crock of slow cooker. Set aside.
  5. In same skillet you browned pork, add onion. (you can add a little more oil if needed). Saute over medium heat, scraping up browned bits from bottom of the pan as the onion cooks. Cook onion for about 5 to 6 minutes, or until it becomes translucent. Add minced garlic, and cook for one more minute.
  6. Add apple cider vinegar. Turn heat up to medium high and cook until most of the vinegar has absorbed.
  7. Add apple cider, chicken stock, and bay leaf. Bring to boil then take off heat. Swirl in the butter until melted.
  8. Pour mixture over browned pork tenderloins in Crock Pot.
  9. Put lid on and set Crock Pot to LOW. Cook for about 2-3 hours, or until internal temperature is about 145 degrees F and pork is fork tender.
  10. When pork is done, remove tenderloins to cutting board and tent with aluminum foil to keep warm.
  11. Remove bay leaf from liquid.
  12. Carefully pour braising liquid into a medium sauce pan. Bring to boiling over medium high heat and then turn down to simmer. Cook until the liquid has reduced by half.
  13. Take off heat and whisk in butter.
  14. Slice tenderloins and serve with sauce.

Notes

To make this recipe for pork tenderloin on the stove:

Reduce apple cider amount to 1/2 cup.

After you add cider, chicken stock, bay leaf, and butter to skillet (step 7) place browned pork tenderloins back into the skillet and turn up to medium heat. Cover skillet and cook over medium heat until the internal temperature of the pork tenderloins are 140 - 145 degrees F when checked with a meat thermometer. Remove pork tenderloins to a plate and tent with aluminum foil to rest for 3-5 minutes. Remove bay leaf from skillet and turn up heat to medium-high. Bring sauce to boil and reduce by 1/4th. Serve pan sauce over pork tenderloins.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

123.99

Fat (grams)

7.05 g

Sat. Fat (grams)

2.99 g

Carbs (grams)

10.31 g

Fiber (grams)

0.83 g

Net carbs

9.48 g

Sugar (grams)

6.14 g

Protein (grams)

4.98 g

Sodium (milligrams)

428.75 mg

Cholesterol (grams)

21.12 mg

Nutritional Information is an estimate.

https://www.reneeskitchenadventures.com/2019/08/crock-pot-pork-tenderloin.html

Copyright © 2019 Renee's Kitchen Adventures

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Suggested side dishes for Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin

You might want something to spoon all that yummy cider sauce over and these Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes are the perfect thing to do that to!

I also really love green beans with pork and this recipe for Country Style Green Beans is always a hit! This Red Cabbage Slaw with Cashews would also pair nicely with this pork meal!


More delicious pork recipes you'll love!

  • Breaded Oven Baked Pork Chops
  • Pork and Sauerkraut
  • Perfect Pork Tenderloin (oven baked)

More Slow Cooker Recipes

Easy Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Sauerkraut

Fall-off-the-Bone Slow Cooker Ribs

Don't forget to pin Easy Apple Cider Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin to your pork Pinterest boards and share on social media if you love this recipe!

Easy Apple Cider Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin Recipe (5)

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Easy Apple Cider Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is apple juice or apple cider better for pork? ›

Finally, apple juice is sometimes sweetened with sugar or corn syrup. We tried using unsweetened apple juice in recipes for pork chops and glazed ham that call for cider. Tasters were turned off by excessive sweetness in the dishes made with apple juice, unanimously preferring those made with cider.

Is it better to cook pork tenderloin fast or slow? ›

The size and structure of a tenderloin make it perfect for cooking quickly on high heat. You want to be able to brown the outside while still keeping it a little pink on the inside.

Why do you put apple cider vinegar on pork? ›

Apple Cider Vinegar – Adds a beautiful and tasty touch of acidity to the glaze that brightens up the apple glazed pork chops.

Should you sear pork before slow cooking? ›

Preparing the pork

I prefer to season the meat before adding it to the slow cooker with my favourite spices, along with salt and pepper. I also recommend browning the meat slightly prior to slow cooking which will help maximise the flavour. However, this is a step that can be left out if you don't have enough time.

What does apple cider do to meat? ›

As a powerful bactericide, it helps eliminate any impurities in the meat. Throw in some sage, rosemary and chopped garlic and you'll have an excellent light marinade that won't mask the flavors of the meat, but will instead bring out the best in it to dramatic effect.

What liquid tenderizes pork? ›

A brine is essentially just salt and water. It helps prevent moisture loss during cooking, and the salt also helps tenderize the meat from the inside out. If you want an extra juicy piece of pork, brine it before cooking. You can make an effective brine just with salt and water, but additional seasonings do help.

What is the secret to tender pork loin? ›

If you're not confident in your cooking skills, there is one foolproof way to guarantee your pork ends up on the tender side, even if you cook it too long: Soak it in a brine or a marinade. According to Hazel, these kinds of preparations always produce the most tender outcomes.

Why is my slow cooker pork loin tough? ›

Don't overcook: pork loin roast is extremely lean so it can dry out very easily when overcooked. Use your meat thermometer and check your pork frequently towards the beginning of the cooking window (2.5 hours) so it doesn't become dry and chewy.

Is it better to sear pork tenderloin before roasting? ›

Sear + Roast

This cooking method is a surefire way to make moist and juicy pork tenderloin without much fuss. Searing the meat first gives it that golden-brown crust before a quick roast in the oven finishes it off. It's an easy, crowd-pleasing meal for any night of the week.

How long to leave meat in apple cider vinegar? ›

Allow to meld on counter about 1 hour prior to using the first time. Shake several times. Use to marinate meat or poultry for 3 hours.

What happens when you soak meat in apple cider vinegar? ›

Tenderizing: Vinegar has acidic properties that can help break down the meat's proteins, making it more tender.

Can I use white vinegar instead of cider vinegar in pulled pork? ›

Rice vin and a little apple juice/ butter will substitute apple cider vinegar like no one's business. White vin is pretty good for it too. I think in this application the rice vinegar is better, but for other things it would be better to have a simpler palate.

Should I rotate pork in slow cooker? ›

Close the Proofer and allow the pork to cook for a total of 10 or 11 hours. Midway during the slow cook process you can turn the pork over once. After 10 hours check the interior of the pork with a thermometer.

What happens if you don't brown meat before slow cooker? ›

While searing meat before slow cooking can enhance flavors by developing a caramelized crust, it's not strictly necessary. If you skip searing, the meat may lack some depth of flavor, but it will still cook and become tender in the slow cooker.

Does pork get more tender the longer it cooks in a slow cooker? ›

The cut comes from closer to the shoulder (as the name implies!), where the muscles are a bit tougher and have more connective tissue. This is a good thing for slow cooking since it means the cuts become more tender as they cook.

Can I use apple cider instead of apple juice for pulled pork? ›

Yes! Apple cider and apple juice are close culinary cousins.

Does apple juice tenderize pork? ›

Apple juice, which typically has a pH in the 3 to 4 range, is an ideal liquid for marinade. That, along with the classic pairing of pork and apples makes it the perfect star ingredient in your pork chop marinade. With this combo, you have a surefire way to make your meat both tender and delicious.

Is apple cider good for pigs? ›

Source: "Apple Cider Vinegar Stories" - Will Winter, D.V.M. New Zealand trials show that the daily administration of 25ml of ACV to sows prior to farrowing and throughout weaning resulted in the elimination of mastitis in sows, elimination of scouring in piglets, a slight increase in litter size over time.

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider vinegar? ›

**Flavor:** Apple juice has a sweet and fruity flavor, while vinegar is acidic and tart. If you substitute apple juice for vinegar, it will add sweetness and a fruity note to the dish. This flavor substitution may work well in certain recipes but may not be suitable for others.

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