Sheet Pan

Crockpot Brown Sugar & Balsamic–Glazed Pork Tenderloin

July  3, 2013
3.7
88 Ratings
Photo by Rocky Luten
  • Prep time 15 minutes
  • Cook time 8 hours
  • Serves 6
Author Notes

This recipe is from: Laura's Sweet Spot.

Helpful tools for this recipe:
- OXO Measuring Cups and Spoons
- GIR Silicone Basting Brush
- Five Two Essential Cookware

Melissa Bossler

Test Kitchen Notes

We try to be very thoughtful about featuring recipes (by naming them "Community Picks" or "Wildcard Winners") that weren't developed by the poster—or we're careful to attribute clearly and with the original recipe-writer's permission. The recipe clearly wasn't Melissa's, since she links to her source. And then, upon closer inspection, we realized that the recipe isn't original to the blog Melissa credits, either. We decided it would only be fair to feature the recipe on Food52 with the original recipe-writer's permission, and because that recipe-writer remained a watery figure somewhere off in the internet-distance, we never did.

But let's back up a few steps: The recipe wasn't original to Melissa Bossler or the blog she credits, Laura's Sweet Spot. Laura links out to a user-submitted recipe on the website BigOven, where it has 4 1/2 stars and has been saved over 2000 times. The only difference between the recipe on Laura's Sweet Spot and the recipe on BigOven is that the BigOven iteration is made with a pork loin, not a pork tenderloin. This is an easy mistake to make, writes our butcher friend Cara Nicoletti—and, as it turns out, a crucial one. Pork tenderloin has very little fat; the fat on a pork loin is necessary to keep the meat from drying out during its long cook time.

But people do make it, and overall, the comments on the recipe are hugely positive: "Just perfect." "Even the picky eaters loved it!!!" "One of the best things to ever come out of my crock pot." "SOOO tender!"

Our Creative Director, Kristen Miglore, attributes its success to the brown sugar-balsamic glaze, which is shiny and thick and sweet-salty. "You could put this on anything," she told me.

The rabbit hole goes on and on: A quick search using the same recipe name "Crockpot Brown Sugar Balsamic Glazed Pork Tenderloin" on Google gave me a string of recipes and blog posts 354,000-links long. The same search on Pinterest produces what seems to be a zillion results—many of them with different photos, each cook's own adaptation of another recipe. Sometimes that recipe is exactly the same as the one posted on BigOven and sometimes it's got a few variations: Maple syrup and honey appear in place of the brown sugar; blueberries make an appearance. Sometimes the meat is shredded for sandwiches. The loin becomes chops and ribs and, as on Laura's blog and on Food52, tenderloin.

In 2019, Test Kitchen Director Josh Cohen and Senior Editor Eric Kim decided to test a version of this recipe with half the cook time (2 to 3 hours), or until the pork reached exactly 145°F, and loved how tender it tasted once carved and slathered with the sticky glaze.

Featured in: This Is Our Most-Popular Recipe of All Time...but Why? —The Editors

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • 1 teaspoon ground sage
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 garlic clove, crushed
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 pounds pork tenderloin
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
Directions
  1. Mix together the seasonings: sage, salt, pepper and garlic, and rub over the tenderloin.
  2. Place 1/2 cup water in slow cooker, followed by the tenderloin, and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
  3. 1 hour before the roast is finished, mix together the ingredients for the glaze in a small saucepan: brown sugar, cornstarch, balsamic vinegar, water, and soy sauce.
  4. Heat over medium and stir until mixture thickens, about 4 minutes.
  5. Brush roast with glaze 2 or 3 times during the last hour of cooking. (For a more caramelized crust, remove from Crockpot and place on aluminum lined sheet pan, glaze, and set under broiler for 1 to 2 minutes, until bubbly and caramelized. Repeat 2 to 3 more times until desired crust is achieved.)
  6. Serve with remaining glaze on the side.

See what other Food52ers are saying.

  • Julia Manning
    Julia Manning
  • juliunruly
    juliunruly
  • Little Piggy
    Little Piggy
  • Caitlin Gunther
    Caitlin Gunther
  • leigh frat
    leigh frat

168 Reviews

This I. March 8, 2024
I'm writing a review for Food 52. If I'm forced to take the time to create an account simply in order to print the recipe, the least you guys could do is provide an actual print formatted recipe. Thanks so much.
 
DelilahMoon September 17, 2023
This is a badly written recipe. Namely, it's the wrong cut for this long (and type) of cooking, resulting in a dried out piece of pork. Either use a different cut with more fat/marbling, or cook the tenderloin in the oven for 25 minutes.
 
petergroninger July 16, 2023
The glaze is quite good, but cooking the pork in a crock pot for 6-8 hours (even on low heat) will result is a dried out, stringy, mess. You will have a much better result by pan roasting the pork until the internal temperature is 140 degrees or so, and then caramelizing the glaze under the broiler. Several of the reviewers suggest the cut of meat should be a pork butt rather than a tenderloin, and I would heartily concur.
 
cindy M. May 29, 2023
This dish was average at best. Seasoning for the pork was average. Did not like the cornstarch in the sauce; tasted like something from a cafeteria. My husband really enjoyed it so 4 stars from him.
 
[email protected] September 7, 2022
Mostly I rated it average because of the name of the recipe. It was my mistake for just jumping to the recipe, because in the article, it said this should be a loin not a tenderloin. If I were to have read it , I would have cut back on the cook time for a juicer outcome.
 
Ean T. February 8, 2022
I wish I had read the reviews before cooking this. It's ok but overcooked after 6hrs in the slow cooker.
 
jo December 16, 2021
For those intuitive enough to read these reviews Before cooking, take these reviewers advise and do not cook 6 hours in the slow cooker! Turned out dry and stringy. The sweet candy glaze is nice but not great enough to try again.
 
Julia M. January 3, 2021
About 2 hours into this recipe, the pork looked like a dead, grey fish. So I ditched the crock pot, put the pork in my Instapot with the glaze ingredients (doubled) and pressure cooked on high for 45 minutes. PERFECTION and turned it into pulled pork which is really what we wanted in the first place. AHHHHmazing! Highly recommend doing this in the Instapot from the beginning. Probably the best pulled pork I have ever made and because it's done with a tenderloin, it is lean lean, lean!
 
Vermicmpstr January 1, 2021
I saw a revised/updated recipe from Food52 using a pork butt roast. That makes much more sense than using a tenderloin. I don't know why you'd ever use a slow cooker for a tenderloin, cooking for hours when it's a tender cut of meat. A pork butt works perfectly.
 
Seaview1 January 1, 2021
I haven’t seen the revised recipe, but have made it for years with pork tenderloins. The original I have from Laura’s Sweetspot does not have it cooking for 6-8 hours. A hour and half - two hours it comes out tender. I usually have tenderloins around as a staple the only difference is the vessel you cook it in.In the introduction to the recipe listed above they said they shortened the cooking time to 2-3. Which unless you have a weak slow cooker is still too long.
 
Seaview1 July 29, 2020
To add to the history. I have made this for years, pinned from Laura’s blog spot. At some point, when I clicked on the pin the recipe was still there but she became vegan and invited you over to her new blog. Now when I click on my original pin the recipe comes up but it’s says moveable feast? Though it shows her picture and name below. She did credit where the original recipe came from but her difference was removing the tenderloin and glazing under the broiler. She specifically said it makes a huge difference. It does and that’s how it will come out, crusty on the outside doing it that way. The cook time was always too long and I learned to adjust that after the first time. It is excellent, tasty. We usually go the route of using it as pulled pork. It’s 5 star whoever is getting credit. The glaze can take longer to thicken, but I find as in most recipes the timeline is a guide, not a exact science.
 
Karl R. March 10, 2020
Such a shame that readers have to interpret the notes to create a useable recipe. I followed the recipe as written, using pork tenderloin and setting my slowcooker on low for 6 hrs (the low end of what is in the recipe). Checking at 4 1/2 hrs the meat was ruined at 176F!
Food52 should either change the cook time to 2-3 hrs (as buried in the 6th paragraph of the notes!), or change the meat to a pork loin.

I'm very disappointed!
 
cass December 9, 2019
Failure. Used pork tenderloin and cooked half the time in slow cooker. It was dry and tasteless!
 
juliunruly November 18, 2019
This was fine, but it came out nothing like a plump, juicy piece of pork like every other tenderloin I've ever cooked—and like what the photo shows. It was falling apart and shredding. Still fine, but probably wouldn't make again. As one reviewer below said, it managed to be tender and dry at the same time.
 
adavis September 25, 2019
Perfect as is! So tender with a glaze that is not too sweet! Takes a bit longer than 4 minutes to thicken glaze if you have an electric stovetop.
 
amanda L. September 20, 2019
In the video they use oregano, and olive oil for the dry rub paste...not in the ingredient list though. Just a FYI. Trying this tonight.
 
Little P. September 13, 2019
I finally made this last night and thought it was delicious! I chose to do the shorter method. Total cook time was less than 3 hours. At the last hour I prepared the glaze as suggested. I temped the pork and it was already way over 145 only 2 hours in. (so I was afraid it would be WAY dry but it was not) I just removed the pork at that time and let it sit for a few minutes while I preheated the broiler. I brushed the pork with glaze a few times while under the broiler. I never really got the crispy bits that I was hoping for because you can't really leave the pork under the broiler too long as the sugars in the glaze burn easily. I served it with smashed potatoes and sautéed spinach and my husband was in heaven. I will definitely make it again. OH.. and, even with the soy sauce I think the glaze lacked salt so I will add some next time.
 
Caitlin G. September 12, 2019
Um, guys, I don't have a crockpot, but I tried this anyway in a normal (non-cast-iron) pot, with a lid, on low heat for like 4.5 hours, eyeballed all the ingredients, accidentally allowed the internal temp to go WAY past 145 degrees F, and it was STILL DELICIOUS. (Maybe the slightest bit dry inside, but I prefer pork that way anyway.) I turned up the heat at the very end so that the last bits of sauce would get thick and a little crispy/clingy around the meat. Everyone at dinner was asking — but what's in the sauce!?!? WILL do again.
 
Dawn September 11, 2019
I was skeptical about this recipe as 6 hours seems like too much time to cook a cut of pork that is so lean but thought I’d try anyway. As suspected, I found it way over cooked and extremely dry; however, we all loved the glaze. Next time, I’ll seer the pork and then roast at 375 for about 7 min. And then broil/glaze for just a couple of minutes. Until done but still tender & juicy. Rest 5 min then carve.
 
caroline0ne September 11, 2019
Thank you. I like your approach and will try it as you suggest. Seven minutes is a far cry from six hours.👍🏼
 
Fran M. December 10, 2019
I have been cooking my pork tenderloin this way for many years. Delicious.
 
caroline0ne September 8, 2019
I would like to try this in the oven as I no longer have a crock pot; but all I see in the comments is to roast it at 350* and remove it a half hour before it is done. Any idea how long to roast it. Am also wondering about trying it with the St. Louis style ribs I just bought. Does anyone use their oven?
 
Dawn September 11, 2019
Hi Caroline! I just cooked this tonight and would not use a slow cooker next time. Just posted my thoughts. If you cook it in the oven, use a meat thermometer to guide your time. I like mine tenderloin a little pink but most people cook lol until 145 degrees.
 
leigh F. September 3, 2019
I don't get the big deal about this recipe. It is easy. I cooked it less, but don't think I'll make again.
 
Ellen S. September 1, 2019
My family loved this recipe. I served it with pappardelle and it was wonderful with the glaze. My husband said it is one of his favorite meals I have cooked.
 
bekah August 27, 2019
This is too legit to miss. I had two 1ish-pound tenderloins from Costco that I threw in the crock pot this morning and let ride for 6 hours before I remembered the glaze. Did that whole deal and it was magic. Just tender, shreddable, balsamicaramelized goodness with a sauce my husband couldn’t quit dipping bread in. My 1-yr-old, who shares most of what I give her with our dog, had thirds. So there.
 
Andrew M. August 27, 2019
Okay, the pork is good. I make it as a group dinner, but one this year had a vegetarian to cook for.

I’m here to tell y’all you’re being duped.

The best thing for this glaze (sans the cornstarch) is eggplant. Dice it, pan fry in a tablespoon or two of oil until crispy (red pepper flakes in the oil for a little heat is never remiss). Don’t salt the eggplant prior, let the heat take care of the moisture — think mushrooms. Salt after they’ve been in the pan for a bit and absorbed all the oil. Once they’re good and charred, couple spoons of glaze. Remove from heat, stir until sticky thick.
Pile on toasted ciabatta, slather of spicy mayo (sriracha and mayo forever), maybe a pickled onion if you have them.
 
Dawn September 11, 2019
The eggplant is a brilliant idea. Can’t wait to try
 
Tallulah13 October 8, 2019
I made this eggplant variation tonight & it was amazing. Thanks for the recommendation!
 
John December 29, 2019
Made once I'll it make again. I first seasoned the meat seared it before adding to the crock pot .sliced up 2 granny smiths and hand full of dried cranberries threw that in then topped with half the glaze .cooked on low 3 hours . Then i put in the oven on low broil brushed with remaining glaze .came out tender and moist . ( hint I peeled the apples )
 
Debbie R. August 26, 2019
Liked the idea and flavor profile as good, but overall method failed in my book. I really didn't like the texture the glaze with the cornstarch - yes it clings to meat better, but as a sauce it's just odd. Meat was very tender but at same time very dry. Might be better too sear the tenderloin first then slow cook directly in the sauce w/o the cornstarch. Not sure that will help the dryness, but will help the sauce, overall presentation, and flavor penetration.
 
Selma M. August 27, 2019
The last paragraph stated, "In 2019, Test Kitchen Director Josh Cohen and Senior Editor Eric Kim decided to test a version of this recipe with half the cook time (2 to 3 hours), or until the pork reached exactly 145°F, and loved how tender it tasted once carved and slathered with the sticky glaze. "
 
Debbie R. August 27, 2019
Sounds like you're fan. Great! Just doesn't knock my socks off.
 
Eric K. September 3, 2019
Thanks Selma! Yup, I highly recommend the 2-3 hour method. But people do seem to love the slow-cooked flavor and shredded texture as well. Also, there's something to be said for truly being able to set it and forget it. To each their own, I think.
 
m2hunter September 3, 2019
if you cut the cook time by that much, did you up the temp of the slow cooker to high - or is that still on low? Thanks!
 
Little P. September 3, 2019
Cool. I would try it that way next time. Still cook on low in the slow cooker just shorten the time to 3 hours? Thanks!
 
Eric K. September 3, 2019
Yup, low! All Crockpots are different though so check the pork’s internal temperature.
 
Little P. August 26, 2019
It doesn't specify whether to use light or dark brown sugar????? I want to make this today can someone let me know asap?? Thank you!
 
Henry S. August 26, 2019
I used dark, it has more zip.
 
Eric K. September 3, 2019
Dark is wetter too! But both would work fine here.
 
Little P. September 3, 2019
Thanks!
 
Redpine August 8, 2019
After cooking could it be frozen and rethawed?
 
Stevie June 25, 2019
I was concerned that the pork would be dry because it cooked on low for over 8 hours, but it was moist and flavorful (although shredding). Agree that it would be best glazed in the oven, but my pork was too delicate to get it from the slow cooker to a sheet pan.
 
Henry S. May 21, 2019
5 out of 5. Everything about this was awesome, when it came time to glaze the meat i drained some of the juice out of the crockpot in order to get more on. Glazing in the oven is the way to go. TIP: double the recipe for the glaze, you won't regret it.
 
ChefMommie May 7, 2019
This crock pot tenderloin is a winner. I've made it at least 6 times, it has definitely found it's way into our regular dinner rotation! I've made it as the recipe instructs with the exception of the ground sage. I don't have it on hand, and it's delicious without it. I also only make one tenderloin as we are a small family. It cooks in the slow cooker on low for about 5 hours (until the meat pulls apart easily). The balsamic reduction sauce is wonderful and I highly recommend popping it under the broiler to caramelize the sauce. It doesn't take much time or effort to do this step. Any leftover sauce I combine with olive oil to make a nice salad dressing. A+, my family highly recommends!
 
Lrush May 5, 2019
Way too dry. I cooked for 6 hours on low.
 
Sandy D. May 5, 2019
Wondering if one could use maple syrup in place of the brown sugar?
 
ingrid C. December 15, 2018
Ahh, I'm so happy to find this recipe on here! I made this for our Christmas dinner last year.. it was a huge hit and my family has requested it again this year! Except my pin link wasn't working and the original website is no longer functioning... que panic! Printed it out this time, no more chances!
 
Pat November 19, 2018
Easy, excellent recipe. Sauce is delicious!
 
Yvette B. November 11, 2018
This was spectacular! To cut down on time and worry about dryness, I made this with the sous vide in about an hour. I made the rub as directed, put a splash of apple cider in the bag and it came out beautifully. I also subbed apple cider for water for the glaze. Perfect Sunday dinner with fried apples, steamed green beans, and wild rice. Definitely doing this again.
 
Lydia D. December 1, 2018
Thank you, Yvette. I did it just as you recommended, and it was fantastic!
 
mary May 17, 2019
What temperature on Sou vide and how long.
 
Jennataylormd August 25, 2019
What temp did u souls vide on?
 
Dawn September 11, 2019
Sous vide is a great idea!
 
Cheryce S. October 27, 2018
I followed the recipe exactly and it turned out AMAZING. All of my picky eaters loved it. I slow cooked the tenderloin in the crockpot for 8 hours. The meat turned out juicy and easily pulled apart. When it was done I spooned the glaze on and broiled, repeated a few times until I had a nice thick crispy crust. The measurements to make the glaze made the perfect amount, I had just a little extra for sides or if anyone wanted to drizzle a little more. So happy with this. I will be making it again when I want to impress someone ;)
 
Kathryn L. October 8, 2018
The spices and seasoning sound wonderful. I don’t eat pork. Maybe I could substitute no skin no bone chicken breasts instead. I’ll make more broth. Sounds delicious!
 
Eric K. May 3, 2019
Sounds divine.
 
Audrey E. October 8, 2018
If you cook a tenderloin for 6-8 hours, you will have nothing but a dried up piece of meat. Pork can be cooked with a little pink in it. It will not hurt you. People are going by way old days when pork carried trichenosis. Not any more. Audra Nichols
 
Georgeann December 13, 2018
I am not sure how you cook your pork for 6 to 8 hours but the way the recipe calls for the pork is phenomenal it is not dry it is not overcooked it is perfect
 
Pam April 18, 2019
What size was your tenderloin. I bought 2 Hormel tenderloins that will be just a little bit more than the 2 pounds but not 2 pounds in 1 piece. Trying to decide how long to cook tomorrow for my Easter.
 
Kelly M. May 3, 2019
See Eric Kim's update on this recipe using pork shoulder - no fear of drying out!
 
Petra L. September 16, 2018
I usually don't write comments on recipes but this one really deserves one. I followed exactly the recipe but combined it with our German sides of potato dumplings or spaetzle which are kind of homemade German noodles. The glaze we had left wasn't even enough to drench our sides in it :)
This is how good it was. Overall...we ate way too much for dinner tonight and will roll over to the couch now to relax. Thanks for this amazing recipe!
 
Cash2014 September 24, 2018
Hi Petra! Did you follow the recipe exactly? Use broiler? All of these varying comments ha me questioning everything...ha! Thanks in advance :)
 
Petra L. September 24, 2018
I did broil the meat towards the end. That was actually what everyone loved so much. My family was asking me how the meat comes out of the slowcooker that nice and brown and even lightly crispy.
We will have company over next weekend and this recipe will be on the menu again! Thanks again for this great idea :)
Ps: my sides were seperate made. Not in the slowcooker :)
 
Eric K. May 3, 2019
I love your testimonial!
 
Dawn September 11, 2019
Petra! That whole dinner sounds amazing and like a perfect combo of sides with the pork. Yummy
 
Rhonda E. September 2, 2018
what temp should the PT be when done, no pink?
 
Deedledum February 14, 2019
Pork that's bred nowadays can be eaten with a wee bit of pink. In fact, it's better that way.
 
Ann August 5, 2018
The glaze in this recipe is everything. So delicious! I made it with boneless pork chops and coconut rice as a side dish. Had some breadfruit crisps on the side too. Lovely!
 
Robyn S. July 31, 2018
I used to make this.... http://www.candcmarriagefactory.com/2011/01/brown-sugar-and-balsamic-glazed-pork.html
...and it was awesome. Now the link is broken and I'm searching. I can't tell if this recipe is the same - or just similar. Anyone know? After reading this article I'm more curious than ever!
 
Mike May 28, 2018
How much water do I use for the glaze?
 
Donette B. February 14, 2018
What do you serve with this?
 
C. H. November 11, 2017
I'm going to try it in my new "Intstapot"- just got it on a great sale at Amazon.
All my nurse friends either have on or are getting one. They are great if you don't have a lot of time on your hands or if you just remembered to fix dinner!
 
Linda A. June 17, 2019
Just got one myself but I am scared of ruining dinner in it!
 
Renee November 10, 2017
I cooked my pork in the crockpot on high for 4 hours and like most of the other comments it came out dry. The flavor was really good though so next time I will probably just cook it in the oven on 350. On a side note, I also made a sweet potato, apple, and bacon hash to go with it and it was amazing.
 
Patty L. November 22, 2016
I cooked this tonight. Pork tenderloin was about 3.5lbs and cooked on high for 4 hours in the crockpot, then did the glaze on it in the oven @350 for about 30-45 minutes. It was a hit with the whole family!!!
 
Margaret Y. November 6, 2016
Says brown sugar glazed. No sugar in recipe
 
Paula P. November 22, 2016
It's between "pork" and "cornstarch"
 
pat January 22, 2017
brown Sugar is SUGAR.
 
Linda A. June 17, 2019
LMAO
 
Anne September 1, 2016
I followed the links back to the original recipe and it did state "pork loin", not pork tenderloin as some people have questioned.
 
Anne September 1, 2016
Ooops. Looks like the recipe links have both.
 
Paula P. August 11, 2016
did you answer if you could use a frozen tenderloin? I missed it.
 
Toni December 11, 2016
Yes u can n it will turn out extremely tender
 
Crystal D. May 9, 2016
Yum!! just made this tonight and it was a hit with the whole family.
 
Naoma April 30, 2016
Hey why can`t your recipes be copyed, [email protected]
 
Sony S. July 19, 2016
Agree with you
 
Anita K. September 14, 2016
Copy and paste copy to email and send to yourself.....
 
frank April 13, 2016
Wouldn’t it be easier to just roast it in the oven at 350? Tenderloins don’t take very long and then you don’t have to wash the heavy crock pot. Or better yet the grill! Plus I do not care for the texture of pork loins (tender or otherwise) from the crock pot. Better for a cheaper shoulder or something with more fat. Tenderloin (to me) should have the texture a steak. After all it is tenderloin of the pig. Another great easy sauce is a 3 to 1 mixture of (real) maple syrup and Dijon mustard!
 
Bonita O. May 20, 2016
Yes! I agree with you, Frank. Great idea. I hate cleaning the crock pot. And I'm going to try your syrup and mustard.
Thanks!
Bonita
 
Karen July 12, 2016
There are bags for the crockpot so there is little to no cleaning. BEST thing ever invented!
 
Toni December 11, 2016
You can definitely do it in the oven I would cover it .N then for the last 15 mins take the cover off so it will brown
 
Lisa March 14, 2016
So glad I read the comments prior to making. I used pork tenderloins as recipe calls for. The package was 2.25 lbs and I made it the night before so all i had to do was heat under the broiler when I got home
From work. I cooked it for 5 hours in the crock pot. It did produce a lot of liquid so I spooned some out before glazing it. After 4 hours I glazed it maybe 3 times. I saved the rest for the next day when i heated it. For heating the next day i put it on high for about 1/2 hr then put it under the broiler on low and glazed it every 4 min for maybe 20 min. Just check with meat thermometer to be sure heated through. Was very tasty and family loved it. Will make again.
 
Hope R. March 8, 2016
This recipe is wonderful it definitely does not take as long I use a tenderloin every time and it take usually around 5 hours I never put mine in the oven to broil because I read it dries it out sometimes I'm able to put the sauce on within the last hour sometimes I'm not it is delicious either way!!!
 
Toni December 11, 2016
Well you need to keep it covered in the oven and then for the last 15 minutes take the cover off so that it Can Brown and pour some of the juice over it
 
Nancy N. February 26, 2016
can I make this from a tenderloin right from the freezer? I forgot to take it out the day before?
 
Amy April 10, 2016
Nancy, how did that work out? What was the size of your tenderloin and how long did it take?
 
Toni December 11, 2016
Of course you can I've done it and it turned out even more tender
 
kara S. February 4, 2016
This was excellent. I followed directions as instructed down to basting the last hour and putting it under the broiler for approximately 5 minutes. I think there may be variations in some others crock pots where the recipe could have gone wrong? Otherwise, this is a keeper and I will be using it again. The final touch, apple sauce.
 
Jeaninne W. January 24, 2016
Found this recipe on a gluten free board, however soy sauce is not gluten free. You must substitute with Tamari sauce.
 
Jennifer B. February 7, 2016
La Choy soy sauce is gluten free
 
Scott B. January 23, 2016
This seems odd. there's no leaner cut of pork than a tenderloin. I would only slow cook tough cuts of meat like shoulder.
 
Carol D. April 13, 2016
I agree. Maybe a center cut pork loin. They are just a little larger than tenderloins and it would make sense for this recipe. Not an actual pork tenderloin though. They are already so tender!
 
Toni December 11, 2016
I used boneless country ribs and they were absolutely delicious I used to pack a Cajun seasoning and added a little extra garlic and onion flakes turned out wonderful
 
Ann December 23, 2015
My tenderloin was overdone at 5 hours, so please check your meat before the times mentioned. as another reviewer noted, the picture does not appear to be of a tenderloin, but rather , a loin. BIG DIFFERENCE. I cannot image a tenderloin taking as long to cook as this recipe suggests, even in the slowest of slow cookers. The sauce was delicious, but since my meat was overcooked, I never really got to add it as a glaze. Sadly, all of mine had to be served on the side.
 
Toni December 11, 2016
you should have cut it up made the sauce and just let it sit in the sauce for about an hour it woodHave sucked up the sauce and it wouldn't have been so dry
 
Toni December 11, 2016
Would have lol
 
Tori December 23, 2015
This was a great recipe! It was easy to follow. I had to put extra water in the crockpot because it dried up. Instead of 7 hours on low, I would cook it for 5-6. The glaze was fantastic. Yum.
 
C. H. December 12, 2015
No one has answered but you! Do you have any suggestions? Anything would be a help.
 
C. H. December 11, 2015
Can someone suggest how to cook this as we don't have a Crock-Pot?
We have both an Enamel or a Clay Dutch oven.
Thank you!
 
Mary E. December 12, 2015
Did anyone answer your question how to cook w/o crock pot. I have Dutch oven, and a clay cloche (don't think it will work but I'm checking mfg) and enamel pan.
 
ioanna April 8, 2016
I cooked it in a Dutch oven covered the whole time. I put sage, salt, pepper, some water and a bit of olive oil and cooked it for around 2 hours in 190 C then I added the sauce, garlic and some chopped spring onions and cooked it for another 2 hours. It came out super tender!
 
Toni December 11, 2016
Of course the Dutch oven would work put the oven on 350 and add a little water around the tenderloin and then about a half hour before it's finished Add your sauce without the lid so it will Brown
 
Kathleen November 14, 2015
BTW, is the meat supposed to be a pork tenderloin or a pork loin? The recipe says tenderloin and the picture shows a pork loin. Pork loins can dry out very easily, whereas it's actually kinda difficult to dry out a tenderloin. The loin will be a larger cut of meat, usually 4-5 inches cut across the center. The length can vary depending upon the butcher/store. A tenderloin will normally be just a couple inches cut across and probably about a foot long. Pork tenderloins are usually used for things like Pork Medallions, etc. Pork loins are usually used for things like boneless pork chops.
 
Toni December 11, 2016
Then make the sauce for your pork chops and just let them cook in the sauce cover it and put it in a dutch oven or a baking pan in the oven on 350 for about an hour problem solved
 
Wendy C. November 6, 2015
It probably got dry if you left it in the pot too long. I just basted it with the liquid in the crockpot. I thought it was the best recipe I have we done because it wasnt dry. I just did a pot roast in the crockpot last week..disgustingly dried out....too long in the pot I'm sure. Try it again and really shorten the time.
 
Nancy B. November 6, 2015
OK, but I only cooked for 4 hours on low, but I think the glazing it in the broiler dried it out. Our family also likes fattier cuts of pork, so may try that. Thanks for response.
 
Wendy C. November 6, 2015
51/2 hours in crockpot tops! I skipped the broiler and it glazed perfectly in the pot.
 
Nancy B. November 6, 2015
So what happens to all the liquid when you glaze it in crockpot. Also, I'm the one who wrote concerned about dryness. Does glazing in crockpot keep it from drying out? Thanks!
 
Nancy B. November 6, 2015
I made this last night and chose to glaze in the broiler. It tasted great, but as I suspect, it turned out dry. Tenderloin is such a lean cut, I don't know that this is avoidable. Maybe best to make w/ a pork shoulder (kind of like David Chang's Bo Saam (?)). Any ideas on how to make it not dry. Was tender but dry.
 
Alex November 3, 2015
Could you recommend a time to cook it on the high setting for a crockpot? I can't start this recipe until about 6:30pm tonight and would like to finish the recipe before 11. I know it will take away some of the melt-in-your-mouth perfection to use the high setting but I do really want to try this recipe.
 
Cresta J. November 1, 2015
Made this today and wow! Amazing. Followed the slow cooker instructions as described and used the oven broil option for the glazed. Just perfect. I reserved the liquid from the crock pot and made a nice gravy for our mashed potatoes. Also served with roasted asparagus. New favorite meal!
 
Dee November 16, 2015
Strained the drippings from the crock pot and made gravy adding two beef cubes...you're right...delicious!
 
Geri E. October 27, 2019
Crests and Dee, I’m a bit confused. When you strained the drippings, was the balsamic brown sugar sauce already in the pot or did you serve it separately? You didn’t mention the sauce. Did you mix the drippings with the sauce and serve it like a gravy?thank you
 
Geri E. October 27, 2019
Did you add the sauce to the drippings?
 
Geri E. October 27, 2019
Did you mix the sauce into the drippings?
 
Angela October 29, 2015
Can I cook 2 pork tenderlion in crop pot at the same time because I am making and taking a meal for friend?
 
Cresta J. November 1, 2015
Definitely! I used two smaller tenderloins in the pot.
 
Angela November 2, 2015
Thank you.
 
Penny L. October 20, 2015
Ground sage substitute: 1t ground ginger, 1/2t dried thyme, 1/4 t marjoram, several grinds fresh black pepper. Mix together and fine-tune the proportions until it smells like sage.

Sharp yet earthy, just like sage, and it gets the job done.
 
shan October 11, 2015
mashed sweet potatoes and green beans good sides
 
Julie C. October 6, 2015
What to make for a side?
 
Gabriela September 22, 2015
Sage substitute? I don't have Sage and everything is "ready" to go?
 
Patricia September 17, 2015
What's a good side for the pork tenderloin
 
Raquel G. September 30, 2015
I made roasted rosemary dijon potatoes and sauteed garlic spinach and they went very well.
 
Wendy C. August 24, 2015
I found that 6-8 hours is a bit too long. As I stated before...this is the best crock pot recipe that I have ever done..and it did glaze in the pot without the broiler! But I would cook only 51/2 hours in the pot.
 
Amber August 24, 2015
This was really good, thank you!
 
Xorinda M. August 24, 2015
My husband and I ABSOLUTELY love this recipe. We are going to have this tonight with spaghetti squash with butter and garlic. <3
 
Emily June 25, 2015
Sorry I meant cook for 6 to 8 hours, not cool. (See comment below)
 
Emily June 25, 2015
If I'm cutting the recipe in half, do I still cool for 6 to 8 hours? This might be a no brainer, but this is my first time cooking with a crockpot.
 
Linda June 18, 2015
My boyfriend doesn't eat pork. Did anyone tried it with chicken? If so, how'd it went?
 
Pat June 18, 2015
Can I use chicken breast? We don't eat pork.
Can I use chicken? We don't eat pork.
 
Debbie September 28, 2015
Just curious why you would click on a PORK recipe, if you don't eat pork?
 
Lisa A. May 18, 2015
OH MY GOODNESS! This recipe is a little bit of heaven! Thank you! Even the picky eaters loved it!!! I put it in the broiler and the crust was awesome! On a side note my store had pork roasts on sale for 1.49 a pound so i used that instead of a tenderloin and just doubled the sauce recipe due to the size and it is still awesome! Thank you so much for sharing!
 
Jennifer W. April 11, 2015
This looks delicious...what size crock pot would you recommend using? I end up burning half the crock pot recipes I try because they don't have a size listed.
 
Jill R. May 31, 2015
The crockpot should be about 2/3-3/4 full otherwise things cook too fast and dry out. Hope that helps.
 
lalawils March 25, 2015
One of the best things to ever come out of my crock pot. Thank you for this recipe. It will become a regular feature at our house! :D
 
Elizabeth D. February 23, 2015
used this to make a pulled pork and it is my family's favorite recipie by far. i just shredded the pork after the initial cook time and then add the sauce (which I doubled) and then cooked for another 2 hours! Best pulled pork
 
Wendy C. February 16, 2015
Fantastic! he best slow cooker recipe that
I have done!! And it actually glazed in the crock pot! I will do 51/2 hours in the pot next time..
 
diane J. February 2, 2015
I made this for the Super bowl. Be careful if you put under the broiler! I glazed one side and broiled for 5 minutes, then glazed the other side and broiled 5 minutes. Nice crust, but the meat totally dried out. What a disappointment after waiting for 5 hours!
 
Ashley P. January 12, 2015
Any idea on what the serving size would be for just the sauce (delicious by the way) ?
 
anne December 26, 2014
How do I know when it is ready??
 
Emma K. December 6, 2014
First I have to tell you that I have never commented on a recipe before, I just never seem to get around to it. But I had to tell you that I made this a few days ago and my family, which includes twin 2 year olds (with fussy 2 year old eating habits!) all loved it! I had a nice piece of leftover tenderloin so I decided to try it on a pizza. I layers the pizza dough with fontina cheese, the pulled pork, scallions, and cheddar cheese. After it was finished baking I drizzled the pizza with the glaze. Mmmm leftover heaven! Thank you for this recipe and for inspiring a new one!
 
Shannon H. November 13, 2014
Made this last night, used cherry balsalmic vinegar because I didn't have plain. It was super delicious, even the kids liked it. My daughter hates vinegar, this did not have a vinegar taste to the sauce like you'd expect. Will for sure be making it again!
 
Katie November 9, 2014
Made this with 2" thick pork chops. Cut cooking time to 4 hours on low. Delicious!
 
ann H. November 6, 2014
Wow. This is so good it is now in my monthly rotation.
 
Brooke J. September 24, 2014
I cooked it on low for about 4 and a half hours and then broiled for about 30 mins glazing it every 4 mins it was perfect meat was unbelievably tender and glaze was just the right thick crunch. I nade with rice but next time im going to make my artichoke mashed potatoes with it. Yummmm.
 
Breanna August 29, 2014
Can I make this with a pork roast instead of tenderloin I thought I had a tenderloin went to pull it out of the freezer realized it was a roast lol
 
Lori E. May 9, 2014
OMG, soooo freakin good...with ham fried rice. AWESOMENESS!!!
 
jennifer March 2, 2014
The pork was SOOO tender! Loved this recipe!
 
Ruth A. March 2, 2014
I made this and we loved it. So tender.
 
Nicole H. February 27, 2014
I cooked it 6 hours in the slow cooker. Then put it in glass baking dish.. glazed it, transferred it to the oven for 10 minutes, then i turned the broiler on low for 15 minutes and glazed it ever 3 minutes.. DELISH!!!!!!
 
Daria B. March 15, 2015
What temperature did you out in the oven?
 
Daria B. March 15, 2015
Sorry put it in the oven
 
Deb B. January 19, 2014
I just tried this today and LOVE it!
 
barr November 6, 2013
I just did what Belina suggested. Seems to be ok. The tenderloin is a little gamey and I wonder if that's due to the speed? I haven't made it slow so can't confirm.
 
Belina G. September 19, 2013
What are your thoughts on speeding up the slow cooker time to 4 hours?
 
Roz January 19, 2019
Nice