Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Loin
A simple and comforting slow cooker recipe featuring tender pork loin glazed with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. Perfect for busy days and family dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes on low, or 3 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes on high
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 to 3 pounds pork loin, trimmed of excess fat
- 4 to 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup honey (80 ml)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (60 ml), low-sodium recommended
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (30 ml)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml), for searing (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (120 ml)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (8 grams), mixed with cold water to thicken sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the pork loin dry and trim any excess fat or silver skin. Season generously with salt and pepper all over. (5 minutes)
- Optional: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork loin on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. (10 minutes)
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, chicken broth, and black pepper. (5 minutes)
- Place the pork loin in the slow cooker and pour the sauce evenly over it. (2 minutes)
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until pork is fork-tender and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Optional: Remove pork and pour sauce into a saucepan. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook over medium heat until thickened, about 2-3 minutes. (5 minutes)
- Slice the pork loin and spoon the honey garlic sauce over the top. Serve warm with your choice of sides. (5 minutes)
Notes
Searing the pork loin before slow cooking is optional but adds flavor and a caramelized crust. Keep the lid closed during cooking to retain moisture. Use a meat thermometer to ensure pork reaches 145°F (63°C). Thicken sauce with cornstarch slurry if desired. The sauce tastes even better the next day. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Pork tenderloin can be used but requires shorter cooking time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 6 ounc
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Protein: 35
Keywords: slow cooker, honey garlic, pork loin, easy dinner, comfort food, crockpot recipe, tender pork, weeknight meal