Roasted Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin (or Slow Cooker)

Slow Cooker

Glazed Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin – Whether oven-roasted or slow-cooked in the crockpot, this easy recipe makes the most tender, and most flavorful pork tenderloin every time!

Slices of roasted honey garlic pork tenderloin set in a black cast iron pan.

Why We Love this Pork Recipe

Terrific for holidays, special occasions, or really any dinner, there is something that just feels so festive about a perfectly cooked tenderloin. The lean, buttery – well, tenderness – of the meat has such a delicious taste to make any meal seem special.

This baked Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin is a fabulous, crowd-pleasing main dish protein that’s actually ridiculously easy to make in the oven or in the crockpot. The showstopper here is a thick, irresistible glaze made with honey, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic (of course), and a handful of spices… Similar to our Honey Garlic Beef Tenderloin recipe, this pork version is savory-sweet and pairs well with all sorts of potato dishes and veggie sides.

We’re focusing on the quick and easy 30-minute stovetop/oven roasting method today, but also offer slow cooker instructions below. It comes out delicious both ways, but the main benefit of making it in the oven is that the glaze sticks nicely to the roasted pork tenderloin, and creates a shiny crust.

Whichever no-fail method you choose, everyone at the table is sure to love this recipe!

Top down slices of roasted honey garlic pork tenderloin set in a black cast iron pan.

Ingredients You Need

Olive oil – or other high-heat oil with a neutral flavor, like avocado or canola oil
Pork tenderloin – two pieces will yield 8 servings
Spices – salt, smoked paprika, ground cumin, ground black pepper
Honey – pourable
Soy sauce – I recommend low-sodium, or coconut aminos
Apple cider vinegar – just the right tangy big of acid to bring together the honey and soy sauce
Garlic cloves – minced

Want to spice things up? Consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper or cayenne pepper.

How to Make Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Set out a large 12 to 14-inch cast iron skillet, or an equivalent oven-safe sauté pan. In a small bowl, mix the salt, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and ground black pepper. Mix well, then rub over the entire surface of both pork chops.

Pour the oil into the skillet and set it over medium heat. Once the skillet is hot, sear the pork tenderloins for about 2 minutes per side to brown the exterior, 6 to 8 minutes total.

Two seared tenderloins in a cast iron skillet.

Remove the pork tenderloin from the skillet and place them on a holding plate.

Then, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for one minute, stirring continuously, so it does not burn.

Minced garlic sauteeing in a cast iron skillet with wooden spatula.

Pour in the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Simmer the honey garlic sauce for 1 to 3 minutes to thicken. Then place the pork tenderloin back into the skillet.

Get the Complete (Printable) Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin Recipe Below. Enjoy!

Two roasted tenderloins in a cast iron skillet.

Use tongs to rotate the pork so that it is coated in the glaze on all sides. Then place the skillet in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the interior temperature is between 145-150°F.

Spooning honey garlic glaze over two baked pork tenderloins in a cast iron skillet.

Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Allow the pork to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing.

Two seared oven roasted pork tenderloins with honey glaze in a cast iron skillet.

Slow Cooker Instructions

Slow cooker pork tenderloin takes a bit longer, obviously. But there is no need to sear it first, so the prep time is faster and easier.

First, prepare the spice seasoning, and rub the pork tenderloin as directed above. Place them in a large 6-quart slow cooker.

Set a small skillet over medium heat. Add the oil and garlic. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes to soften the garlic, being careful not to burn it. Sprinkle the sautéed garlic over the pork tenderloin.

Pour the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider into the crockpot. Cover and set on LOW for 5 to 7 hours, or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours. Stir the sauce in the bottom of the crock and spoon it over the pork tenderloin. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Slices of slow cooker honey garlic pork tenderloin chops set in a black cast iron pan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to serve with pork tenderloin?

This is definitely a meat and potatoes kind of dish! Pair it with fluffy Mashed Potatoes or fancy Duchess Potatoes, Mashed Sweet Potatoes, or Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes.

And yes, of course, you should also serve some kind of veggies. Honey garlic pork chops are a great protein with Oven Roasted Broccoli, Air Fryer Asparagus, or Crispy Brussels Sprouts.

With veggies and potatoes, Haricot Vert (green beans) and Baby Potatoes is the perfect one dish!

Can I use agave instead of honey?

Yes, you can! Instead of honey sub with 1/4 cup of agave.

What is the safe internal temperature of pork?

The tenderloin needs to reach 145 degrees F on a meat thermometer before it is safe to eat.

Should you sear pork tenderloin before slow cooking?

No, there is no need to sear it first! Simply place raw the seasoned pork right in the crockpot.

How long do leftovers last?

Roasted pork tenderloin will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.

To freeze cooked pork tenderloin, I recommend not slicing it first to keep the meat as juicy as possible. Let the entire tenderloin cool, then wrap it in parchment paper and seal it in an airtight plastic zipper bag. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 months.

Can I make this recipe with chicken?

Sure! Add bone-in chicken breasts and thighs or boneless skinless chicken pieces instead. If using bone-in chicken, sear the chicken in the skillet, as directed, then roast in the oven for 25 minutes. If using boneless chicken breasts, cook as directed in the recipe below.

Looking for More Easy Dinner Recipes? Be Sure to Also Try:

Cooked honey garlic pork tenderloin out from roasted. Chops sliced in cast iron skillet.

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