Imagine a dish so tender it falls apart with the gentlest touch, so flavorful it makes your taste buds dance, and so easy to prepare that you'll look like a culinary genius with minimal effort. This Crockpot Cherry Pork Tenderloin is about to become your new go-to recipe that will have family and friends begging for seconds! With just a handful of ingredients and the magic of slow cooking, you'll transform an ordinary pork tenderloin into a restaurant-worthy meal that combines sweet, savory, and absolutely irresistible flavors.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Pork tenderloin
- Cherry preserves
- Onion
- Garlic
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the pork tenderloin by patting it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better seasoning absorption.
- Season the pork tenderloin generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides, ensuring even coverage.
- Peel and finely dice the onion, then mince the garlic cloves to release their aromatic flavors.
- Place the seasoned pork tenderloin into the crockpot, creating a base layer.
- Sprinkle the diced onions and minced garlic around and over the pork tenderloin.
- Open the cherry preserves and pour them evenly over the pork, ensuring complete coverage to infuse the meat with sweet and tangy flavor.
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and set to low heat setting for 6 hours, allowing the pork to become tender and absorb the cherry sauce.
- After 6 hours, carefully remove the pork tenderloin and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- Slice the pork against the grain into medallions and serve with the remaining cherry sauce from the crockpot.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Always select a fresh, high-quality pork tenderloin with minimal visible fat for the best results.
- Pat Dry for Perfect Seasoning: Ensure you thoroughly pat the pork dry before seasoning to help the salt and pepper adhere better and create a more flavorful crust.
- Layer Flavors Strategically: Distribute onions and garlic evenly to ensure every bite is infused with aromatic goodness.
- Low and Slow is the Way to Go: Resist the temptation to rush the cooking process. The 6-hour low heat setting is crucial for achieving melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
- Resting is Essential: Always let the pork rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum moisture and flavor.
- Slice Against the Grain: When serving, cut the pork tenderloin perpendicular to the muscle lines to guarantee the most tender, easy-to-eat slices.
- Sauce Salvation: Don't discard the remaining cherry sauce in the crockpot - it's liquid gold! Drizzle it over the sliced pork or use as a delicious accompaniment.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 371kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 36g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 112mg
