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Easy Crockpot Apple Cider Braised Pork Tenderloin

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This easy crockpot apple cider braised pork tenderloin is the ultimate hands-off meal. With simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you get incredibly tender, flavorful pork that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

  • Pork Tenderloin (2 lbs / 900g)
  • Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
  • Olive Oil (2 tablespoons / 30ml)
  • Apple Cider (2 cups / 480ml)
  • Chicken Broth (1/2 cup / 120ml)
  • Apple Cider Vinegar (2 tablespoons / 30ml)
  • Yellow Onion (1 medium, sliced)
  • Garlic Cloves (4-5, smashed)
  • Fresh Thyme (4-5 sprigs)
  • Cinnamon Stick (1)
  • Bay Leaves (2)
  • Cornstarch (2 tablespoons / 16g)
  • Butter (1 tablespoon / 14g)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Pork: Take pork tenderloin out of fridge 20 minutes before cooking. Pat dry, trim silver skin, season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Sear the Pork: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork for 3-4 minutes per side until deep golden brown.
  3. Build the Base: Place sliced onion, smashed garlic, thyme sprigs, cinnamon stick, and bay leaves in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  4. Deglaze and Assemble: Transfer seared pork to slow cooker. Pour apple cider into hot skillet, scrape up browned bits, then pour cider and chicken broth around the pork.
  5. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
  6. Make the Sauce: Transfer pork to cutting board and tent with foil. Strain braising liquid into a saucepan, skim fat, and bring to a simmer. Whisk cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water, add to liquid, cook 1-2 minutes until thickened. Stir in butter.
  7. Slice and Serve: Slice pork into 1-inch medallions, arrange on platter, spoon sauce over top. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired.

Notes

Don’t skip the sear—it adds deep flavor. Use good-quality apple cider for best results. Let pork rest 5-10 minutes before slicing. Leftovers keep in fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot, apple cider, pork tenderloin, slow cooker, fall recipe, easy dinner

Find it online: https://perkypan.com/easy-crockpot-apple-cider-braised-pork-tenderloin-recipe/