Description
This Asian Style Pork Tenderloin recipe features tender, slow-cooked pork infused with warming spices and a flavorful sweet and tangy glaze. Slow cooking ensures juicy, melt-in-your-mouth meat, while a quick broil caramelizes the glaze to create a delicious crust. Garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, this dish is perfect served alongside Asian-inspired cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Spice Rub
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon powdered ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon powdered cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
Main Ingredient
- 2 pounds pork tenderloin
Glaze
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ cup rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
- ½ cup cold water
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro (to garnish)
- Lime wedges (to garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the spice rub: In a small bowl, thoroughly combine the brown sugar, salt, powdered ginger, cinnamon, garlic powder, powdered cloves, black pepper, and crushed red pepper. This blend will infuse the pork with aromatic flavors.
- Season the pork tenderloin: Place the tenderloins into the slow cooker. Rub the prepared spice mixture evenly all over the pork, including the underside, to ensure full flavor coverage.
- Add water to the slow cooker: Pour ½ cup of water into the slow cooker around the edges or in the middle carefully so as not to wash off the seasoning on the pork. This moisture helps maintain juiciness during cooking.
- Slow cook the pork: Cook the pork on the low setting for 6 to 8 hours, allowing the meat to become tender and flavorful. While it finishes, preheat your oven broiler in preparation for glazing.
- Make the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup brown sugar, cornstarch, rice vinegar, cold water, and soy sauce. Place over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 4 minutes.
- Add fresh ginger to glaze: Remove the glaze from heat and stir in the minced fresh ginger, adding a bright and spicy note to the glaze.
- Prepare the pork for broiling: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray it with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Remove the pork from the slow cooker, discard the cooking liquid, and place the pork on the prepared baking sheet.
- Apply glaze and broil: Brush a generous amount of the ginger glaze over the pork. Position the oven rack at the highest level and broil the pork for 1 to 2 minutes until the glaze bubbles and caramelizes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Repeat glazing and broiling: Remove the pork and brush on more glaze, then return it to the broiler. Repeat this process 2 to 3 more times to build a thick, crusty caramelized coating without drying out the meat.
- Serve and garnish: Serve the pork tenderloin with the remaining glaze on the side. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges. This dish pairs beautifully with Asian cauliflower rice for a well-rounded meal.
Notes
- Do not skip the broiling step as it adds a wonderful caramelized texture to the glaze.
- Watch the broiler carefully; the glaze can burn quickly due to the sugar content.
- If rice vinegar is unavailable, white vinegar is an acceptable substitute.
- For a spicier version, increase the crushed red pepper slightly.
- This recipe can be doubled, but adjust slow cooker size accordingly.
- Great served alongside steamed vegetables or Asian cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
