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This easy Slow Cooker Pork Loin Roast is tender, juicy and coated in the most delicious honey garlic sauce. A quick sear adds extra flavor, then the Crock Pot takes over while you go about your day. The sweet and savory sauce thickens into a glossy glaze that’s perfect spooned over the sliced pork, mashed potatoes or rice. It’s an easy family dinner that feels a little fancy without a lot of fuss.
Table of Contents
- Kellie’s Note Pork-fection Achieved
- Why You’ll Love My Slow Cooker Pork Loin
- Ingredients for Slow Cooker Pork Loin
- How to Make Slow Cooker Pork Loin
- Kellie’s Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Pork Loin
- Pork Loin vs. Pork Tenderloin: What’s the Difference?
- Honey Garlic Sauce Tips and Variations
- Honey Garlic Sauce Tips and Variations
- What to Serve with Slow Cooker Pork Loin
- How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Pork Loin
- Can You Make Slow Cooker Pork Loin Ahead of Time
- More Easy Pork Recipes
- Slow Cooker Pork Loin with Honey Garlic Sauce Recipe
Kellie’s Note
Pork-fection Achieved
I’ve had an on-again, off-again relationship with my slow cooker over the years. There was a time when I used it for just about everything, until I made one too many stews and gave it a little vacation.
But recipes like this Slow Cooker Pork Loin are why I keep coming back. I’ve made this pork roast several times, and I recently updated the recipe to give the honey garlic sauce even more flavor. A quick sear adds a beautifully golden crust, and finishing the sauce with a little cornstarch gives it that glossy, sticky consistency that’s practically begging to be poured over mashed potatoes.
It’s the kind of dinner that tastes like you worked a lot harder than you actually did. My favorite kind.
Why You’ll Love My Slow Cooker Pork Loin
- Tender and juicy. Cooking the pork loin on LOW and checking the internal temperature helps keep this lean cut tender without drying it out.
- The honey garlic sauce! It’s sweet, savory, a little tangy and full of garlicky flavor. A quick simmer turns it into a glossy sauce you’ll want to spoon over everything.
- Easy enough for a weeknight. The prep is simple, and searing the pork is optional if you’re short on time.
- Great for leftovers. Slice it for sandwiches, serve it over rice or turn it into an easy second dinner.
- Budget-friendly and family-approved. A pork loin roast makes plenty for everyone without a lot of hands-on work.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Pork Loin
You don’t need anything fancy to make this Crock Pot Pork Loin, but a few flavorful pantry staples make the honey garlic sauce extra delicious.
- Boneless Pork Loin Roast: Look for a 3–4 pound roast, preferably with a thin layer of fat on top for added flavor. Pork loin is not the same as pork tenderloin, so double-check the label.
- Salt, Pepper and Garlic Powder: A simple seasoning blend gives the pork flavor before it goes into the slow cooker.
- Olive Oil: For searing the pork before slow cooking. You can substitute avocado oil or another neutral cooking oil.
- Honey: Adds sweetness and helps balance the savory ingredients. Mild-flavored honey works best.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Gives the sauce its salty, savory flavor. Low-sodium tamari is an alternative if you need a gluten-free option.
- Chicken Broth: Adds liquid and savory flavor. Vegetable broth works, too.
- Fresh Garlic and Ginger: These give the sauce plenty of fresh, aromatic flavor. Garlic powder or ground ginger can work in a pinch, but fresh is my favorite.
- Hoisin Sauce: Adds a rich, sweet-savory flavor and a little extra body to the sauce.
- Apple Cider Vinegar and Rice Wine Vinegar: Balance the sweetness of the honey with just enough tang.
- Dijon Mustard and Worcestershire Sauce: Add a little zip and depth without overpowering the garlic and honey.
- Onion Powder and Smoked Paprika: Round out the flavor with a subtle savory, smoky finish.
- Cornstarch and Water: Make a quick slurry to thicken the sauce into a glossy glaze before serving.
For the exact amounts, see the recipe card below.
How to Make Slow Cooker Pork Loin
This easy Crock Pot Pork Loin takes just a few minutes of hands-on prep before the slow cooker does the rest.
- Season the pork. Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels, then season all over with salt, pepper and garlic powder.
- Sear until golden. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. This step is optional, but it adds great flavor.
- Make the honey garlic sauce. Whisk together the honey, soy sauce, chicken broth, fresh garlic, hoisin sauce, apple cider vinegar, ginger, rice wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder and smoked paprika.
- Slow cook. Place the pork loin in the slow cooker and pour all the honey garlic sauce over the top. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours, until the thickest part of the pork reaches 145°F.
- Rest the pork. Transfer the roast to a cutting board, loosely cover with foil and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Thicken the sauce. Pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Whisk together the cornstarch and cold water, then slowly whisk the mixture into the sauce. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until glossy and slightly thickened.
- Slice and serve. Slice the pork loin and spoon the warm honey garlic sauce over the top.
My tip: Start checking the pork around the 3½–4 hour mark. Slow cookers vary, and an instant-read thermometer is the easiest way to keep pork loin from drying out.
Kellie’s Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Pork Loin
- Buy the right cut. Use a boneless pork loin roast, not pork tenderloin. Pork tenderloin is much smaller and cooks significantly faster.
- Don’t skip the thermometer. Pork loin is lean and can dry out when overcooked. Start checking early and remove it when the thickest part reaches 145°F.
- Sear for extra flavor. Browning the pork before slow cooking creates a flavorful crust. It’s worth the extra few minutes, but you can skip it on busy days.
- Cook on LOW. I use the LOW setting for this recipe because it gives you more control over a lean cut of pork.
- Let it rest. Give the pork 10 minutes before slicing so the juices have time to settle.
- Don’t rush the sauce. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the simmering cooking liquid and give it a minute or two to thicken. The sauce will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.
- Slice across the grain. Cutting against the direction of the muscle fibers makes each slice more tender.
We love this programmable slow cooker with auto warm setting by CrockPot! It’s a great way to make dinners easy and keep them warm until you’re ready to eat. We pull this one out at least once a week and the price can’t be beat!
Pork Loin vs. Pork Tenderloin: What’s the Difference?
Although the names sound similar, pork loin and pork tenderloin are two different cuts of meat, and they don’t cook the same way.
Pork loin is a larger, wider cut that’s typically sold as a roast. It’s lean, relatively affordable and perfect for slicing into thick pieces after cooking.
Pork tenderloin is much smaller and thinner, usually weighing around 1–1½ pounds. It cooks much faster and can dry out if you follow the same cooking instructions as a larger pork loin roast.
For this Slow Cooker Pork Loin recipe, stick with a boneless pork loin roast. If you happen to have tenderloin instead, try my Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin recipe.
Pork shoulder is another popular slow cooker cut, but it has more fat and connective tissue and generally needs a longer cooking time to become tender enough for shredding.
Honey Garlic Sauce Tips and Variations
Honey Garlic Sauce Tips and Variations
The honey garlic sauce might be my favorite part of this recipe. It’s rich, sweet, savory and just tangy enough to keep you coming back for another bite.
- Make it spicy. Add ¼–½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or a spoonful of chili garlic sauce.
- Extra garlic flavor. Add another clove or two of minced garlic.
- Prefer a sweeter sauce? Stir in another tablespoon or two of honey.
- Make it gluten-free. Use gluten-free tamari in place of soy sauce and check that your hoisin and Worcestershire sauces are certified gluten-free.
- Sauce too thin? Let it simmer a little longer after adding the cornstarch slurry. If needed, add a small amount of additional slurry.
- Sauce too thick? Stir in a splash of warm chicken broth until it reaches the consistency you like.
The sauce should be glossy and thick enough to lightly coat the back of a spoon. It will thicken a little more as it cools.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Pork Loin
This honey garlic pork loin is especially good with something that can soak up all that delicious sauce.
- Mashed Potatoes: My favorite way to serve this pork. Creamy mashed potatoes and honey garlic sauce are a perfect match. Or serve it with my Best Scalloped Potatoes Recipe.
- White Rice: Keep dinner simple and serve sliced pork loin over fluffy jasmine rice.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, carrots or Brussels sprouts add a nice savory contrast.
- Green Beans: A quick, easy side that goes with practically everything.
- Buttered Noodles: Perfect for soaking up the extra honey garlic sauce.
For an easy family dinner, I like to serve the pork with mashed potatoes and green beans. Nothing complicated, just really good comfort food.
How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Pork Loin
- Refrigerator: Store leftover pork loin in an airtight container with some of the honey garlic sauce for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Let the pork cool, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container with enough sauce to help keep the slices moist. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
- Reheating: Place the sliced pork in a covered skillet with a few spoonfuls of sauce or chicken broth. Warm gently over low heat until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, covered, in short intervals.
- Thawing: Thaw frozen pork overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Leftover tip: Thinly sliced pork is delicious in sandwiches, rice bowls or wraps. Add a little extra honey garlic sauce to bring everything together.
Can You Make Slow Cooker Pork Loin Ahead of Time
Yes! You can do most of the prep the night before to make dinner even easier.
Season the pork and whisk together the honey garlic sauce. Store them separately in covered containers in the refrigerator overnight.
When you’re ready to cook, sear the pork if desired, place it in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over the top. Cook according to the recipe.
For the best texture, I recommend slicing the pork just before serving rather than preparing the entire roast a day ahead.
More Easy Pork Recipes
- Parmesan Crusted Baked Pork Chops…..sooo easy to make!
- Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
- The Best BBQ Crockpot Ribs
- Easy Slow Cooker Pork Chops
- Loaded Pulled Pork Stuffed Sweet Potatoes….OMG.
- The BEST Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe….EVAH!
- Super easy Pork Posole…..ready in 30 minutes, tastes like it took forever.
- Philly Style Roast Pork Sandwich….on repeat.
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more easy pork recipes!
Slow Cooker Pork Loin with Honey Garlic Sauce
Equipment
- slow cooker
- measuring cup
- measuring spoons
- Instant Read Thermometer
Ingredients
Pork Loin
- 3 4 lb boneless pork loin roast
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Honey Garlic Sauce
- ½ cup honey
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup chicken broth
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
To Thicken the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels. Season all over with the kosher salt, black pepper and garlic powder.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork loin for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. This step is optional, but adds flavor.
- Whisk together the honey, soy sauce, chicken broth, minced garlic, hoisin sauce, apple cider vinegar, grated ginger, rice wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder and smoked paprika.
- Place the pork loin in the slow cooker and pour all the honey garlic sauce over the top. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours, or until the thickest part reaches 145°F on an instant-read thermometer. Begin checking around 3½–4 hours.
- Transfer the pork loin to a cutting board, loosely cover with foil and rest for 10 minutes.
- Pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Whisk the cornstarch with the cold water, then slowly whisk into the sauce. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until glossy and slightly thickened.
- Slice the pork loin against the grain and spoon the warm honey garlic sauce over the top.
Notes
- Pork Loin: Use a 3–4 pound boneless pork loin roast, not pork tenderloin. The cuts cook at different rates.
- Cooking Time: Cook on LOW for approximately 4–5 hours. Start checking at 3½–4 hours. Remove the pork when the center reaches 145°F. Cooking times vary by slow cooker and roast size.
- Searing: Searing the roast adds flavor and color but is optional.
- Resting: Let the pork rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Sauce: The cooking liquid will be thin at first. Thicken it with the cornstarch slurry and simmer until glossy. Add a splash of broth if it becomes too thick.
- Variations: Add 1–2 more cloves of garlic, extra honey for sweetness, or ¼–½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers with sauce in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze with some sauce for up to 3 months for best quality.
- Reheating: Reheat gently with additional sauce or a splash of broth until heated through.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I have saved your recipe, put the pork into my grocery app, and I have all the other ingredients! I showed the pictures to my husband and he wanted to go shopping right away. Your recipes are incredible and easy to make/save. Thanks so much. Oh, and I might even try it, not much of a meat eater…
Thank you so much, Doreen!
Kellie,
Would it be possible to prepare this recipe in the oven? If so, in a covered pot and at what temperature? Thank you!
Delicious! However, it took at least 30 minutes to reduce the sauce to half and I am glad I used a 4-quart pot, it would have boiled over in a small pot.
I’m so glad you loved it and thank you for your comment/tips!
you did not indicate how much sauce to pour into the slow cooker…. Half? you state to pour the remaining sauce into a pot. How much were we to have kept? Thanks in advance
Margaret
So, you pour all the sauce in the slow cooker and then after it cooks, you remove the sauce to a saucepan and simmer until it’s thickens.
I’m needing a recipe for a oriental style pork that I can slice for a cold meat buffet. Would this recipe work ?
This will totally work!
Excellent recipe Thanks so much! The directions are perfect as written.
Thank you so much! I’m so happy you enjoyed it!
I have to adapt this recipe for a couple of family allergies, but it still turns out to be a delicious favourite.
Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much for your comment!