Slow Cooker Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin-Easy Recipe

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Slow cooker teriyaki pork tenderloin ready in under 4 hours. Tender, flavorful, and requires minimal prep—a simple family dinner made in the crock pot. Easy dinner win!

This recipe is teriyaki style with ingredients I have on hand on the regular. Due to my food allergies and food beliefs, there are many recipes I can’t make or have to make substitutions to and this is my spin on teriyaki style flavor.

• Get a foolproof crock pot method that delivers tender, juicy teriyaki pork in under 4 hours with minimal hands-on work.
• Learn the exact ingredient ratios and timing to achieve teriyaki glaze that caramelizes perfectly without burning.
• Discover the common mistakes (wrong cut thickness, excess liquid, overcooking) and how to avoid them for restaurant-quality results every time.
• Find serving suggestions and storage tips to make this recipe work for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests.

Pork tenderloin crock pot recipe

I love making anything in the crock pot so I wanted to see if I could create an amazing recipe with a pork tenderloin in my slow cooker. You just prepare your ingredients, dump them in, and set it to go. 

Teriyaki is a sauce that’s usually made with orange juice, brown sugar, and mirin which is a Japanese vinegar. I don’t keep mirin on hand, and I use raw sugar, so I put my own spin on this flavor combination with what I had on hand. 

I know the balsamic vinegar gives it a depth of flavor that’s even more amazing than traditional teriyaki.

Pork tenderloin is different than pork loin. It’s a small, thin, long strip of meat that is darker than the pork loin and packed full of flavor. Pork is my favorite meat anyway so I loved working on this recipe.

I love to buy local free-range grass-fed meat, so I got this pork tenderloin from my regular meat producers for pork and beef nearby.

Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Vegetables

I wanted to add some vegetables to this. Traditionally you could serve it with rice or even noodles, but I much prefer veggies, so I looked around to see what I had in the kitchen. I had a few potatoes and a butternut squash and I loved the flavor combination that ended up happening.

This recipe doesn’t claim to be a traditional Japanese teriyaki meal, so I didn’t stick with traditional there either. But these flavors, bam!

How to cook teriyaki pork tenderloin

I wanted a set it and forget it meal, and where else do we turn for that than our crock pots. Since the meat is thin, you wouldn’t be able to use this meal for an all-day at work setting, but you sure could set it and go out shopping for a while or to run errands. I find anything that’s ready when we come home from somewhere to be super helpful in a busy life.

You can also make amazing pork tenderloin in the oven.

Check out these ideas:

• instant pot pork tenderloin casserole with the flavors of pork tenderloin, bacon, cheese, potatoes, and green beans!
• This Great Leftover Pork Tenderloin Casserole Recipe is one of our new favorites. It’s crispy on top, and full of savory flavor and creamy texture.
• air fryer pork tenderloin is easy to make and tender and delicious!
• You can make these amazing Leftover Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches in minutes with your leftover pork tenderloin and some soft rolls. Top it with some cole slaw for a perfect balance of flavors.

Pork tenderloin is a quick-cooking meat and makes an easy dinner idea that doesn’t take long to make. 

Frozen pork tenderloin in the crock pot

To use a frozen pork tenderloin in this recipe, you can just cook it longer. Your vegetables will be pretty soggy, so you could remove them half way, but just cook the tenderloin until that same 145 degrees in the center and you’ll be good to go. You’re going to love it.

For more quick easy dinner ideas with pork, check this post out. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a pork loin instead of pork tenderloin?

Yes, but pork loin is larger and usually requires a longer cooking time. Check the meat with a thermometer and cook it until the center reaches 145°F. Avoid cooking it much longer than necessary so it stays tender and juicy.

How do I know when pork tenderloin is done?

The safest and most reliable method is to check the thickest part with a meat thermometer. The pork is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Let it rest for at least three minutes before slicing.

Can I cook this teriyaki pork tenderloin on low?

Yes. Cook it on low for approximately 4 to 6 hours, depending on the size and thickness of the pork tenderloin and how hot your slow cooker runs. Begin checking the temperature early to prevent overcooking.

Why is my pork tenderloin dry?

Pork tenderloin is very lean, so it can become dry when cooked too long. Remove it from the slow cooker as soon as it reaches 145°F, and allow it to rest before slicing. Cutting it immediately can cause the juices to run out.

Can I use frozen pork tenderloin in the slow cooker?

It is best to thaw pork tenderloin completely before placing it in the slow cooker. Frozen meat may remain at an unsafe temperature for too long and may cook unevenly.

What vegetables can I use instead of butternut squash?

Sweet potatoes, carrots, acorn squash, parsnips, or additional small potatoes would all work well. Cut the vegetables into large, evenly sized pieces so they cook at approximately the same rate.

Can I use bottled orange juice?

Yes. Freshly squeezed orange juice provides the brightest flavor, but bottled orange juice will also work. Choose orange juice without added sweeteners when possible.

What can I substitute for spicy mustard?

Dijon mustard is the best substitute. You can also use yellow mustard for a milder flavor or stone-ground mustard for additional texture.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes. Replace regular soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce. Check the labels on the mustard, stock, and other packaged ingredients to make sure they are also gluten-free.

How can I thicken the teriyaki sauce faster?

After removing the pork and vegetables, pour the liquid into a saucepan and simmer it until reduced. For faster thickening, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water. Stir the slurry into the simmering sauce and cook until thickened.

Do I have to reduce the sauce on the stove?

No, but reducing it concentrates the flavors and creates a thicker glaze. You can serve the cooking liquid as-is, although it will have a thinner consistency.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes. You can cut the vegetables and combine the sauce ingredients the night before. Store everything separately in the refrigerator, then assemble the recipe in the slow cooker when you are ready to cook.

How should I store leftover teriyaki pork tenderloin?

Place the pork, vegetables, and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to three to four days. Keeping some sauce with the sliced pork will help prevent it from drying out.

What is the best way to reheat the leftovers?

Reheat the pork gently in a covered skillet or saucepan with a spoonful of the teriyaki sauce. You may also microwave individual portions in short intervals. Avoid overheating the pork, which can make it tough.

Can I freeze leftover pork tenderloin?

Yes. Slice the cooled pork and freeze it with some of the sauce in an airtight freezer container for up to three months. The potatoes and squash may become softer after freezing, so you may prefer to freeze only the pork and sauce.