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Crockpot Honey Garlic Pork Loin - Tender, Saucy, and Weeknight Easy

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 (2–3 lb) pork loin (not tenderloin; look for a uniform, lean roast)
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup ketchup (or tomato paste for less sweetness)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (optional but recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for mild heat)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry, for thickening)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional for finish)
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped, for garnish

Method
 

  1. Prep the pork. Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels. Trim any thick external fat, but keep a thin layer for moisture. Season lightly with salt and pepper on all sides.
  2. Make the sauce. In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, garlic, ginger, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. It should taste sweet, garlicky, and slightly tangy.
  3. Set up the slow cooker. Place the pork loin in the crockpot. Pour the sauce evenly over the top. Spoon some under the loin if you like even coverage.
  4. Cook low and slow. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours (preferred) or HIGH for 2–3 hours. Start checking at the early end of the range. The pork is done when it reaches 145°F internal temperature and is tender but still sliceable.
  5. Rest the meat. Transfer the pork to a cutting board. Tent with foil and rest for 10 minutes to keep it juicy.
  6. Thicken the sauce. Pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk in the cornstarch slurry and cook 2–3 minutes until glossy and slightly thick. Stir in sesame oil if using. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  7. Slice and sauce. Slice the pork loin into 1/2-inch pieces. Return slices to the crockpot or a serving platter and spoon the honey garlic sauce over the top.
  8. Garnish and serve. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or green onions. Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or steamed veggies to soak up the extra sauce.