Tender Crockpot Brown Sugar Garlic Pork Loin
A simple and delicious slow cooker pork loin recipe with a sweet-savory brown sugar garlic glaze that yields tender, juicy meat perfect for easy weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 8 minutes to 8 hours 8 minutes (low) or 3 hours 8 minutes to 4 hours 8 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 to 3 pounds boneless pork loin, trimmed of excess fat
- ½ cup packed brown sugar (dark or light)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for browning)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ cup water or chicken broth
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
Instructions
- Trim and pat dry the pork loin, removing any silver skin or excess fat.
- In a medium bowl, mix brown sugar, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, onion powder, and black pepper until combined.
- Optional: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the pork loin on all sides for 2-3 minutes each. Transfer to the crockpot.
- Place the pork loin in the crockpot and pour the brown sugar garlic mixture evenly over the top.
- Add water or chicken broth to the crockpot to keep the pork moist.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and is tender.
- Remove the pork loin and let it rest for 10 minutes to redistribute juices.
- Slice the pork against the grain into ½-inch thick slices and spoon the caramelized sauce over the top.
- If sauce is too thin, simmer it uncovered on medium heat for 5-7 minutes to thicken.
- For extra garlic flavor, sprinkle finely chopped garlic over the pork before serving.
Notes
Browning the pork loin before slow cooking adds flavor and a better crust but can be skipped if short on time. Use low heat for the most tender results and avoid opening the lid during cooking to maintain temperature. Rest the meat after cooking to keep it juicy. Sauce can be thickened by simmering after cooking if needed. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Brown sugar can be replaced with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the pork loin
- Calories: 290
- Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Protein: 35
Keywords: pork loin, crockpot, slow cooker, brown sugar, garlic, easy dinner, comfort food, weeknight meal