Crock Pot Apricot Pork has a way of making a regular Tuesday feel like a special occasion. I remember the first time I made this dish for my family; the sweet, sticky aroma filled the house, and my kids, who can be picky eaters, were practically at the table before I even finished plating. It’s honestly the easiest way to impress everyone, and knowing how to make Crock Pot Apricot Pork this simply means it’s become my go-to for busy nights. This easy Crock Pot Apricot Pork recipe delivers tender, flavorful pork with hardly any effort, making it a true weeknight hero. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Apricot Pork
This recipe is a winner for so many reasons! Get ready to fall in love:
- Incredible Flavor: The balance of sweet apricot preserves and savory seasonings creates a truly delicious, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Minimal Prep Time: You’ll only spend about 15 minutes getting this dish ready for the slow cooker.
- Family-Approved: Even the pickiest eaters adore this tender, flavorful pork. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
- Budget-Friendly: Pork tenderloin is often an affordable cut, making this a fantastic meal without breaking the bank.
- Healthy-ish: While delicious, this slow cooker apricot pork uses lean pork and you can opt for low-sodium ingredients.
- Effortless Cooking: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
- Versatile: This slow cooker apricot pork pairs perfectly with almost any side dish you can imagine.
Ingredients for Crock Pot Apricot Pork
Gathering these ingredients is the first step to a fantastic meal. You’ll need the star of the show, 2 pounds pork tenderloins, trimmed of any excess fat. For the luscious glaze, you’ll need 1 cup apricot preserves, which form the sweet and tangy base of our apricot preserves pork crock pot creation. We’ll also use 2 tablespoons olive oil for searing, 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free), and 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth for moisture. Don’t forget 4 cloves garlic, minced, for that savory punch, and 2 tablespoons stone ground mustard, which adds a wonderful depth. A touch of 1 tablespoon minced dried onion, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt round out the flavor profile. Optional, but lovely, is 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish.
How to Make Crock Pot Apricot Pork
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, trim any excess fat from your 2 pounds pork tenderloins.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the tenderloins generously with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper. Sear the pork for about 2-3 minutes per side until it develops a beautiful golden-brown crust. This step is crucial for locking in juices and adding depth of flavor to your apricot pork tenderloin crock pot dish.
- Step 3: Carefully transfer the seared pork tenderloins to your slow cooker insert.
- Step 4: In a medium bowl, whisk together the glaze ingredients: 1 cup apricot preserves, 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, 4 cloves minced garlic, 2 tablespoons stone ground mustard, 1 tablespoon minced dried onion, the remaining salt and pepper. The aroma of the garlic and mustard starting to meld is just heavenly!
- Step 5: Pour this glorious apricot mixture evenly over the pork tenderloins in the slow cooker, ensuring they are well-coated for that perfect apricot pork tenderloin crock pot glaze.
- Step 6: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2.5-3 hours. You’re looking for the internal temperature of the pork to reach 145°F (63°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. The kitchen will fill with the sweet and savory scent of your cooking apricot pork tenderloin crock pot.
- Step 7: Once cooked, let the pork rest in the slow cooker, covered, for at least 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring incredibly tender and moist slices.
- Step 8: Slice the pork against the grain. Garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, if desired, for a pop of color and freshness.
Pro Tips for the Best Crock Pot Apricot Pork
Want to elevate your Crock Pot Apricot Pork game? Try these simple tricks for guaranteed success:
- Always sear the pork tenderloin before adding it to the slow cooker. This step builds a fantastic flavor base and helps keep the meat juicy.
- Don’t overcook the pork! Use a meat thermometer to reach that perfect 145°F (63°C) internal temperature for tender, not dry, results.
- Resist the urge to lift the lid while it’s cooking. Every peek lets out heat and steam, lengthening the cooking time.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, remove the pork and simmer the liquid in the slow cooker on high for a few minutes before slicing.
What’s the secret to perfect Crock Pot Apricot Pork?
The real magic for a perfect apricot glazed pork crock pot lies in searing the tenderloin first and then using a good quality apricot preserve. The combination of a flavorful crust and sweet, rich glaze makes all the difference. For more on achieving perfect flavor, check out the many benefits of onions.
Can I make Crock Pot Apricot Pork ahead of time?
Yes! You can absolutely prep the pork and the glaze mixture the night before. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Combine them in the slow cooker in the morning to start the cooking process.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Crock Pot Apricot Pork?
A common pitfall is overcooking, which makes the pork dry. Always use a thermometer. Another mistake is skipping the sear; it really adds a depth of flavor. Finally, don’t add too much liquid, as the pork and preserves will release their own moisture. Learn more about proper cooking temperatures at the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.
Best Ways to Serve Crock Pot Apricot Pork
Once your sweet and savory crock pot pork is ready, the possibilities for serving are endless! For a classic comforting meal, I love pairing it with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up that delicious apricot glaze. A side of steamed green beans or roasted broccoli adds a welcome touch of green and a bit of crunch. Another favorite is serving it over a bed of quinoa for a healthier twist. The tender, flavorful pork is so versatile, making it a hit for both casual weeknight dinners and more festive gatherings. Consider serving it alongside a fresh Caprese salad for a bright contrast.
Nutrition Facts for Crock Pot Apricot Pork
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect in each serving of this delicious dish. It’s a wonderful balance of sweet and savory that feels indulgent but is surprisingly reasonable.
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Crock Pot Apricot Pork
Leftovers of this amazing crock pot apricot pork are a treasure! Once cooked, let the pork cool down slightly at room temperature for about an hour. Then, transfer it to airtight containers. For the best quality, store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep this delicious dish longer, freezing is a great option for your apricot pork recipe slow cooker. Wrap the cooled pork tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge. You can gently reheat slices on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist, or microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crock Pot Apricot Pork
What is the best way to cut the pork for this recipe?
For this Crock Pot Apricot Pork, I recommend using pork tenderloin. It’s naturally tender and cooks beautifully in the slow cooker. Make sure to trim off any excess silvery skin or fat before searing and cooking. Slicing it against the grain after it rests will give you the most tender bites. For more on cuts of meat, explore barley, a versatile grain.
Can I use a different cut of pork?
Absolutely! While pork tenderloin is fantastic, you can also use pork shoulder or pork loin. If you opt for pork shoulder, you might need to increase the cooking time slightly, as it’s a tougher cut that benefits from longer, slower cooking to become incredibly tender. The best apricot pork slow cooker results often come from cuts that can handle a longer cook time.
My glaze seems too thin, what can I do?
Don’t worry if your glaze isn’t as thick as you’d like! After you remove the cooked pork from the slow cooker, you can turn the setting to high and let the liquid simmer uncovered for about 10-15 minutes. This will help reduce and thicken the glaze beautifully, creating that perfect sticky coating for your pork.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this Crock Pot Apricot Pork gluten-free! Simply substitute tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce for the regular soy sauce. Always double-check your apricot preserves and broth to ensure they are also certified gluten-free if you have a severe sensitivity. For more gluten-free options, consider this Mediterranean chickpea salad.
Variations of Crock Pot Apricot Pork You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic Crock Pot Apricot Pork, why not experiment? This delicious glaze is wonderfully versatile! For a heartier, more rustic dish, try using apricot pork shoulder slow cooker instead of tenderloin. Pork shoulder has more fat and connective tissue, which breaks down beautifully over a longer cooking time, resulting in incredibly tender, shreddable meat. If you’re looking for an even richer flavor, an apricot pork roast slow cooker cut, like a pork butt, works exceptionally well. You could also swap out the apricot preserves for peach or even raspberry preserves for a different sweet and tangy profile. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze!
Alternative Proteins: Apricot Chicken Crock Pot Recipe
You might be surprised how wonderfully this sweet and savory apricot glaze transforms other proteins! If you’re not making pork, or just looking for a delicious alternative, this apricot chicken crock pot recipe is a fantastic option. The same combination of sweet apricot preserves, tangy mustard, and savory garlic works beautifully with chicken thighs or breasts. Just follow the same general steps, adjusting the cooking time as needed – chicken typically cooks faster than pork. This apricot chicken slow cooker method yields incredibly moist and flavorful chicken that’s perfect for a weeknight meal. If you enjoy chicken, you might also like our veggie burgers with avocado green harissa.
Alternative Cooking Methods: Apricot Pork Recipe Oven Bake
While the slow cooker makes this dish incredibly hands-off, the delightful apricot glaze isn’t limited to slow cooking! You can easily adapt this for an oven bake. For an apricot pork recipe oven bake, I recommend using pork chops or a pork loin roast. Sear the meat first in a hot oven-safe skillet, then prepare the glaze as directed. Pour the glaze over the pork, then transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake pork chops for about 20-25 minutes, or a pork loin for 30-40 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Basting occasionally ensures a beautiful, caramelized finish.
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Crock Pot Apricot Pork: 2lb tenderloin savor
- Total Time: 5 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Crock Pot Apricot Pork Tenderloin recipe is an effortless and savory dish perfect for weeknight meals. The combination of sweet apricot preserves and savory garlic envelops tender pork, creating a show-stopping dinner that feels like a warm hug.
Ingredients
- For the Pork: 2 pounds Pork Tenderloins
- For the Glaze: 1 cup Apricot Preserves, 2 tablespoons Olive Oil, 1 cup Soy Sauce (low-sodium optional), 1 cup Broth (Chicken or Vegetable, low-sodium options best), 4 cloves Garlic (minced), 2 tablespoons Stone Ground Mustard, 1 tablespoon Minced Dried Onion, 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper, 1 teaspoon Salt
- For Garnish: 2 tablespoons Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Trim any excess fat off the pork tenderloins.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the tenderloins with salt and pepper, then sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer the seared tenderloins to the slow cooker.
- Mix together the apricot preserves, broth, soy sauce, garlic, mustard, dried onion, salt, and pepper in a bowl until well combined.
- Pour this mixture over the pork, ensuring even coverage.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2.5-3 hours, until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Let the pork rest for 10 minutes after cooking.
- Slice and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Serve with mashed potatoes or rice for a complete meal.
- Searing the meat is recommended for enhanced flavor and moisture.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork reaches 145°F for safe consumption and optimal tenderness.
- Resist opening the lid during cooking to maintain consistent temperature.
- Allow the pork to rest for 10 minutes after cooking for juicy slices.
- Experiment with different fruit preserves like peach or orange for flavor variations.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Freeze leftovers securely for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to keep the pork tender.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute tamari for soy sauce.
- Opt for low-sodium broth and soy sauce to reduce salt intake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours on low or 2.5-3 hours on high
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
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