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Tender Crockpot Pork Tenderloin Recipe Easy Apple Cider Thyme Jus

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A foolproof slow cooker pork tenderloin recipe featuring a juicy tenderloin with a slightly sweet and herbaceous apple cider thyme jus. Perfect for cozy dinners with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 to 2 pounds pork tenderloin, trimmed of excess fat
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
  • 2 cups apple cider (preferably unsweetened)
  • 3–4 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 3 cloves garlic, smashed but not peeled
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (for thickening jus)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
  • Roasted root vegetables or mashed potatoes (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat in a skillet. When shimmering, add the pork and sear each side for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown to lock in juices and add flavor depth.
  3. Place the sliced onion and smashed garlic cloves into the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange the seared pork tenderloin on top. Scatter the fresh thyme sprigs over the pork.
  4. Pour in 2 cups of apple cider evenly over the pork. Dollop the Dijon mustard on top and gently spread it with a spoon to mix with the cider and thyme aroma.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C) and the meat is tender. Avoid opening the lid during cooking.
  6. Once the pork is cooked, carefully remove it and set aside to rest on a cutting board, tented loosely with foil.
  7. Pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan, discarding the thyme sprigs and garlic. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  8. Whisk the cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water) and slowly whisk it into the simmering liquid to thicken. Stir constantly until the jus coats the back of a spoon, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Slice the pork tenderloin into medallions about 1/2 inch thick. Arrange on plates and drizzle generously with the warm apple cider thyme jus. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired.

Notes

Keep the slow cooker lid sealed during cooking to maintain temperature and reduce cooking time. Let the pork rest after cooking to allow juices to redistribute for juicier meat. When thickening the jus, simmer gently to avoid breaking down the sauce. If jus becomes too thick, stir in a splash of water or more cider to loosen it. Searing the pork before slow cooking adds flavor and helps lock in juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: pork tenderloin, crockpot, slow cooker, apple cider, thyme, easy dinner, comfort food, juicy pork, apple cider jus

Find it online: https://cravemila.com/tender-crockpot-pork-tenderloin-recipe-easy-apple-cider-thyme-jus/