Asian Pork Tenderloin with Ginger Glaze (Slow Cooker)

Yield: Serves 6

 Ingredients

For the rub:
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon powdered ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon powdered cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 2 pounds pork tenderloin
For the glaze:
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • ¼ cup rice vinegar (or white)
  • ½ cup cold water
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
  • fresh cilantro, to garnish
  • lime wedges, to garnish

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, salt, powdered ginger, cinnamon, garlic, cloves, black pepper, and crushed red pepper.
  2. Place the tenderloins in the slow cooker. Rub the seasonings over the pork, including the bottom.
  3. Pour ½ cup water in the slow cooker, on the edge or in the middle so that you don’t wash off all the spices you just rubbed on.
  4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, then preheat your broiler.
  5. While the pork is finishing up in the slow cooker and your broiler heats up, combine 1/2 cup brown sugar, cornstarch, rice vinegar, COLD water, and soy sauce in a small saucepan.
  6. Set over medium heat and stir until mixture thickens, about 4 minutes.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in minced ginger.
  8. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with nonstick spray.
  9. Remove the pork from the crock pot (discard the liquid) and place on the lined baking sheet. Brush a generous amount of the glaze on the pork.
  10. Put your oven rack as high as it will go, and broil the pork for 1 or 2 minutes, until bubbly and caramelized. Don’t walk away! Repeat 2 to 3 more times until it is as crusty as you want it. I wouldn’t go many more times than this though, or your pork will dry out.
  11. Serve with remaining glaze on the side, and garnish with lime and cilantro. I love to serve this pork with Asian Cauliflower “Rice.”