Easy and versatile, this Slow Cooker Spicy Pork Loin is simple to prepare and can be served in many ways. You’ll enjoy the spicy kick in every bite, and the leftovers rehearse into other great meals.
I love my slow cooker for hands-off, flavorful meals. It’s one of those kitchen tools that lets you walk away and come back to dinner ready. This spicy pork tenderloin is a terrific example: a short prep, a slow simmer in a tangy, slightly sweet and spicy sauce, and a tender result that slices beautifully or shreds for sandwiches.
Slow Cooker Spicy Pork Loin
The ingredient list is concise, and each component adds balance: sweet onions lend mellow sweetness, brown sugar tames the heat, red wine vinegar adds brightness, soy sauce supplies savory depth, and your favorite hot sauce provides the spicy kick. Cornstarch finishes the sauce with a smooth, glossy thickness.
Ingredients
- 2–3 lb pork tenderloin
- 2 large sweet onions, sliced
- 1 cup hot water
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar as a substitute)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce of your choice
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (about 3 large cloves)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Prep and cook time, servings, nutrition
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 3–7 hrs (3–4 hrs on high or 7 hrs on low; cook until internal temperature reaches 160°F)
- Total Time: about 4 hrs 15 mins (varies by cooking setting)
- Servings: 6
- Calories: 269 kcal per serving
Instructions
- Place the sliced onions in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Set the pork tenderloin on top of the onions.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the hot water, brown sugar, red wine vinegar, soy sauce, hot sauce, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Pour the mixture over the pork.
- Cover and cook on low for about 7 hours, or on high for 3–4 hours, until an instant-read thermometer registers 160°F in the thickest part of the tenderloin.
- When the pork is done, transfer the meat and onions to a platter and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 10 minutes while you finish the sauce.
- Carefully pour the cooking liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan and bring it to a boil.
- In a small dish, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to form a slurry. Whisk the slurry into the boiling sauce and simmer until the sauce is thick and glossy, about 3–5 minutes.
- Slice the pork and serve with the spicy sauce spooned over mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables. Leftovers shred well for sandwiches, egg rolls, or baked potato toppings.
Serving suggestions
This pork is very adaptable. Slice and serve over mashed potatoes or steamed rice with the reduced sauce spooned over top. Shred leftovers for pulled pork sandwiches, tuck into baked potatoes with a little extra sauce and cheese, or use as a filling for egg rolls or tacos. A crisp green salad or steamed greens make a nice contrast to the rich, spicy sauce.
Variations and substitutions
- If you don’t have sweet onions, yellow onions will work fine—just reduce any strong bite by cooking a little longer if desired.
- Adjust the hot sauce to taste: use milder hot sauce plus a pinch of cayenne for extra heat, or cut the amount in half if you prefer mild spice.
- Red wine vinegar gives a nice tang; apple cider vinegar is a good substitute and will add a slightly fruitier note.
- For lower sodium, reduce the soy sauce and add a splash more vinegar or a pinch of extra brown sugar to balance flavor.
Make-ahead and storage
This dish reheats and repurposes wonderfully. Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days, or freeze portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm slices or shredded pork with a little of the reserved sauce in a saucepan over low heat until heated through. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition highlights
Per serving (approximate): 269 kcal, 21 g carbohydrates, 33 g protein, 5 g fat, 98 mg cholesterol, 871 mg sodium. These values will vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Enjoy this easy, flavorful slow cooker pork loin. It’s a dependable weeknight meal with flexible leftovers that make lunches and future dinners even better.