There’s nothing quite so satisfying as a well-cooked, flavorful pork tenderloin – and this Crockpot Cuban Style Pork Tenderloin is no exception. This vibrant, aromatic dish is perfect for those fancy dinner parties when you want to impress or even just a hearty weekend family meal. The pork tenderloin is slowly cooked in a crockpot, allowing the flavors of classic Cuban spices, onions, and juices to meld into tender, mouth-watering goodness.
This recipe is a winner in my books, and I’m sure you’ll love it too. It’s pack-a-punch kind of delicious. The slow cooking locks in the moisture, and the spices get plenty of time to mingle. Plus, the minimal hands-on cooking time is a game-changer. Promise me, once you try this, there’ll be no turning back.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
- Yield: 1 juicy Crockpot Cuban Style Pork Tenderloin
All fired up? Well, let’s saunter over to our kitchens and start cooking!
Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need
- 2 pounds pork tenderloin
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup lime juice
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
You’ll also need a good-sized CrockPot, a chopping board, and a decent knife.
The orange juice and lime juice are key players here. They balance each other and create a marinade that is perfectly tangy and sweet. Plus, they help tenderize the pork. The onion, garlic and spices add a depth of flavor that you won���t find in your everyday tenderloin.
Speaking of substitutes, fresh oranges and limes can be used instead of bottled juice, and chicken can be used in place of pork.
How To Make Crockpot Cuban Style Pork Tenderloin
- Start by lightly seasoning your pork tenderloin with salt and pepper. Make sure it���s all evenly coated.
- Place the seasoned pork tenderloin in the CrockPot. Pour your orange and lime juice over the top. Be generous.
- Next, sprinkle your onion, garlic, oregano, and cumin over the pork. The more you pile on, the more flavors the pork will soak up during its slow cook.
- Cover your CrockPot and let it do its thing for around 4 hours on high heat or 8 hours on low heat ��� by then, your pork should be tender and flavorful.
Tips For The Best Results
- Score the pork tenderloin before adding your seasoning. It helps the spices penetrate deeper.
- For maximum flavor, marinate the pork overnight with orange and lime juice, onion, garlic, and spices.
Storage Tips
- Leftovers can be kept in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 3-4 days.
- You can also freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Just reheat in a microwave when ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use another piece of pork?
A: Absolutely, any cut will work. The shoulder or loin could also be great. Just adjust cooking time as necessary.
Q: What side dishes go well with this dish?
A: Rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables pair perfectly.
Q: Can I cook this in the oven instead of a CrockPot?
A: Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and temperature.
Q: Can I make this ahead and reheat?
A: Definitely! You can even freeze it for later use – it reheats beautifully.
Q: Can I use fresh oranges and limes instead of juice from a bottle?
A: Yes, fresh is always best! Just make sure to get enough juice out of them.
Nutritional Facts of Crockpot Cuban Style Pork Tenderloin
- Calories: 237
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 98mg
- Sodium: 87mg
- Potassium: 669mg
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 34g
There you have it – a showstopper of a pork dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser. The Crockpot Cuban Style Pork Tenderloin is pure gold in my eyes. I guarantee this is one dish that will leave you dreaming of that next succulent, tangy, oh-so-flavorful bite. Serve it up with roasted vegies or on a bed of aromatic rice for a well-rounded meal. Dish up and dig in!
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