Slow Cooker Apricot Teriyaki Pork Loin
Introduction
This Slow Cooker Apricot Teriyaki Pork Loin is a delicious combination of sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors. A tender boneless pork loin slowly cooks with apricot preserves, thick teriyaki sauce, and minced garlic, creating a rich, sticky glaze that coats every slice.
The preparation is incredibly simple, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights when you want something that tastes special without spending hours in the kitchen. The sweet apricot preserves balance the savory teriyaki sauce beautifully, while garlic adds another layer of flavor.
For a citrus twist, you can substitute orange marmalade for the apricot preserves. Serve the finished pork with jasmine rice and steamed broccoli for an easy Asian-inspired dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe uses just four main ingredients and requires very little preparation. Everything goes directly into the slow cooker, allowing the pork to slowly absorb the sweet and savory flavors.
The apricot preserves create a naturally sticky glaze, while the thick teriyaki sauce brings salty, savory, and slightly sweet notes. Garlic ties all the flavors together and adds a delicious aromatic quality.
Once the pork is finished, the cooking juices can be whisked together into a flavorful sauce that is perfect for drizzling over the sliced meat and rice.
Ingredients
- 3–4 lbs boneless pork loin roast
- 1 jar (18 oz) apricot preserves
- 1 bottle (16 oz) thick teriyaki sauce
- 2 tbsp minced garlic, jarred works perfectly
- Optional: Orange marmalade instead of apricot preserves for a citrus twist
How to Make Slow Cooker Apricot Teriyaki Pork Loin
1. Add the Pork
Place the whole raw boneless pork loin roast directly into the center of the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Add the Apricot Preserves
Scoop the entire jar of apricot preserves evenly over the top of the pork roast. Spread it across the surface as much as possible.
If you prefer a citrus-forward flavor, orange marmalade can be used instead.
3. Add the Teriyaki Sauce
Pour the thick teriyaki sauce directly over the apricot preserves and pork.
As the roast cooks, the sauces will melt together with the natural juices from the pork to create a rich glaze.
4. Add the Garlic
Spoon the minced garlic evenly across the top of the wet sauces.
Jarred minced garlic works perfectly for this recipe and makes preparation especially quick.
5. Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 4 hours, until the pork is tender and cooked through.
Cooking time can vary depending on the size and shape of the pork loin, so check the internal temperature toward the end of cooking.
6. Slice the Pork
Carefully transfer the cooked pork to a cutting board and allow it to rest briefly before slicing.
Cut the pork into thick medallions.
Meanwhile, whisk the melted apricot preserves, teriyaki sauce, garlic, and savory cooking juices remaining in the slow cooker until they are well combined into a rich, sticky glaze.
7. Serve
Arrange the pork medallions on a serving platter and generously spoon the Asian-inspired pan sauce over the top.
Serve piping hot with steamed broccoli and jasmine rice.
Helpful Tips
Pork loin is naturally lean, so avoid cooking it significantly longer than necessary once it has reached a safe temperature and tender texture. An instant-read thermometer is useful for checking doneness.
For food safety, pork loin should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) followed by a three-minute rest.
If using orange marmalade instead of apricot preserves, expect a brighter citrus flavor that pairs particularly well with the teriyaki sauce.
Because teriyaki sauce can already be quite salty, there is generally no need to add additional salt to the recipe.
For easier slicing, allow the cooked pork to rest briefly before cutting it into medallions.
Serving Ideas
This sweet and savory pork is especially delicious with simple Asian-inspired sides.
Serve it with:
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Steamed broccoli
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Snow peas
- Steamed carrots
- Vegetable fried rice
- Sesame green beans
- Asian-style cucumber salad
Spoon the sticky apricot-teriyaki glaze over both the pork and rice so the rice can absorb all that delicious sauce.
Leftovers
Store leftover pork and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within a few days.
The sliced pork can be reheated gently with some of the reserved glaze. It also makes a great addition to rice bowls, noodle dishes, wraps, or quick stir-fry meals.
For the best texture, avoid overheating the pork, since lean pork loin can become dry when reheated too aggressively.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Apricot Teriyaki Pork Loin is an easy way to create a flavorful, Asian-inspired dinner with minimal preparation. Sweet apricot preserves, thick teriyaki sauce, and garlic slowly come together to create a glossy, sticky glaze that perfectly complements the tender pork.
Serve thick pork medallions over jasmine rice with steamed broccoli and plenty of the homemade pan sauce for a colorful, satisfying meal that feels special without requiring complicated cooking.