Gingered Pork with Orange Sauce

This slow cooker Gingered Pork with Orange Sauce recipe is an easy, flavorful, and comforting meal for any day of the week. 

*Disclaimer - This recipe was originally published in 2014. I'm working hard to update all my older recipes with recipe cards, new photos, and additional recipe information. But, getting to all of them will take time. Please bear with me. In the meantime let me assure you that this recipe is still a winner and one I'm sure you'll be well pleased with when you make it at home.

I recently took to my Facebook page and asked an extremely important question: "Why types of recipes are you most looking forward to seeing from me in 2014?" and the answer was a resounding ~
"Slow Cooker Recipes!"

It is with that request, and specifically with you in mind that came up with this recipe for Gingered Pork with Orange Sauce. Using pretty basic items that I had in my pantry and freezer, I came up with one of the most delicious slow cooker recipes I've ever made.

Incredibly tender pork pieces swim in a slightly sweet, with a little spicy heat sauce that is made using sunflower butter, orange marmalade, teriyaki sauce, and chicken stock. If you think that combination sounds intriguing, just wait until you taste it! This recipe received a unanimous two thumbs up from even the pickiest eater in my family.

In addition to all that goodness, and to make this recipe even more tempting for you and specifically honor your second request for *lightened up and healthier* recipes, I used sugar-free orange marmalade, low-fat pork tenderloin, low sodium beef broth, and low sodium teriyaki sauce.

Then I recommend you serve it over some healthy brown rice and a nice side veggie, and you'll have a wonderful dinner that will please even the pickiest of eaters!

SLOW COOKER GINGERED PORK WITH ORANGE SAUCE   {PRINT THIS RECIPE}
Prep Time: 30 minutes       Cook Time: 6-7 hours         Serves: 6 - 8

1- 2 to 2 ½ pound pork tenderloin, cut into bite-size pieces
salt, pepper, and garlic powder to season the pork (to taste)
3 teaspoons olive oil, divided
1 large red pepper, seeded and cut into 1" pieces
½ large red onion, peeled and cut into 1" pieces
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1" knob of fresh ginger, grated
1 teaspoon ground coriander
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 box (32 ounces) low sodium beef broth
¾ cup sunflower butter
1 jar sugar-free orange marmalade
½ cup low sodium teriyaki sauce
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
brown rice for serving, cooked according to package directions.

-In a large Dutch oven over medium/high heat, brown the pork tenderloin in batches (using 1 teaspoon oil for each batch and season each batch with salt, pepper, and garlic powder).
-Once browned, transfer the meat to the slow cooker.
-In the same Dutch oven, over medium/low heat add the red pepper, onion, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 3-4 minutes.
-Add all the remaining ingredients to the veggies in the Dutch oven and cook until the sunflower butter has dissolved and the mixture is heated through.
-Carefully pour the sauce over the pork in the slow cooker and set the cooker to high.
-Cover, but vent (I use a wooden spoon to prop the lid open just a bit) and cook for 6-7 hours, stirring occasionally, if you're able. *Note - Venting the lid will allow the sauce to reduce and thicken slightly.
-Spoon the pork and sauce over brown rice and serve.