This Crock Pot Garlic Balsamic Pork Loin is super easy to make and packed with yummy flavors! The pork is slow-cooked until tender, soaking in the tangy balsamic and garlic blend.
The best part? Your house will smell amazing while it cooks! I love serving it with some mashed potatoes or veggies for a cozy meal. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Loin: A boneless pork loin roast is perfect for this recipe, but if you can’t find it, you can swap in pork tenderloin. It may cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly!
Balsamic Vinegar: This gives the dish its distinct tangy flavor. If you’re out, red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can work in a pinch, but taste as you go since they are more pungent.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for that robust flavor! If you have garlic powder, you can use it instead; about one teaspoon of powder equals two cloves of fresh garlic.
Herbs: I like using fresh rosemary and thyme for the best flavor, but dried herbs work fine too. Just remember to use less—about a third of the amount is usually good.
Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce keeps things balanced without too much salt. If you’re gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead!
How Do I Make Sure the Pork Loin Stays Tender?
To keep your pork loin juicy and tender, start with patting it dry, which helps the seasoning stick. Searing it before slow cooking is key—this locks in moisture and adds depth to the flavor. Cooking on low heat for longer is also helpful; it breaks down the meat fibers, making it super tender.
- Use a meat thermometer—look for an internal temp of 145°F (63°C).
- Always let the pork rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking before slicing to retain those juices.
Crock Pot Garlic Balsamic Pork Loin
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 to 4-pound boneless pork loin roast
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme) for garnish (optional)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes approximately 10 minutes to prep and anywhere from 3 to 8 hours to cook, depending on whether you choose the high or low setting on your crock pot. The longer cooking time on low helps ensure the pork is melt-in-your-mouth tender!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Loin:
Begin by patting your pork loin dry with paper towels. This little trick allows the seasoning to stick better, giving you a flavorful dish.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, and black pepper. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and all the ingredients are well mixed. This sauce will permeate the pork with amazing flavor!
3. Sear the Pork (optional but recommended):
If you have time, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the pork loin and sear it on all sides until nicely browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This adds extra flavor and helps lock in the meat’s juices.
4. Slow Cook:
Transfer the seared pork loin to your crock pot. Pour the balsamic mixture over the pork, ensuring it’s well coated. Close the lid tightly to keep all that flavor inside.
5. Cook:
Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. Your goal is to have the pork reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for the perfect tenderness. Slow cooking really makes a difference here!
6. Rest and Slice:
When the cooking time is up, carefully remove the pork loin from the pot and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to keep it juicy. Once rested, slice it into pieces.
7. Serve:
Arrange the sliced pork on a plate and spoon some of the delicious garlic balsamic sauce from the crock pot over the top. You can garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an added touch.
This remarkable dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. Enjoy your tasty creation!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
Absolutely! While a pork loin is ideal for this recipe, you can also use pork tenderloin or even a pork shoulder. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly since different cuts may require longer or shorter cooking times.
How Can I Thicken the Sauce?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, try combining a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the sauce about 30 minutes before finishing the cooking time, and it will thicken up nicely!
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the pork loin and sauce a day ahead. Just marinate the pork in the sauce in the fridge overnight, then pop it in the crock pot in the morning for an easy meal later!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooked pork in individual portions, which keeps well for about 2-3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before reheating.
