This Crock Pot Garlic Balsamic Pork Loin is a juicy and tender dish that’s packed with flavor! The sweet and tangy balsamic sauce, mixed with garlic, makes every bite irresistible.
Cooking in the slow cooker means the meat gets super tender without much fuss. I love coming home to a tasty meal that’s ready to enjoy. Perfect with some veggies on the side!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Loin: A 3 to 4-pound pork loin is perfect for this recipe. If you can’t find loin, pork shoulder works well too due to its rich flavor. Just note it may be slightly fattier.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for that strong flavor. If you don’t have fresh, you can use 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder per clove as a substitute, but the taste will differ.
Balsamic Vinegar: This gives the dish a lovely tang. If you need an alternative, try a mix of red wine vinegar and a hint of honey or maple syrup for the sweetness.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds a nice richness. You can swap it for any other type of oil, like canola or vegetable oil if you prefer.
Dijon Mustard: It helps to balance the flavors. If you’re out of Dijon, yellow mustard can be used in a pinch, but the flavor will be less sharp.
How Do I Ensure My Pork Loin Comes Out Tender and Juicy?
Cooking pork loin in a crock pot is all about low and slow. This method allows the meat to break down and become juicy.
- Start by coating the pork with half of the marinade to absorb those flavors.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, but ideally, low is better for tenderness.
- Don’t skip the resting step! Letting it rest for 10 minutes before slicing helps keep the juices inside.
Optional: If you want to enhance the sauce, reduce the cooking juices by simmering them down. It’s a great way to concentrate the flavors before serving!
Crock Pot Garlic Balsamic Pork Loin
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (3 to 4-pound) pork loin roast
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep time and then you’ll need 6-8 hours for cooking on low (or 3-4 hours on high). After cooking, let the pork rest for 10 minutes before slicing, so it stays juicy. In total, it’s about 6 to 9 hours from start to finish, depending on how you choose to cook it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, dried rosemary, dried thyme, black pepper, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you want a little kick). This mixture will marinate and flavor your pork loin.
2. Set Up the Pork Loin:
Place the pork loin in your crock pot. Make sure the meat is positioned so that it cooks evenly.
3. Coat the Pork:
Pour half of the prepared balsamic garlic sauce over the pork loin, making sure to coat it well. This will help infuse the flavors into the meat as it cooks.
4. Cooking Time:
Cover your crock pot with its lid. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. If you can, checking on it occasionally can be a great way to ensure it’s cooking well.
5. Baste for Extra Flavor:
About 30 minutes before the pork is finished cooking, take the remaining sauce and baste the pork loin. This step will make it even more delicious!
6. Rest Before Serving:
Once your pork loin is cooked to perfection (it should be tender and juicy), carefully remove it from the crock pot and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat even tastier.
7. Optional Sauce Reduction:
If you’d like to make a thicker sauce, pour the cooking juices into a saucepan. Simmer on the stove over medium heat for about 5 minutes to reduce and thicken the sauce for an extra kick.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the rested pork loin and serve it drizzled with the reduced balsamic sauce. If you like, add a garnish of fresh rosemary on top for a lovely touch. Enjoy your delicious meal!
This recipe results in a tender, flavorful pork loin with a savory-sweet glaze that perfectly complements the garlic and herbs. It’s a wonderful dish for any meal!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
Absolutely! While pork loin is ideal for this recipe, you can also use pork shoulder or tenderloin. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut.
Can I Prep This Dish the Night Before?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade and coat the pork loin the night before. Just cover it and refrigerate. In the morning, place it in the crock pot and cook as instructed!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave to avoid drying it out.
Is This Recipe Freezable?
Yes! You can freeze any leftover pork. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe container. They will stay good for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating for best results!