This Crock Pot Garlic Balsamic Pork Loin is super easy to make and packed with flavor! The juicy pork combines with tasty garlic and tangy balsamic for a dish everyone will love.
Honestly, the slow cooker does all the work while you kick back and relax. I love serving this with potatoes or veggies—it’s a hit at dinner every time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Loin: A good cut for slow cooking, pork loin is tender and juicy. If you can’t find it, pork tenderloin or shoulder can work too, though they may cook faster.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a nice punch. If you’re in a pinch, use garlic powder, about 1 teaspoon will do, but fresh is always best for flavor!
Balsamic Vinegar: This gives the dish its tangy depth. If you’re out, apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar can be substituted, but they won’t have the same sweetness.
Honey or Brown Sugar: Both sweeten the marinade. Maple syrup is a great alternative if you’re aiming for a different flavor profile.
Dried Herbs: Use dried if fresh isn’t available. However, if you have fresh thyme and rosemary, they truly elevate the flavor! Just double the amount of fresh.
How Do I Get Juicy and Tender Pork Loin?
To ensure your pork loin is juicy, start with searing it. This step locks in moisture and adds a delicious crust. Just follow these steps:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Pat the pork dry, then sear on all sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes each side.
- Transfer the pork to the crock pot and pour the marinade over it to infuse flavor.
Slow cooking at low heat allows the pork to become tender over time. This patience pays off with moist, flavorful meat that’s easy to slice!
Crock Pot Garlic Balsamic Pork Loin
Ingredients:
- 1 (2 to 3 lb) pork loin roast
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep, plus 6 to 8 hours of cooking on low (or 3 to 4 hours on high). So while you get your day going, your slow cooker will work its magic, giving you a delicious meal at the end!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), Dijon mustard, dried rosemary, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt until everything is smooth and well combined. This mixture will be the flavorful marinade for your pork.
2. Sear the Pork Loin (Optional but Recommended):
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil is heating, pat the pork loin dry with paper towels to help it brown better. When the oil is hot, sear the pork loin on all sides until it’s nicely browned, which should take about 2-3 minutes per side. This extra step will really boost the flavor!
3. Slow Cook:
Transfer the seared pork loin to the crock pot. Pour the marinade over the pork, making sure to coat it evenly. You can turn the pork around a few times to ensure it’s well covered in that delicious sauce.
4. Cook:
Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The pork is done when it’s tender and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The slow cooking will make the pork incredibly juicy!
5. Rest and Slice:
Once the pork is cooked, carefully remove it from the crock pot and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps keep it juicy. After resting, slice it into your desired thickness.
6. Serve:
Pour some of the delicious cooking juices over the sliced pork for an extra boost of flavor. Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs if you’d like.
7. Enjoy:
This dish tastes amazing paired with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. Each bite is a delightful mix of garlic and tangy balsamic sweetness!
This Crock Pot Garlic Balsamic Pork Loin is sure to be a favorite for easy weeknight dinners or special occasions. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Frozen Pork Loin for This Recipe?
It’s best to use thawed pork loin for even cooking. If you’re short on time, you can thaw it quickly by placing it in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for about an hour.
What Can I Serve with Garlic Balsamic Pork Loin?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides! Consider serving it with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad to balance the rich flavors of the pork.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet or microwave. Adding a splash of broth will help keep it moist when reheating!
Can I Adapt This Recipe for a Smaller Portion?
Absolutely! You can make a smaller batch using a 1 to 1.5 lb pork loin. Just reduce the marinade ingredients proportionally, and follow the same cooking times. The meat should still be delicious and tender!