A tender, juicy pork loin infused with a rich balsamic glaze, slow-cooked for maximum flavor!
Ingredients:
- 3 lb boneless pork loin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sweet or smoked paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp fresh ground black pepper
- ⅓ cup chicken broth
- 4 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 5 cloves garlic, smashed
- ½ tbsp Italian seasoning
Construction:
1. Prep the Pork:
- Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix salt, paprika, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Rub the seasoning evenly over the pork.
2. Sear for Extra Flavor:
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sear the pork on all sides until golden brown.
3. Make the Balsamic Glaze:
- In a blender, combine remaining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and garlic.
- Blend until slightly thickened, then mix in Italian seasoning.
4. Slow Cook the Pork:
- Pour chicken broth into the slow cooker.
- Place the pork loin fat side up in the crockpot.
- Brush the balsamic glaze generously over the pork.
- Cover and cook:
- LOW for 4-5 hours
- HIGH for 3 hours
- The pork is done when it reaches 145˚F internal temperature.
5. Rest & Serve:
- Transfer pork to a cutting board, cover with foil, and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Slice and serve with the remaining glaze.
Variations:
- Honey Balsamic Glaze: Add 1 tbsp honey for a touch of sweetness.
- Garlic Butter Version: Swap olive oil for melted garlic butter in the glaze.
- Smoky BBQ Twist: Add ½ tsp smoked paprika and a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
- Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh rosemary and thyme for an earthy flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes to the glaze.
Tips for the Best Pork Loin:
- Searing locks in juices—don’t skip this step!
- Use a meat thermometer—pork is done at 145°F; overcooking dries it out.
- For extra glaze, simmer the slow cooker juices in a pan until thickened.
- Let it rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate):
- Calories: ~520 kcal
- Protein: ~50g
- Carbohydrates: ~4g
- Fat: ~32g
- Sodium: ~450mg
Serving Suggestions:
- With Sides: Pair with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or buttery green beans.
- As Sandwiches: Slice thin and serve in a toasted bun with caramelized onions.
- Over Rice: Serve with steamed jasmine rice and drizzle extra glaze on top.
- Leftovers Idea: Dice it up for pork tacos or grain bowls the next day!
Would you like a gravy version or a different glaze option?