Balsamic Pork Tenderloin Recipe (2024)

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Make this delicious Balsamic Pork Tenderloin recipe in the slow cooker with a tangy for an easy dinner the whole family will enjoy.

If you love balsamic, try this delicious Balsamic Glazed Chicken recipe!! Or add some balsamic to our favorite Bruschetta recipe.

Balsamic Pork Tenderloin Recipe (1)

Why this Recipe Works

This pork tenderloin recipe is simply an awesome dinner. I could wax poetic about it but at the end of the day, what we’re all looking for is a tasty meal that satisfies body and soul. Balsamic Glazed Pork Tenderloin is that meal.

Best of all, this pork cooks all day in the Crock-pot. So if you are like me and enjoy mealtime to be less stressful, but fulfilling; this is YOUR recipe. You’re very welcome. I know I’m getting ahead of myself, but I know you will thank me.

This is my new “go-to” pork tenderloin recipe. Well, except for carnitas, because those don’t count.

Please. Make this. Then thank me. Otherwise I seem all conceited and stuff saying you’re welcome when nobody is thanking me.

Balsamic Pork Tenderloin Recipe (2)

What kind of pork to use

Tenderloin cooks beautifully in the slow cooker and can be dressed up with just about any kind of sauce or glaze you can think of, from barbecue sauce toPineapple Salsa.

It’s one of my go-to cuts of pork because it tastes equally delicious when cooked quickly in an Instant Pot or stove top OR made in the slow cooker.

(This Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin is amazing)!

One important note: You can use pork tenderloin in this recipe or pork loin.

What’s the difference between pork tenderloin and pork loin?

While the names are similar, these two cuts come from different parts of the pig.

Pork loin comes from the animal’s backside and is also known as center cut roast. It’s cut as one large piece of meat that usually weighs several pounds. Because of its size and density, it’s usually slow roasted.

Pork tenderloin on the other hand, comes from a muscle near the pig’s backbone. It’s always boneless and sometimes sold under the name pork tenders or pork filet. Pork tenderloins are thin strips of meat and extremely tender whether cooked quickly at a higher heat or slow cooked.

When you make pork tenderloin in the crock pot it becomes so tender it can fall apart with the touch of your fork. When you add this tangy-sweet balsamic glaze? It becomes absolute heaven.

Pork Shoulder or Pork Butt can also be used in today’s recipe!

Cooking Instructions

A hands-off pork recipe that cooks all day long while you get other things done. Is there anything better?

STEP 1. Slow Cook the Pork

Balsamic Pork Tenderloin Recipe (3)

Lay 2 pork tenderloins (about 3 lbs total) across the bottom of a large slow cooker. Rub the top of the pork tenderloins with sage, salt and pepper.

Pour 1/2 cup of water in the bottom of the pot and add pressed garlic. Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours.

STEP 2. Make the Balsamic Glaze

In small microwave safe bowl, mix 1/2 cup water with brown sugar, cornstarch, balsamic vinegar and soy sauce. Heat for 1 minute, whisk and heat an additional minute.

The mixture should be thickened. Pour half of mixture over pork tenderloins and continue cooking an additional hour (or up to two).

STEP 3. Shred and Serve

When ready to serve the tenderloin, pour the remaining glaze over top. Use a serving fork to shred the pork and serve!

I most often serve this pork over simple white rice. It’s also so good served on sandwich rolls or with a side of Baked Potatoes andRoasted Broccoli.

Balsamic Pork Tenderloin Recipe (4)

Balsamic Glaze

The glaze on this pork is, in my opinion, the perfect balance of savory, sweet and tangy.

The brown sugar counterbalances the sourness of the balsamic so well and gives the pork that sweet”glazed” look and texture.

Leftovers of this pork keep well in the fridge for a few days, too. We love to add the meat to salads, wraps and sandwiches for easy lunches throughout the week!

More Easy Dinner Ideas

  • Baked Pork Chops
  • Pesto Pork Tenderloin
  • Instant Pot Pork Chops
  • Pork Chops with Peach Glaze
  • Kalua Pork

Balsamic Pork Tenderloin Recipe

5 from 5 votes

By: Aimee

Pork tenderloin cooked to perfection in the slow cooker is all you need for a dinner that's as easy as it is delicious.

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours hours

Total Time: 8 hours hours 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

For the Pork:

  • 2 pork tenderloins about 3 pounds total
  • ½ cup water
  • 2 teaspoon ground sage
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3 cloves garlic pressed
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

For the glaze

  • ½ cup water
  • ½ cup light brown sugar packed
  • 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
  • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 Tablespoons soy sauce

Instructions

  • In a large crockpot, lay tenderloins on bottom. Rub sage, salt and pepper on top. Pour 1/2 cup water in bottom of pot and add the pressed garlic. Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours.

  • In small microwave safe bowl, mix 1/2 cup water with brown sugar, cornstarch, balsamic vinegar and soy sauce. Heat for 1 minute, whisk and heat an additional minute. Mixture should be thickened. Pour half of mixture over pork tenderloins and continue cooking an additional hour (or two).

  • With remaining glaze, you can keep it until ready to serve then pour warmed glaze over tenderloins, shred and enjoy.

Notes

  • Pork- can also use pork shoulder, loin, or pork butt in place of the tenderloins.
  • Leftovers of this pork keep well in the fridge for a few days, too. We love to add the meat to salads, wraps and sandwiches for easy lunches throughout the week!

Nutrition

Calories: 90kcal, Carbohydrates: 14g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 16mg, Sodium: 529mg, Sugar: 12g

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: American

Did you make this recipe?Mention @shugarysweets or tag #shugarysweets!

Pork tenderloin cooked to perfection in the slow cooker is all you need for a dinner that’s as easy as it is delicious.

Balsamic Pork Tenderloin Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to tender pork loin? ›

If you're not confident in your cooking skills, there is one foolproof way to guarantee your pork ends up on the tender side, even if you cook it too long: Soak it in a brine or a marinade. According to Hazel, these kinds of preparations always produce the most tender outcomes.

How do you cook pork tenderloin so it isn't dry? ›

Grilling
  1. First, use a high-heat area to quickly brown the meat on all sides. ...
  2. Next, move the loin to a low-heat area of the grill and cover it with foil.
  3. Now, you can roast the pork using indirect cooking for approximately one to one and a half hours, or about 20 minutes per pound of meat.
Oct 3, 2023

Is it necessary to brown pork tenderloin before baking? ›

Pork tenderloin is bland on its own. Doctoring it up with the below pork tenderloin rub will give it smokiness and depth. Sear the Meat First. Taking a few minutes to sear the outside of the pork on the stove prior to putting it in the oven forms a tasty “crust” that gives the pork an additional dimension of flavor.

How do Chinese make pork so tender? ›

How do you tenderise pork for stir fry? Velveting is a Chinese technique that helps keep meat tender during stir frying. Adding cornstarch and bicarb to your meat during the marinating process helps to coat your meat, giving it a velvety feel that makes the meat feel extra soft.

Is it better to cook pork tenderloin fast or slow? ›

The size and structure of a tenderloin make it perfect for cooking quickly on high heat. You want to be able to brown the outside while still keeping it a little pink on the inside.

Is it better to cook a pork tenderloin at 350 or 400? ›

2021• Tips & Tricks. First, you will want to preheat your oven to 400° F. You will end up lowering the heat later on but it is important to start at a high temp to trap the moisture inside the pork loin.

What tenderizes pork the best? ›

To tenderize pork before cooking it, try breaking up the tough muscle by hitting it with a meat mallet evenly across the surface of the meat. Then, if you want your pork to be extra tender, you can marinate it in a tenderizing marinade made with acids, like citrus juices, vinegar, or wine.

Should you rinse pork tenderloin before cooking? ›

Washing beef, pork, lamb, or veal before cooking it is not recommended. Bacteria in raw meat and poultry juices can be spread to other foods, utensils, and surfaces. We call this cross-contamination.

How long to bake 2 lb pork tenderloin at 400 degrees? ›

Bake at 400 degrees F until pork registers between 145- and 150-degrees F (63 and 65 degrees C) at the thickest part of the tenderloin, 15-25 minutes depending on thickness. This means the pork will be juicy and slightly pink in the middle.

Should you season pork tenderloin the night before? ›

Going easy on the seasoning.

Try this: Create a paste with garlic and salt and rub it on to the pork loin at least 30 minutes before cooking but ideally overnight. This gives the salt time to penetrate the roast so it's seasoned throughout.

How long to leave pork tenderloin out before cooking? ›

Don't cook pork tenderloin straight from the fridge.

Instead of cooking pork tenderloin straight from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before you get started. Giving the meat a chance to warm up will ensure more even cooking.

Do you put balsamic vinegar on before or after cooking? ›

Do use it as a finishing flavor. Whether its vegetables or meat, balsamic shines when its flavor hasn't been overheated. If you want to use it to finish a pork filet or a nice risotto, add it right at the end of the cooking time. Add about a teaspoon per person.

What is the difference between balsamic and balsamic glaze? ›

Taste & Texture

Its texture is liquid, similar to traditional vinegars. In contrast, balsamic glaze is thicker and more viscous, thanks to the added sugars and reduction process.

What is the difference between balsamic glaze and balsamic vinegar? ›

The differences between balsamic glaze and balsamic vinegar are consistency and sweetness. Balsamic vinegar is completely liquid, less sweet, and is typically used as an ingredient in recipes. Balsamic glaze is simply balsamic vinegar that has been cooked down (reduced), making it thicker and sweeter.

What is the best cooking method for loin? ›

CG: Roasting is the most natural way to cook a pork loin, and it's the easiest and the quickest to get into the oven. I like to sear the outside and then roast it, or you can just roast it as is. The indirect method of cooking preserves pork loin's inherent juiciness and tenderness.

What temp is pork loin most tender? ›

Because of this, the USDA suggests cooking it to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the same temperature for every variation of pork you might choose from pork tenderloin to shoulder.

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