Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that’s both effortless and utterly delicious? Look no further than this Crockpot Brown Sugar Balsamic Pork Tenderloin! Imagine tender, juicy pork infused with a delightful sweet and tangy glaze, all while you kick back and let your slow cooker do the work. With just 10 minutes of prep time and a hands-off cooking experience, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests at your next gathering. Dive into the details below and discover how to create a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lb pork tenderloin
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Prepare the pork tenderloin by patting it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the seasoning adhere better.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, black pepper, and salt until the brown sugar is mostly dissolved and ingredients are well combined.
- Place the pork tenderloin directly into the crockpot, ensuring it fits comfortably without being cramped.
- Pour the prepared balsamic mixture evenly over the pork tenderloin, making sure to coat all sides of the meat thoroughly.
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and set to low heat setting to ensure slow, even cooking.
- Cook the pork tenderloin for 6 hours, which allows the meat to become tender and absorb the rich, sweet-tangy flavors of the balsamic and brown sugar.
- After cooking time is complete, carefully remove the pork tenderloin from the crockpot and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Optional: While the meat rests, transfer the remaining cooking liquid to a small saucepan and reduce over medium heat to create a thicker glaze for drizzling.
- Slice the pork tenderloin against the grain into medallions and serve with the reduced glaze, if desired.
Tips
- Dry the Pork: Make sure to pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels before seasoning. This simple step helps the flavors stick better and enhances the overall taste.
- Mix Well: When combining the balsamic mixture, whisk until the brown sugar is mostly dissolved. This ensures an even distribution of flavors throughout the meat.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Place the pork tenderloin in the crockpot without cramming it in. This allows for better heat circulation and even cooking.
- Low and Slow: Set your crockpot to low heat. Cooking the pork for 6 hours on low allows it to become incredibly tender and flavorful.
- Rest the Meat: After cooking, let the pork rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful.
- Make a Glaze: For an added touch, reduce the leftover cooking liquid in a saucepan to create a thicker glaze. Drizzle this over the sliced pork for an extra burst of flavor.
- Serve with Sides: Pair your pork tenderloin with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes to complete the meal and soak up that delicious glaze!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 100mg
