Juicy Balsamic Glazed Pork Loin Recipe: A Flavorful Masterpiece

Succulent balsamic glazed pork loin promises a culinary adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Juicy meat transforms into a canvas of rich, tangy flavors that meld perfectly.

My kitchen always buzzes with anticipation when this recipe comes together.

Marinades create magic, infusing each tender slice with deep, complex notes.

Mediterranean influences shine through in this simple yet elegant dish.

Carefully selected ingredients guarantee a meal that impresses without complicated techniques.

Come ready to experience a dinner that feels like a gourmet restaurant right at your table.

Pro Tips for Balsamic Glazed Pork Loin

• Pat pork thoroughly with paper towels to help spices adhere and create better browning during searing.
• Apply spice rub generously and evenly, massaging into the meat to enhance taste throughout the pork loin.
• Use medium heat and allow each side to develop a golden-brown crust, which locks in juices and adds rich flavor.
• Pour chicken broth into slow cooker to prevent drying out, keeping pork tender and succulent during cooking.
• Let pork rest under foil for 10-15 minutes after cooking, allowing juices to redistribute before slicing against the grain for maximum tenderness.

Variations for Balsamic Glazed Pork Loin

• Low-Sodium Herb Pork: Replace salt with dried herbs like thyme and rosemary. Use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce overall salt content while maintaining flavor depth.
• Spicy Caribbean Pork: Swap paprika with jerk seasoning. Add a splash of rum to the balsamic glaze for a tropical kick. Include chopped scotch bonnet peppers for extra heat.
• Keto-Friendly Pork Roast: Eliminate onion powder. Use apple cider vinegar instead of balsamic for lower carb content. Add extra virgin olive oil to increase fat content for keto dieters.
• Mediterranean-Style Pork: Incorporate dried oregano and mint into the rub. Replace chicken broth with white wine. Add lemon zest to the balsamic glaze for bright, zesty notes.

Serving Suggestions for Pork Loin

• Rustic Farmhouse Plating: Slice the succulent pork loin on a wooden cutting board, surrounded by fresh rosemary sprigs for an inviting, rustic presentation.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Complement the rich balsamic flavors with a glass of medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Merlot, enhancing the dish's depth.
• Mediterranean Sidekick Spread: Serve alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, and bell peppers drizzled with the remaining balsamic glaze for a colorful, tangy accompaniment.
• Hearty Grain Bed: Place the sliced pork over creamy polenta or herbed quinoa to soak up the delicious balsamic sauce and create a satisfying meal.

Storage Recommendations for Balsamic Pork Loin

• Store leftover pork in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring it's completely cooled before sealing.
• Wrap sliced pork tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Place pork slices on a microwave-safe plate. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature until warmed through.

FAQs

• What makes the rub special?

The rub combines salt, paprika, onion powder, and black pepper to create a flavorful seasoning that enhances the pork’s natural taste and helps form a delicious crust during searing.

• Why sear the pork before slow cooking?

Searing locks in the meat’s juices, creates a golden-brown exterior that adds depth of flavor, and helps develop a rich, caramelized surface that seals in moisture during slow cooking.

• How do I know when the pork is perfectly cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145˚F, which ensures the pork is safe to eat while remaining juicy and tender.

Balsamic Glazed Pork Loin Overview

• Boost Flavor Complexity: Elevate your meal with a tangy balsamic glaze that transforms ordinary pork into a gourmet experience, creating layers of rich, sweet, and savory notes.
• Minimal Prep Powerhouse: Achieve restaurant-quality results with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want maximum taste with minimal effort.
• Slow Cooker Magic: Enjoy hands-off cooking that ensures tender, juicy pork without constant monitoring, allowing you to multitask while a delicious dinner prepares itself.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Impress family and guests with a dish that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or special occasions, adapting easily to different dining scenarios.

Ingredients for Balsamic Glazed Pork Loin

• Pork Loin: A tender and lean cut that serves as the star protein for this delicious glazed dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Onion Powder: A classic spice mixture that enhances the natural flavor of the pork and creates a savory base for the glaze.

• Balsamic Vinegar: A rich and tangy ingredient that provides a deep, sweet-sour flavor to the pork.
• Olive Oil: Helps create a smooth glaze and prevents the meat from sticking during cooking.
• Garlic: Adds a robust and aromatic flavor to the balsamic mixture.
• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and additional flavor during the slow cooking process.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that complements the balsamic glaze and adds complexity to the dish.

Cooking Instructions for Balsamic Glazed Pork Loin

Step 1: Prepare Pork Loin

Grab a clean paper towel and thoroughly pat the pork loin dry to remove excess moisture.

This helps create a perfect sear and allows seasonings to stick better.

Step 2: Create Savory Spice Blend

• Salt
• Paprika
• Onion powder
• Black pepper

Whisk the spices until well combined.

Generously sprinkle the spice mixture all over the pork, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 3: Sear The Meat

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place the pork into the hot pan and sear each side until a beautiful golden-brown color develops, creating a delicious outer crust.

Step 4: Blend Balsamic Glaze

• Olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Garlic
• Italian seasoning

Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly thickened, creating a rich, aromatic glaze.

Step 5: Slow Cook The Pork

Pour chicken broth into the slow cooker.

Position the pork loin fat side up and generously brush the balsamic glaze over the entire surface.

Step 6: Cook To Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW setting for 4 to 5 hours or HIGH setting for 3 hours.

The pork is ready when its internal temperature reaches 145˚F.

Step 7: Rest And Serve

Transfer the cooked pork to a cutting board.

Cover loosely with foil and let it rest for a few minutes.

Slice and serve the tender, flavorful pork loin.

Balsamic Glazed Pork Loin Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Succulent Balsamic Glazed Pork Loin promises a culinary journey through rich, tangy flavors that elevate classic roasted meat. Juicy pork tenderloin meets a glossy balsamic reduction, delivering a restaurant-quality dish you can easily recreate at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms) boneless pork loin

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1/2 tablespoon (7.5 milliliters) Italian seasoning

Liquid and Aromatics:

• 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) chicken broth
• 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) olive oil
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) balsamic vinegar
• 5 cloves garlic (smashed)

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly dry the pork using clean paper towels to ensure optimal seasoning adherence.
2. Create a robust spice blend by whisking salt, paprika, onion powder, and black pepper in a small mixing bowl. Generously coat the entire pork surface with this aromatic rub.
3. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully sear the seasoned pork, rotating to achieve a golden-brown crust on all sides, which locks in rich flavors.
4. Transform the glaze by blending balsamic vinegar, remaining olive oil, and garlic until smooth. Quickly pulse in Italian seasoning to enhance the sauce’s complexity.
5. Pour chicken broth into the slow cooker, positioning the pork loin fat side up. Liberally brush the prepared balsamic mixture across the meat’s surface.
6. Secure the slow cooker lid and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 3 hours. Confirm doneness by checking the internal temperature reaches 145˚F using a meat thermometer.
7. Remove pork from the slow cooker and transfer to a cutting board. Tent with aluminum foil, allowing the meat to rest and redistribute juices for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
8. Slice against the grain and serve immediately, drizzling any remaining glaze over the meat for extra flavor.

Notes

• For extra flavor depth, marinate the pork loin in the balsamic mixture for 2-4 hours before cooking to enhance taste absorption.
• Choose a fatty cut of pork loin to ensure moisture and tenderness during slow cooking, preventing dry meat.
• Try herb variations like rosemary or thyme instead of Italian seasoning to create unique flavor profiles matching different meal preferences.
• When checking internal temperature, use a reliable meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the loin for accurate doneness measurement.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours (on Low) or 3 hours (on High)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 330 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg