Balsamic Pork Tenderloin Recipe (2024)

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Posted by Aimee 61 comments
Published: Mar 16, 2020 Last Updated: Jan 8, 2021

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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)

Table of Contents

  • Why this Recipe Works
  • What kind of pork to use
  • What’s the difference between pork tenderloin and pork loin?
  • Cooking Instructions
  • Balsamic Glaze
  • More Easy Dinner Ideas
  • Balsamic Pork Tenderloin Recipe Recipe

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)

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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

Do you sear pork tenderloin before or after baking? ›

Sear the pork on the stove until golden brown on all sides. Finish by baking them in the oven.

What is the secret to tender pork loin? ›

Once the pork loin roast reaches 145°F on an instant-read thermometer, remove it from the oven, and let it rest on a cutting board for 20 minutes. This gives the meat time to reabsorb all its juices. You can also brine the pork before you cook it, which ensures the meat stays tender, juicy, and well-seasoned.

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.

Does cooking pork tenderloin longer make it tender? ›

Because pork tenderloin is so tender, you want to be careful not to overcook the cut. A common method is to quickly cook it at a high temperature to retain its sweet taste and texture.

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.

Do you season pork before or after searing? ›

But really, it takes no extra effort, just some forethought. And so I will always season lamb shanks the day before they go into the braise. I will try to season chickens the day before, but if I don't have the chance, I won't sweat it; and I will season steaks and pork roasts right before searing.

What is the difference between pork loin and pork tenderloin? ›

While pork loin offers a larger size, robust flavor, and versatility in cooking methods, pork tenderloin boasts tenderness, lean meat, and a milder taste.

Can pork tenderloin be a little pink? ›

If fresh pork has reached 145°F (62.8 °C) throughout, even though it may still be pink in the center, it should be safe. The pink color can be due to the cooking method or added ingredients.

Should you salt pork tenderloin before cooking? ›

Seasoning the pork simply with just salt and pepper works, but this lean cut of meat takes well to a spice rub or marinade. Marinating the tenderloin in a mix of apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, onion powder, and salt makes it even juicier—find the full recipe for Honey-Mustard Pork Tenderloin here.

Should I cut pork tenderloin before cooking? ›

Slicing the tenderloin into pieces means they'll cook quicker, a lot quicker than the 40 minutes or so it takes for a whole piece. When slicing the tenderloin, start at the tapered (smaller) end and slice on a slight diagonal for even pieces.

How long should tenderloin sit out before cooking? ›

Once thawed, remove your roast from the refrigerator at least one hour (but not more than two hours) before cooking to allow the roast to come to room temperature. Season your Beef Tenderloin Roast well.

Should pork tenderloin sit out before cooking? ›

Meat juices inside can not react when we cook cold meat. We need room temperature for a juicy and tender steak. If you want to cook a tasty, delicious pork tenderloin in your oven, keeping all the flavors, you need to take it out of the refrigerator one hour before.

What is the best temperature to cook pork tenderloin? ›

At 400 degrees, the meat cooks most evenly and quickly enough to keep it nice and juicy and moist on the inside. If you're not sure if the pork tenderloin is baked through, use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. It should read 145 degrees fahrenheit.

Should I sear tenderloin before baking? ›

If roasting a tenderloin in the oven, you'll definitely want to sear it to get a golden brown crust. It doesn't take very long, and is so worth the effort.

Is it better to sear before or after roasting? ›

It's not really necessary to sear your roast before cooking, but caramelizing the surface gives the cut an incredible depth of flavor, enhanced with the complex layers of nutty caramel and coffee-like bitterness that meat-lovers find delicious.

Can you sear pork after baking? ›

A Foolproof Recipe for Perfect Pork Chops

While I love grilled pork chops, they are every bit as tasty seared in a frying pan. 'Reverse sear' refers to the practice of cooking a chop or steak to the desired level of doneness in a low oven, then finishing it quickly in a hot frying pan.

Why do you sear meat before putting it in the oven? ›

Searing is a technique that involves scorching the outer surface of meat at a high temperature. When you do this, the outside of the meat will develop a delicious crispy and brown crust. This technique is often used to lock in the juice of the meat for a tender bite that's packed with flavor.

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