Pork loin is one of my favorite cuts of meat to cook. It’s fun to experiment with, while also being very forgiving. As for the balsamic glaze in this recipe, I’ll be the first to admit that I am unnecessarily intimidated by any glaze. Truthfully, I don’t even know why this is the case. It may be due to an irrational fear of ruining a recipe.

If you’re making a point of budgeting better like I am, the last thing you want to do is waste money on ingredients. I understand! Luckily, this glaze by Garnish and Glaze is simple to make and stress-free. I made the pork at night, stored it in the fridge overnight, and made the glaze prior to reheating and serving the loin. The next day, I made Baked Sweet Potato Fries, which made the perfect side dish for the pork loin. Add in some greens, and you have one delicious (and relatively healthy) meal.

I don’t usually eat super rare meat, so when I saw the pink hue to the meat once it was done, I was a bit apprehensive. However, I expect pork to be a tad pink and knew I was being overly cautious. If you have the same concerns and need to be a bit more confident prior to tasting your meal, this article can offer peace of mind.

Slow Cooker Balsamic Pork Loin Recipe

Ingredients

For the Pork:

2lb. Boneless Pork Loin
1 teaspoon Ground Sage
2 Garlic Cloves, minced (Or, 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder)
1/2 cup Water
Salt and Pepper

For the Glaze:

1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

For the Pork:

Mix sage, salt, pepper, and garlic together in a small bowl and rub over the loin. Place in the bottom of the slow cooker along with 1/2 cup water or broth. Cook on low for 6 hours.

I cooked it on high for 2 to 3 hours because time wasn’t on my side; click here for more about converting cooking times. You can also sear it on all sides prior to placing it in the slow cooker to create a delicious crust. It’s up to you!

Remove it from the slow cooker and shred it.

For the Glaze:

Just before the pork is done, place the glaze ingredients in a small pan. Cook over medium heat for 4 minutes or until the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and drizzle over shredded pork. Serve.

If you are making the dish ahead of time, make sure to keep it stored properly in the fridge until it is ready to be used. Then, give yourself an ample amount of time to reheat it before serving.