Balsamic Glazed Pork Loin: A Delicious Dinner Staple for Any Occasion

Photo byangie bright

If you're looking to create a dinner that's both hearty and elegant, the Balsamic Glazed Pork Loin is a dish that checks all the boxes. With a beautiful balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, this recipe brings the classic pork loin to a whole new level of deliciousness. Not only is this dish perfect for impressing guests at a dinner party, but it’s also simple enough to serve as a weeknight family meal.

The rich glaze made from balsamic vinegar, garlic, and Italian herbs coats the pork loin beautifully, resulting in a tender and juicy meat that’s bursting with flavor. As it cooks, the aroma fills your kitchen with the mouthwatering scent of roasted pork and caramelized balsamic vinegar, making it hard to wait for that first bite.

The secret to this recipe's success lies in the combination of well-chosen ingredients and the slow cooker. The slow, gentle cooking method allows the pork to stay tender, while the balsamic glaze becomes a rich, flavorful coating. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a master chef, even though it’s incredibly easy to prepare.

Balsamic Glazed Pork Loin Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3-pound boneless pork loin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sweet or smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ⅓ cup chicken broth
• 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 5 cloves garlic, smashed
• ½ tablespoon Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Begin by patting the pork loin dry with paper towels to ensure the seasoning sticks well.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, paprika, onion powder, and black pepper. Sprinkle the spice rub generously over the pork loin, making sure to coat all sides.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pork and sear on all sides until it develops a golden-brown crust, which should take a few minutes on each side.
4. In a small bowl, mix the remaining olive oil with the balsamic vinegar and smashed garlic cloves. Let it thicken slightly and then stir in the Italian seasoning.
5. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of a slow cooker to create moisture and prevent the pork from drying out during the cooking process.
6. Place the pork loin in the slow cooker, fat side up, to allow the fat to naturally baste the meat as it cooks. Brush the balsamic mixture generously over the pork, ensuring every surface is covered.
7. Cover the slow cooker and cook the pork on the LOW setting for 5 hours or on HIGH for 3 ½ hours, until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
8. Once cooked, transfer the pork to a cutting board and cover it with foil to rest for 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender pork loin.
9. Slice the pork into medallions and serve with the pan juices drizzled over the top.

The Final Touch

What makes this Balsamic Glazed Pork Loin truly special is how easy it is to customize. You can serve it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or even a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal. The balance of savory pork and the tangy-sweet glaze is perfect for anyone who enjoys a rich, flavorful dish without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients and some simple techniques, you’ll have a dinner that’s sure to become a household favorite.

Here are some sources for Balsamic Glazed Pork Loin recipes and helpful tips:

1. Rachel Cooks offers a slow-cooker version of balsamic glazed pork loin, including detailed tips for preparation and reheating. The recipe provides a tangy glaze made from brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, and garlic, cooked slowly for juicy, flavorful results. It’s ideal for making in bulk and reheating leftovers efficiently​(Spend With Pennies)​(Rachel Cooks®).
2. Spend with Pennies provides a traditional oven-baked version of balsamic pork loin. This recipe focuses on a flavorful balsamic marinade and basting technique to keep the pork moist while roasting​(Spend With Pennies).
3. David Lebovitz gives a gourmet take on balsamic pork loin, offering tips on marinating the pork with a mixture of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and herbs before roasting. This recipe brings a richer depth of flavor with ingredients like garlic and honey​(David Lebovitz).
4. AllRecipes shares a balsamic roasted pork loin recipe that combines the sharp tang of balsamic vinegar with a simple yet effective seasoning rub for a family-friendly meal. The easy-to-follow instructions make it approachable for any home cook​(Allrecipes).

These resources offer great variations on this savory dish, each adding unique elements that can enhance your cooking experience.