Crockpot Brown Sugar Balsamic Pork Tenderloin is a delicious and easy-to-make dish. Here’s how to prepare it:
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds Pork tenderloin
- 1 teaspoon Ground sage
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Pepper
- 1 clove Garlic, crushed
- ½ cup Water
- ½ cup Brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
- ¼ cup Balsamic Vinegar
- ½ cup Water
- 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
Instructions:
1. Season the Pork:
- In a small bowl, mix together the ground sage, salt, pepper, and crushed garlic.
- Rub this seasoning mixture over the pork tenderloin, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
2. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
- Pour 1/2 cup of water into the slow cooker.
- Place the seasoned pork tenderloin in the slow cooker.
3. Slow Cook:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook the pork on low for 6-8 hours. Cooking times can vary slightly depending on your specific slow cooker, so ensure that the pork is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
4. Prepare the Glaze:
- About an hour before the pork is finished cooking, make the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, cornstarch, balsamic vinegar, water, and soy sauce.
- Heat this mixture over medium heat while stirring constantly. Continue to cook and stir until the glaze thickens, which should take about 4 minutes.
5. Glaze the Pork:
- Brush the glaze over the pork tenderloin 2 or 3 times during the last hour of cooking. This will infuse the meat with the sweet and savory flavors of the glaze.
6. Caramelized Crust (Optional):
- For an extra caramelized crust, you can follow this optional step: Remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on an aluminum-lined sheet pan. Brush it with the glaze and set it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until it becomes bubbly and caramelized. You can repeat this step 2 to 3 more times until you achieve the desired crust.
7. Serve:
- Once the pork is fully cooked and has a caramelized crust if desired, serve it with the remaining glaze on the side.
Enjoy your Crockpot Brown Sugar Balsamic Pork Tenderloin! It’s a sweet and savory dish that’s sure to impress your taste buds.
Here are some more tips and variations to enhance your Crockpot Brown Sugar Balsamic Pork Tenderloin:
8. Garlic Variations:
- Experiment with different types of garlic, such as roasted garlic or garlic powder, for a slightly different garlic flavor.
9. Fresh Herbs:
- Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the rub or glaze for a herbaceous twist.
10. Citrus Zest:
- Consider adding a bit of citrus zest, such as orange or lemon, to the glaze for a bright and zesty flavor.
11. Spiciness:
- If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a sweet and spicy balance.
12. Pork Loin:
- You can also make this dish with a pork loin instead of a pork tenderloin. The cooking time might vary slightly, so use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked to the recommended internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
13. Vegetables:
- Add vegetables like sliced onions, bell peppers, or carrots to the slow cooker to cook alongside the pork for a complete one-pot meal.
14. Custom Glaze:
- Adjust the glaze to your liking by adding more or less brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, or soy sauce to achieve your preferred balance of flavors.
15. Serve with Sides:
- Serve the pork with a variety of sides like roasted potatoes, steamed broccoli, or a fresh salad.
16. Leftovers:
- This dish reheats well, so you can enjoy it as leftovers for a delicious meal the next day.
17. Dietary Modifications:
- For dietary preferences, you can use a sugar substitute like honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar. Also, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option.
18. Freezing:
- If you have leftover pork, you can freeze it for future meals. Just ensure it’s properly sealed and labeled for easy reheating.
These ideas should help you customize your Crockpot Brown Sugar Balsamic Pork Tenderloin to suit your taste and dietary needs. Enjoy your flavorful and tender pork dish!
