Are you craving a delicious and easy-to-make meal that will impress your family and friends? Look no further than our mouthwatering Slow Cooker Honey Balsamic Pork recipe! Tender pork tenderloin marinated in a savory-sweet balsamic glaze, slow-cooked to perfection – it’s a dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Let’s dive into the details and learn how to create this delectable culinary masterpiece!
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds (1.4 kg) pork tenderloin
- ½ cup (120 ml) balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- ¼ cup (60 ml) honey
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons (38 g) brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon (1 g) black pepper
- 1 tablespoon (8 g) cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) water
Instructions:
- Prepare Pork: Place the pork tenderloin in the slow cooker.
- Make Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine balsamic vinegar, water, honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and black pepper. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved.
- Marinate Pork: Pour the marinade over the pork tenderloin, ensuring it is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
- Cook: Cook the marinated pork in the slow cooker on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the pork is tender and cooked through.
- Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker with the pork and sauce. Cook for an additional 30 minutes on high heat, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Serve: Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and slice it into thick pieces. Serve the pork drizzled with the thickened balsamic glaze from the slow cooker.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Pork Cut: While pork tenderloin works wonderfully in this recipe, you can also use pork loin or pork shoulder for a slightly different texture.
- Additional Flavors: Feel free to customize the marinade by adding additional herbs and spices such as rosemary, thyme, or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Vegetable Addition: For a complete meal, add vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers to the slow cooker along with the pork.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto Version: To make a keto-friendly version of this recipe, substitute the honey with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. Use a low-carb soy sauce or coconut aminos instead of traditional soy sauce.
- Low-Carb Version: Similarly, for a low-carb version, reduce the amount of honey or omit it altogether. You can also use a sugar-free honey substitute or skip it entirely for a savory flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use a different cut of pork? A: Yes, while pork tenderloin works well in this recipe, you can also use pork loin or pork shoulder. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thicker cuts may require longer cooking times.
Q: Can I prepare this recipe in advance? A: Absolutely! You can marinate the pork ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook it in the slow cooker. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, you can freeze any leftover cooked pork and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the microwave or on the stove.
Q: What can I serve with this dish? A: This Honey Balsamic Pork pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or steamed rice. You can also serve it with a fresh green salad for a lighter option.
Slow Cooker Honey Balsamic Pork is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its succulent pork, flavorful marinade, and easy preparation, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a dinner party, this dish is guaranteed to impress. So fire up your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the irresistible flavors of Honey Balsamic Pork!