Name: Brown Sugar Balsamic Pork Tenderloin (Crockpot Recipe) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 h 10 min
Total time: 6 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds pork tenderloin; 1 teaspoon rubbed sage; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon pepper; 1 clove garlic, minced; ½ cup water (for crockpot); ½ cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; ¼ cup balsamic vinegar; ½ cup cold water (for glaze); 2 tablespoons soy sauce

Description

This Brown Sugar Balsamic Pork Tenderloin is a succulent, flavorful dish slow-cooked to perfection in a crockpot, then finished under the broiler for a caramelized glaze. The combination of rubbings sage, brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar offers a perfect balance of savory and sweet, making it an easy yet impressive meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Pork Tenderloin

2 pounds pork tenderloin
1 teaspoon rubbed sage
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
1 clove garlic, minced

Liquid & Glaze

½ cup water (for crockpot)
½ cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
½ cup cold water (for glaze)
2 tablespoons soy sauce

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Instructions

Season the Pork: In a small bowl, combine the rubbed sage, salt, pepper, and minced garlic thoroughly. Rub this seasoning mixture evenly all over the pork tenderloin to enhance its flavor.
Prepare the Crockpot: Place the seasoned pork tenderloin inside your slow cooker. Carefully pour ½ cup of water along the edge of the pot to avoid rinsing off the spices from the pork.
Slow Cook the Pork: Set your crockpot to low and cook the pork tenderloin for 6 to 8 hours until tender and fully cooked through.
Make the Glaze: While the pork finishes cooking and the broiler preheats, combine the brown sugar, cornstarch, balsamic vinegar, ½ cup cold water, and soy sauce in a small saucepan. Heat it over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, which should take about 4 minutes.
Broil for a Caramelized Finish: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray lightly with oil or use a Silpat liner. Remove the pork from the crockpot and place it onto the baking sheet. Generously brush the glaze over the pork. Position your oven rack at the highest level and broil the pork for 1 to 2 minutes until bubbly and caramelized. Repeat the glazing and broiling process 2 to 3 more times to achieve a crusty, caramelized exterior. Be cautious not to dry out the pork.

Notes

Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model.
Keep a close eye during broiling to prevent burning.
Let the pork rest for 5 minutes after broiling to allow juices to redistribute.
You can substitute soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option.