Are you looking for a delicious and easy way to cook pork loin? Look no further than this slow cooker pork loin recipe! With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can have a tender and flavorful pork loin ready for dinner. Plus, using a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need: - 2-3 pound pork loin - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 tablespoon minced garlic - 1 tablespoon dried thyme - 1 tablespoon dried rosemary - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 cup chicken broth - 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 1 tablespoon water
Pork Loin
The star of the show is the pork loin, which you can find at most grocery stores. Look for one that is 2-3 pounds, which will serve 6-8 people. Make sure to trim any excess fat from the pork loin before cooking.
Herbs and Spices
To give the pork loin flavor, we'll be using a blend of garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. These herbs and spices are a classic combination that work well with pork.
Liquid
To help cook the pork loin and add flavor, we'll be using a mixture of chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, and honey. The chicken broth will keep the pork loin moist, while the balsamic vinegar and honey will add a sweet and tangy flavor.
Cornstarch Slurry
To thicken the sauce at the end, we'll be using a cornstarch slurry. This is simply a mixture of cornstarch and water that will help thicken the sauce and make it more gravy-like.
Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients, it's time to get cooking! Here's how to make this slow cooker pork loin recipe: 1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork loin and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until browned. 2. While the pork loin is browning, mix together the garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. 3. Once the pork loin is browned, transfer it to the slow cooker. Sprinkle the herb and spice mixture over the pork loin. 4. In the same skillet you used to brown the pork loin, add the chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Bring the mixture to a boil, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. 5. Pour the liquid mixture over the pork loin in the slow cooker. 6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the pork loin is tender and cooked through. 7. Once the pork loin is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and transfer it to a cutting board. Cover the pork loin with foil and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. 8. While the pork loin is resting, strain the liquid from the slow cooker into a small saucepan. 9. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to make a slurry. 10. Add the cornstarch slurry to the saucepan with the liquid from the slow cooker. Bring the mixture to a boil, whisking constantly, until the sauce has thickened. 11. Slice the pork loin and serve with the sauce.
Nutrition
This slow cooker pork loin recipe serves 6-8 people and is a great source of protein. Here's the nutritional information per serving: - Calories: 360 - Fat: 12g - Saturated Fat: 3g - Cholesterol: 120mg - Sodium: 540mg - Carbohydrates: 12g - Fiber: 0g - Sugar: 10g - Protein: 48g
Conclusion
This slow cooker pork loin recipe is a great way to make a delicious and easy dinner. With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can have a tender and flavorful pork loin ready for your family or guests. Plus, the leftovers make great sandwiches or salads for lunch the next day. Give it a try and see how easy and delicious it is!