This Slow Cooker Balsamic Brown Sugar Pork Roast is a delicious mix of sweet and tangy flavors. The balsamic vinegar and brown sugar create a sticky glaze that coats the juicy pork.
Using a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it while your house fills with mouthwatering smells! I love serving this roast with fluffy mashed potatoes to catch all that tasty sauce!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Roast: A 3-4 pound shoulder or loin works best for this recipe. Shoulder is slightly more flavorful, while loin is leaner. If you want a healthier option, consider using a boneless pork tenderloin.
Balsamic Vinegar: This adds the signature tangy flavor. If you’re out of balsamic, red wine vinegar is a good substitute, though it’s more acidic, so maybe add a pinch of sugar to balance it out.
Brown Sugar: The sweetness enhances the glaze. You can replace brown sugar with honey or maple syrup, but use a bit less since they’re sweeter!
Onions and Garlic: These aromatics provide depth. If you prefer a milder taste, you can use shallots instead of onions. You could even try garlic powder if you’re out of fresh garlic.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme add fragrance. Dried herbs will work, too, so don’t worry if you don’t have fresh. Use about a third of the amount!
How Do I Achieve the Best Flavor with Searing?
Searing your pork roast is a simple yet effective way to add flavor! It creates a nice crust and locks in juices. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- Pat the pork roast dry first; this helps it brown better.
- Sear the roast on all sides, about 3-4 minutes each side. Don’t rush this step!
- After searing, let it rest a couple of minutes before placing it in the slow cooker; this helps keep it juicy.
Remember, while searing adds extra flavor, you can skip it if you’re short on time. The slow cooker will still work its magic!
Slow Cooker Balsamic Brown Sugar Pork Roast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Roast:
- 3 to 4 pounds pork roast (shoulder or loin)
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or fresh, finely chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
- Optional: fresh herbs (sage or thyme) for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus cooking: 7-8 hours on LOW or 4-5 hours on HIGH in the slow cooker. Just set it and let it work its magic while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Roast:
Begin by patting the pork roast dry with paper towels. This helps it brown better. Next, season all sides of the roast with the black pepper and dried rosemary.
2. Sear the Pork (Optional):
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and heat it until it shimmers. Sear the pork roast on all sides until nicely browned—about 3-4 minutes per side. This step adds more flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time!
3. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Place the sliced onions and garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker. They will become soft and flavorful as the pork cooks.
4. Mix the Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and chicken broth until the sugar is completely dissolved. This mixture will create a delicious glaze.
5. Combine in the Slow Cooker:
Put the seared pork roast on top of the sliced onions and garlic in the slow cooker. Then, pour the balsamic mixture over the roast. Make sure it’s well coated!
6. Cook the Roast:
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours. The pork is done when it’s fork-tender and easily shreds.
7. Let It Rest:
Once the pork is cooked, carefully remove it to a cutting board and cover it loosely with foil. Let it rest for about 10 minutes so the juices redistribute.
8. Prepare the Sauce:
If desired, skim off any excess fat from the cooking liquid in the slow cooker. Stir the sauce to combine well, making sure to get all that flavor!
9. Slice and Serve:
Slice the pork roast and drizzle generously with the balsamic brown sugar sauce. Enjoy every delicious bit!
10. Garnish:
If you have fresh herbs like sage or thyme, sprinkle them on top for a lovely garnish. This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables!
Enjoy your tender, flavorful slow-cooked pork roast with a perfectly balanced sweet and tangy glaze!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
Absolutely! While shoulder and loin are great choices, you can also use pork tenderloin for a leaner option. Just be aware that cooking times may vary slightly, so check for tenderness!
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the pork moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Searing the Pork?
Yes, you can skip the searing step if you’re short on time. The slow cooker will still infuse the pork with flavor, but searing does enhance the dish’s overall depth.
How Can I Thicken the Sauce?
If you’d like a thicker sauce, you can remove the cooking liquid from the slow cooker and simmer it in a saucepan until it reduces. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the sauce while it simmers.
