Can I use a different cut of pork instead of pork loin?

Yes, pork shoulder or pork butt work brilliantly with this recipe and may actually shred even more easily. They contain more marbling and fat, which keeps them moist during long cooking. You may need to add an extra 30 minutes to 1 hour of cooking time, depending on the size and thickness of the cut

Should I really brown the pork first, or can I skip this step?

Browning the pork before slow cooking is highly recommended. It creates a flavourful crust and develops deeper, richer notes in the final dish. However, if you're short on time, you can skip this step and go straight to the slow cooker, though your pork won't have quite the same depth of flavour

The recipe mentions doubling the glaze. Should I do this?

It depends on how much glaze you like. The glaze is truly delicious, so doubling the recipe means you'll have more to drizzle over the pork at serving time and enough for side dishes or leftovers. Simply double all the glaze ingredients and cook it for about 7 to 8 minutes instead of 5

How should I store leftovers, and how long will they keep?

Store leftover pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The pork is perfect for shredding into sandwiches, adding to burritos, or reheating gently in a pan with a splash of the glaze. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months

EASY CROCKPOT PORK LOIN WITH BROWN SUGAR AND BALSAMIC GLAZE: Delicious fall-apart pulled pork recipe

by marcy inspired

Pork

Published 28 April 2026Original video

This effortless slow cooker pork loin is the ultimate comfort food: tender enough to pull apart with a fork, and glazed with a deliciously balanced brown sugar and balsamic glaze that's both sweet and savoury. Brown the pork briefly on the stovetop for extra flavour, then let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting whilst you go about your day. In the final hour, you'll prepare a glossy glaze to coat the meat, resulting in a stunning centrepiece that's perfect for family suppers. Serve it as pulled pork with crusty bread, or enjoy it as a traditional roast. Leftovers make brilliant sandwiches and burritos the next day

Video thumbnail: EASY CROCKPOT PORK LOIN WITH BROWN SUGAR AND BALSAMIC GLAZE: Delicious fall-apart pulled pork recipe

Watch: EASY CROCKPOT PORK LOIN WITH BROWN SUGAR AND BALSAMIC GLAZE: Delicious fall-apart pulled pork recipe

Original recipe video — click to play

Original video by marcy inspired4k likes on YouTube

20 mins

Prep time

7 hrs

Slow cook (Low)

Serves

7 hrs 20 mins

Total (Low)

Slow cooker setting:Low 7 hours

Original method: 6 hours on Low in slow cooker

Ingredients

Servings:

Units:

Main

1400 g pork loin, rinsed and patted dry
Brown on all sides in a lightly greased frying pan before adding to slow cooker for enhanced flavour.
⅜ whole onion, coarsely chopped
Use between 0.25 to 0.5 of a medium onion, coarsely chopped.
4 cloves fresh garlic cloves
, whole
Use 3 to 4 cloves, left whole and placed on top of the pork.
120 ml water
Added to the slow cooker with the pork.
to taste salt
Season the pork before browning.
to taste black pepper
Season the pork before browning.

Glaze

180 g brown sugar
Consider doubling the glaze recipe if you prefer extra for serving.
60 ml balsamic vinegar
30 ml soy sauce
15 g cornflour
Helps thicken the glaze.

Method

1
Turn on your slow cooker and set it to Low.
~2 mins
2
Place the coarsely chopped onion into the base of the slow cooker.
~2 mins
3
Rinse the pork loin under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
~5 mins
Tip: Patting dry helps the pork brown better.
4
Season the pork loin generously on all sides with salt and black pepper.
~2 mins
5
Heat a lightly greased frying pan over a medium-high heat. Quickly brown the pork loin on all sides until golden brown, approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side.
~10 mins
Tip: This step develops extra flavour and colour.
6
Place the browned pork loin, fat side up, on top of the onion in the slow cooker.
~2 mins
7
Pour 120 ml (0.5 cup) of water into the slow cooker around the pork.
~2 mins
8
Place 3 to 4 whole fresh garlic cloves on top of the pork.
~1 min
9
Cover the slow cooker and cook on Low for approximately 6 to 7 hours until the pork is very tender and falls apart easily when tested with a fork.
~6 hrs 30 mins
Tip: Cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker and the thickness of your pork loin.
10
During the final hour of cooking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine 180 g (0.75 cup) of brown sugar, 60 ml (0.25 cup) of balsamic vinegar, 30 ml (2 Tbsp) of soy sauce, and 15 g (1 Tbsp) of cornflour.
~2 mins
Tip: Have all ingredients measured and ready to go.
11
Cook the glaze over a medium heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently, for approximately 5 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy.
~5 mins
Tip: The glaze should coat the back of a spoon.
12
Once the pork is tender, carefully turn it over in the slow cooker.
~2 mins
13
Pour approximately half of the prepared glaze over the top of the pork. Set the remaining glaze aside for serving.
~2 mins
14
Allow the pork to continue cooking in the slow cooker until it is completely tender and falls apart easily, approximately another 30 to 60 minutes.
~45 mins
15
Serve the pork with the remaining glaze drizzled on top. For a finishing touch, you may also transfer the cooked pork to an oven-safe dish and place it under a hot grill for a few minutes to crisp the top, if desired.
~10 mins
Optional step
Tip: The pork is delicious served as pulled pork with crusty bread or as a traditional roast. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator and make excellent sandwiches and burritos the next day.

Nutrition

Detailed nutritional information is coming soon.

Frequently Asked Questions

: Yes, pork shoulder or pork butt work brilliantly with this recipe and may actually shred even more easily. They contain more marbling and fat, which keeps them moist during long cooking. You may need to add an extra 30 minutes to 1 hour of cooking time, depending on the size and thickness of the cut

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