Balsamic Pork Loin is one of my favorite recipes to make. I love the tenderness of pork loin and how nicely it grills. For this Encore Meal, your second dish will be a Pesto Pork Wrap. Your family will enjoy the second meal using this dish as much as the original.
Balsamic Pork Loin/ Pesto Pork Wrap
Often times people get a pork loin and a pork tenderloin confused. They are actually two different cuts of meat.
- They are cut from slightly different muscles within the same muscle group.
- The pork tenderloin is thin, small and very tender, while the pork loin is thicker and longer. Typically, two tenderloins will be sold in a package with a weight of 1.5 pounds. One pork loin will weigh between 3 and 4 pounds.
- Pork tenderloin is best cooked quickly on high heat, while pork loin is grilled or slow-roasted.
- Both cuts are lean and tender (although the tenderloin will be much more tender than the loin.)
- The pork tenderloin is similar to the beef filet that’s cut from a cow.
- According to my research, both cuts have the same nutritional value.
Tips and more
This is part of my Encore series where you cook once and eat twice. Your first meal will be the Balsamic Pork Loin (with sides of your choosing) and the second meal would be the Pesto Pork Wrap. You can find the Pesto Pork Wrap recipe in the Notes section of the recipe below.
Because I like the Encore series to be super easy for busy families, I usually cook the pork loin in the slow cooker. Hands-off is good for busy moms! As with most slow cooker recipes, you layer the meat, then spices, heat it, and forget it. You’ll forget it until the aroma takes you away, that is. The smell is incredible!
Can I Grill Balsamic Pork Loin?
Yes, you may also grill the Balsamic Pork Loin recipe. To grill, I marinate the loin for at least an hour. I have to use a meat thermometer when grilling. It’s so hard to tell you to cook it ‘x’ minutes, when your pork loin may be vastly larger or smaller than the one I cooked. Use your thermometer, grilling experience, and common sense to determine when your loin is cooked through. Usually, a three-pound pork loin will take 20 to 25 minutes at 350 degrees F to cook on the grill. Watch it and your thermometer closely.
You may want to try gluten free shake & bake pork chops, as well. I suggest serving your Balsamic Pork Loin with Cheddar Jalapeno Cornbread Biscuits and Mandarin Orange Salad or Wedge Salad!
Balsamic Pork Loin/ Pesto Pork Wrap
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Save To Your Recipe BoxIngredients
Instructions
- Place pork in a slow cooker. Layer with onion, garlic then herbs, pour tomatoes then balsamic vinegar over all ingredients. Cook 4 hours on low.
- Serve over rice or angel hair pasta and/or with side salad
- Alternately, you can grill the pork.
- *See note above for grilling
Notes
PESTO PORK WRAP
- Flour tortillas
- Fresh spinach
- Pesto
- Mayonnaise, optional
Nutrition
Jennifer says
This was so tasty even my youngest ate it!
Glenda says
Delicious! We love pork loin. It’s such an economical and versatile cut of meat. Your balsamic marinade gave it excellent flavor and it grilled up beautifully. Thanks for the yummy recipe!
Laura says
So delicious we all loved it! Thanks!!
Ana says
Wow!! Great picture! And thanks for explaining the differences between pork loin and pork tenderloin