Description
Succulent Roasted Pork Loin promises a delightful culinary journey through tender, herb-infused meat that melts in your mouth. Crisp herb crust and juicy interior invite you to savor this classic dish that elevates simple ingredients into a memorable meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 (3-4 pounds / 1.4-1.8 kilograms) boneless pork loin
Herbs and Aromatics:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme (chopped)
Seasoning:
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Optional Glaze:
- Apple cider (optional)
- Honey mustard (optional)
- Balsamic vinegar (optional)
Instructions
- Thoroughly dry the pork loin with clean kitchen towels to eliminate excess moisture, which promotes a golden, crispy exterior during roasting.
- Create a fragrant herb-infused coating by whisking together aromatic olive oil, crushed garlic, finely chopped rosemary, delicate thyme leaves, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Generously massage the herbal mixture into every surface of the pork loin, ensuring complete and even coverage for maximum flavor penetration.
- Position the seasoned meat on a sturdy roasting rack within a heavy-bottomed pan, which allows hot air to circulate and promote uniform cooking.
- Transfer the prepared pork loin into a preheated oven set at 400°F, roasting approximately 25-30 minutes per pound until an instant-read thermometer registers an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Once cooked, immediately remove the pork and loosely tent with aluminum foil, allowing the meat to rest undisturbed for 10-15 minutes to help juices redistribute and ensure tender, succulent results.
- Slice the rested pork loin perpendicular to the muscle fibers, creating elegant 1-inch thick medallions that showcase the herb-crusted exterior and juicy interior.
- Serve immediately, optionally drizzling any accumulated pan juices over the sliced meat for an extra layer of rich, savory flavor.
Notes
- Moisture Matters: Pat the pork loin completely dry to achieve a golden, crispy exterior that seals in delicious flavors.
- Herb Harmony: Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme can be swapped with dried versions if needed, but use half the amount to prevent overwhelming the meat.
- Temperature Precision: Always use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked pork, preventing dryness while ensuring food safety.
- Lean Protein Adaptation: Choose center-cut pork loin for a leaner option, making this recipe suitable for health-conscious diners or those watching their fat intake.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg