Ah yes 😎 pork loin—lean, tender, and perfect for roasting or searing. Here’s a foolproof approach to make it juicy and flavorful.
🐖 Oven-Roasted Pork Loin
Ingredients
- 2–3 lb pork loin
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried rosemary or thyme (optional)
- 1 tsp paprika or smoked paprika (optional for color and flavor)
- Optional: 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat oven: 375°F / 190°C.
- Prep pork: Pat dry. Rub pork with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, herbs, paprika, and mustard if using.
- Sear (optional but adds flavor): Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, sear pork on all sides 2–3 minutes until browned.
- Roast: Place pork in a roasting pan or oven-safe skillet. Roast 45–60 minutes, until internal temp reaches 145°F / 63°C.
- Rest: Tent with foil and rest 10 minutes before slicing. Juices redistribute and meat stays tender.
🔥 Tips for Juicy Pork Loin
- Don’t overcook—145°F is perfect; it will continue to cook while resting.
- Add vegetables (carrots, onions, potatoes) around the pork in the pan—they soak up flavor and roast beautifully.
- Optional glaze: brush with honey, maple, or balsamic in last 10 minutes for caramelized sweetness.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Roasted veggies
- Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes
- Apple sauce or pan gravy
I can also give a stuffed pork loin version, slow-cooked garlic herb version, or a quick pan-seared method for weeknight dinner.
Do you want one of those elevated twists?
