Tangy Orange-Cranberry Pork Loin Roast Recipe – A Juicy Delight

Succulent pork loin with a zesty orange cranberry glaze brings festive flavors to your dinner table.

Winter’s chill calls for hearty meals that warm both body and soul.

This roast combines tangy cranberries and bright citrus notes for a mouthwatering centerpiece.

Sweet and savory elements dance together, creating a culinary symphony on your plate.

Every slice promises tender meat infused with robust seasonings and fruity undertones.

The recipe transforms a simple cut into an elegant main course that impresses without complicated techniques.

Serve this delectable roast and watch as your guests marvel at your cooking prowess.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 330 kcal

Servings: 9

What You’ll Need For Orange Cranberry Pork Loin Roast

• Pork Loin: Lean, tender centerpiece that provides rich protein foundation for the dish.
• Olive Oil: Helps create golden, crispy exterior while locking in moisture.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning agents that enhance natural meat flavors.
• Garlic Powder: Adds subtle aromatic depth without overwhelming meat's profile.
• Onion Powder: Brings gentle sweetness and balanced savory undertones.
• Thyme: Herbaceous note that complements pork's delicate taste.

• Cranberries: Tart jewels that provide vibrant color and bright, tangy accent.
• Orange Juice: Delivers fresh, zesty liquid base with natural sweetness.
• Orange Zest: Concentrated citrus essence that intensifies orange flavor.
• Honey: Natural sweetener creating smooth, glossy glaze consistency.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds complex, slightly acidic undertone for balanced flavor.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that bridges sweet and savory elements.
• Cloves: Intense, aromatic spice providing deep warmth.
• Salt: Balances and heightens overall glaze complexity.

• Foil: Helps meat retain heat and moisture during resting period.

Tools To Prep Orange Cranberry Pork Loin Roast

• Roasting Pan or Baking Dish: Essential for roasting the pork loin evenly and catching drippings.
• Small Saucepan: Perfect for simmering the vibrant orange cranberry glaze.
• Pastry Brush: Needed to generously coat the pork with glaze during roasting.
• Meat Thermometer: Crucial for checking the pork's internal temperature and ensuring perfect doneness.
• Sharp Knife: Required for slicing the roasted pork loin after resting.
• Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for preparing ingredients and slicing meat.
• Zester or Grater: Helps extract fresh orange zest for the glaze.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.

How To Make Orange Cranberry Pork Loin Roast

• Prep the Meat

Unwrap your pork loin and gently dab it dry with paper towels. Massage olive oil all over the surface, creating a delicious base for seasoning. Sprinkle a blend of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme across the meat, ensuring every inch gets flavor love.

• Create Cranberry Magic

Grab a small saucepan and toss in cranberries, fresh orange juice, and zesty orange peel. Drizzle honey and balsamic vinegar into the mix. Shake in cinnamon and cloves for warmth, then add a pinch of salt. Bring the liquid to a gentle bubble, stirring occasionally until cranberries start to pop and the sauce transforms into a glossy, thick dream.

• Roast to Perfection

Slide the seasoned pork into a preheated 375°F oven. Lovingly brush half the cranberry goodness over the meat. Every 15 minutes, give the pork another layer of that tangy glaze. Watch for the internal temperature to hit 145°F – your signal that deliciousness is ready.

• Let It Rest and Enjoy

Pull the pork from the oven and cover with foil. Allow it to relax for 10 minutes, letting juices redistribute. Slice against the grain and drizzle the remaining cranberry sauce on top. Serve and watch everyone’s eyes light up with the first bite.

Tips To Tweak Orange Cranberry Pork Loin Roast

• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the orange cranberry glaze up to two days in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, saving you precious prep time on cooking day.
• Lean Protein Swap: Replace pork loin with turkey breast or chicken for a lighter protein option that still absorbs the vibrant orange cranberry flavors beautifully.
• Low-Carb Friendly: Skip the honey in the glaze and use a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit or stevia to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the delicious sweet-tangy profile.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfect doneness, preventing overcooking that can make the pork dry and tough, ensuring a juicy and tender roast every single time.
• Herb Garden Boost: Experiment with fresh rosemary or sage instead of thyme to create subtle flavor variations that complement the bright citrus and tart cranberry notes in the glaze.

Ways To Serve Orange Cranberry Pork Loin Roast

• Festive Family Feast: Gather loved ones around the table and serve this roast as a centerpiece for holiday dinners or special weekend meals.
• Elegant Pairing Companions: Complement the roast with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a wild rice pilaf to enhance the citrusy cranberry flavors.
• Leftover Magic Transformation: Slice cold roast for gourmet sandwiches, chop into salads, or shred for delicious tacos, extending the meal's potential and reducing food waste.
• Wine and Dine Experience: Pair with a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a crisp Riesling to balance the sweet and tangy glaze, creating a restaurant-quality dining experience at home.

Storage Tips For Orange Cranberry Pork Loin Roast

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover pork loin in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps refrigerated for 3-4 days, maintaining optimal flavor and texture when sealed properly.
• Quick Reheating Technique: Warm sliced pork in microwave with 1-2 tablespoons of reserved glaze. Use 50% power in 30-second intervals to prevent drying, stopping when internal temperature reaches 165F for food safety.
• Freezer Storage Solution: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating, ensuring moisture retention and flavor preservation.
• Glaze Repurposing Hack: Extra cranberry orange glaze can be stored separately in sealed glass jar. Refrigerate for 5-7 days. Perfect as salad dressing, meat marinade, or sandwich spread, extending recipe's versatility beyond initial meal.

Succulent Orange Cranberry Pork Loin Roast Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Succulent orange cranberry pork loin roast combines tangy citrus with sweet-tart cranberries for a festive main course. Elegant dinner guests will appreciate this harmonious blend of seasonal flavors that elevates classic roasted pork.

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Ingredients

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• 3.4 lbs (1.5 kg) pork loin roast
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup cranberries (fresh or frozen)
• ½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 zest of orange
• ⅓ cup honey (or maple syrup)
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

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Instructions

1. Seasoning: Meticulously coat the pork loin with a harmonious blend of olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme, massaging each ingredient into the meat’s surface for optimal flavor penetration.
2. Preparation: Transfer the seasoned pork loin to a roasting pan, positioning it to facilitate uniform heat distribution and culinary excellence.
3. Glaze Creation: Combine cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, balsamic vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, and a delicate touch of salt in a saucepan, transforming these ingredients into a vibrant, glossy reduction.
4. Roasting Process: Place the pork in a preheated oven, methodically brushing with the cranberry glaze every 15 minutes to build a caramelized, flavor-rich exterior while monitoring the internal temperature until it reaches a precise 145°F.
5. Resting and Serving: Remove the pork from the oven, tent with foil to allow juice redistribution, then slice with surgical precision and embellish with the remaining cranberry glaze, creating a visually stunning and palate-pleasing presentation.

Notes

• Master Seasoning Technique: Generously massage the pork loin to ensure every inch absorbs the aromatic blend, creating a flavorful and evenly seasoned exterior.
• Glaze Consistency Control: Simmer the cranberry mixture slowly, watching for a glossy, thick texture that will beautifully caramelize and coat the meat without burning.
• Precise Temperature Monitoring: Use a meat thermometer to hit the exact 145°F sweet spot, preventing overcooking and maintaining the pork’s juicy, tender quality.
• Resting Ritual: Allow the cooked pork to rest under foil for 10-15 minutes, letting internal juices redistribute and ensuring each slice remains incredibly moist and flavorful.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 16g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 80mg