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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- Preparation: Transfer the seasoned pork loin to a roasting pan, positioning it to facilitate uniform heat distribution and culinary excellence.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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