Citrus Herb Roast Pork Loin

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour 20 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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This Citrus Herb Roast Pork Loin is a delightful blend of citrusy brightness and herbaceous depth, perfect for a family dinner or a special gathering. The combination of fresh herbs and zesty citrus brings out the natural flavors of the pork, creating a dish that's both comforting and elegant.

Ingredients for Citrus Herb Roast Pork Loin

Pork loin is a lean cut that’s perfect for roasting; it takes on flavors well while staying juicy. Olive oil adds richness and helps the herbs adhere to the meat. Garlic provides a savory depth that complements the herbs. The trio of rosemary, thyme, and sage brings a fragrant, earthy quality to the roast. Salt and black pepper enhance the natural flavors. Lemon and orange zest and juice introduce a vibrant, tangy note that balances the richness of the pork. Finally, chicken broth keeps the roast moist and adds a subtle savory base.

Tips & Tricks

  • Let the pork loin sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without overcooking.
  • For a more caramelized crust, sear the pork in a hot skillet before roasting.

Serving Suggestions

This pork roast pairs beautifully with garlic mashed potatoes or a hearty grain like farro. A simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette complements the flavors perfectly. For a touch of sweetness, consider serving with roasted apples or a cranberry relish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use dried herbs. Use about one-third of the amount listed for fresh herbs.
How can I tell if the pork is done without a thermometer?
Look for clear juices running from the pork when pierced, and a slight pink hue in the center.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the pork overnight in the fridge for even more flavor.

Citrus Herb Roast Pork Loin Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it's hot enough to cook the pork evenly. While the oven heats up, grab a small bowl and mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. This forms a fragrant paste that will coat the pork.

Place your pork loin on a clean surface and rub the herb mixture evenly over the entire surface. This step is crucial as it ensures every bite is packed with flavor. Once the pork is well-coated, set it in a roasting pan.

Next, pour the lemon and orange juices over the pork, allowing the bright citrus to soak in. This not only enhances the flavor but also helps keep the meat tender. Add the chicken broth to the bottom of the pan to prevent the pork from drying out as it roasts.

Pop the pan into the preheated oven. Let it roast for about 1 hour and 20 minutes. You'll know it's done when a meat thermometer reads 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part. Once cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making each slice succulent and juicy.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • The citrus flavors make the pork incredibly juicy and flavorful.
  • Fresh herbs add a sophisticated, aromatic touch.
  • It's a straightforward recipe that delivers impressive results.
  • Perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients

3 lbs pork loin
1/4 cup olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1 orange, zested and juiced
1/2 cup chicken broth

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the herb mixture evenly over the pork loin.
4. In a roasting pan, place the pork loin and pour lemon and orange juices over it.
5. Add chicken broth to the pan to keep the pork moist during roasting.
6. Roast in the oven for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
7. Remove from oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

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