Herb-Crusted Roasted Pork Loin with Apple Cider Glaze

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour 15 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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This Herb-Crusted Roasted Pork Loin with Apple Cider Glaze is a comforting dish that combines savory herbs with a sweet and tangy glaze. Perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions, it's a recipe that brings warmth and flavor to your table.

Ingredients for Herb-Crusted Roasted Pork Loin with Apple Cider Glaze

Pork loin is the star of the dish, offering a lean and tender cut that absorbs flavors beautifully. Olive oil helps the herbs adhere to the pork and adds a hint of richness. Sea salt and black pepper enhance the natural flavors, while fresh rosemary and thyme provide an aromatic, earthy note. Garlic adds a savory depth. For the glaze, apple cider brings sweetness, apple cider vinegar adds acidity, and honey balances the flavors. Dijon mustard gives a subtle sharpness, and cornstarch thickens the glaze to the perfect consistency.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the pork is perfectly cooked without guesswork.
  • Resting the pork is non-negotiable for juicy slices, so resist the urge to cut into it too soon.
  • For a stronger herb flavor, prepare the rub a few hours in advance and let the pork marinate in the fridge.

Serving Suggestions

This pork loin pairs wonderfully with roasted root vegetables like carrots and potatoes. A side of sautéed greens, such as spinach or kale, adds a nice contrast. Consider serving with crusty bread to soak up any extra glaze.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, but use half the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
What if I don't have a meat thermometer?
You can check doneness by cutting into the thickest part; it should be slightly pink in the center.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it up to two days in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat before serving.

Herb-Crusted Roasted Pork Loin with Apple Cider Glaze Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). You'll want it nice and hot to get that beautiful crust on the pork. In a small bowl, mix together the sea salt, black pepper, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, and minced garlic. This will be your aromatic herb rub.

Next, rub the pork loin with olive oil. This not only adds flavor but also helps the herb mixture stick. Coat the pork evenly with the herb mixture; don’t be shy—make sure it’s well covered.

Place the pork loin on a roasting pan and slide it into the oven. Roast for about 60 to 75 minutes. Keep an eye on it towards the end, and use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature hits 145°F (63°C).

While the pork is roasting, it’s time to make the glaze. In a saucepan, combine the apple cider, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Bring this to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to make a slurry, and stir it into the glaze until it thickens.

Once the pork is done, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This step is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist. Drizzle the apple cider glaze over the sliced pork loin before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Combines fresh herbs for a fragrant, flavorful crust.
  • Features a delightful apple cider glaze that adds sweetness and tang.
  • Impresses guests without requiring complicated techniques.
  • The pork stays juicy and tender with a perfect crust.

Ingredients

3 lbs pork loin
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp sea salt
1 tbsp black pepper
2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup apple cider
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp cornstarch

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together sea salt, black pepper, rosemary, thyme, and garlic to create an herb rub.
Step 3: Rub the pork loin with olive oil and then coat it evenly with the herb mixture.
Step 4: Place the pork loin on a roasting pan and put it in the oven. Roast for approximately 60 to 75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Step 5: While the pork is roasting, prepare the glaze. In a saucepan, combine apple cider, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
Step 6: Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and add to the glaze, stirring until thickened.
Step 7: Once the pork is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Step 8: Drizzle the apple cider glaze over the sliced pork loin before serving.

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