Herb-Infused Oven-Roasted Pork Roast with Citrus Glaze

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 2 hours
🍽 Serves: 8
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This Herb-Infused Oven-Roasted Pork Roast with Citrus Glaze is a perfect blend of savory herbs and zesty citrus. It’s a dish that transforms a simple dinner into a culinary delight, ideal for family gatherings or special occasions.

Ingredients for Herb-Infused Oven-Roasted Pork Roast with Citrus Glaze

Pork roast serves as the hearty, tender base of the dish, absorbing all the delightful flavors. Olive oil ensures a golden crust and helps the herbs adhere. Kosher salt and black pepper season the meat, enhancing its natural flavors. Rosemary and thyme add earthy, aromatic notes. Garlic powder provides a subtle pungency without overpowering. Lemon zest and orange zest offer a burst of citrusy freshness. The citrus glaze, made with orange juice, lemon juice, honey, and Dijon mustard, adds a sweet-tart finish that complements the savory roast beautifully.

Tips & Tricks

  • Let the pork come to room temperature before roasting for even cooking.
  • If you don't have a roasting rack, use a bed of thick-sliced onions under the pork.
  • For a deeper flavor, marinate the pork with the herbs and oil overnight.

Serving Suggestions

This roast pairs wonderfully with roasted root vegetables like carrots and parsnips, which can be cooked alongside the pork for convenience. A light, crisp salad with a citrus vinaigrette complements the flavors well. For drinks, a medium-bodied white wine like a Chardonnay or a light red such as Pinot Noir works beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, but use about 1/3 of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
How do I know if the pork is cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
What if I don't have a zester?
A fine grater can work, but be gentle to avoid getting the bitter white pith of the citrus.

Herb-Infused Oven-Roasted Pork Roast with Citrus Glaze Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it's hot and ready to cook the pork evenly. Place your pork roast on a rack in a roasting pan. Positioning it on a rack helps the heat circulate all around, cooking it uniformly.

Next, it's time to infuse the pork with flavor. Rub the roast with olive oil — this is crucial as it acts as a base to hold the seasonings. Generously sprinkle kosher salt and black pepper over the surface. Now, add the aromatic touch by rubbing in the chopped rosemary and thyme, followed by the garlic powder. Finally, sprinkle the lemon and orange zest for a fresh, fragrant kick.

Pop the seasoned pork into your preheated oven. Let it roast for about 1.5 hours, but keep an eye on it. You're aiming for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) — use a meat thermometer to be sure.

As the pork roasts, prepare the citrus glaze. In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, lemon juice, honey, and Dijon mustard. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly — this takes about 10 minutes. It should coat the back of a spoon nicely.

Once the pork reaches 145°F, remove it from the oven. Immediately brush it generously with the citrus glaze. This not only adds flavor but also gives the roast a glossy, appetizing look.

Let the pork rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making each slice tender and juicy.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Balanced flavors with a hint of citrus and herbaceous notes.
  • Simple yet sophisticated, making you look like a pro chef.
  • Minimal prep time, so you can focus on side dishes or entertaining guests.
  • Glaze adds a beautiful sheen and tangy finish to the roast.

Ingredients

4 lbs pork roast
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp kosher salt
1 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 lemon, zested
1 orange, zested
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup honey
1 tbsp Dijon mustard

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the pork roast on a rack in a roasting pan.
2. Rub the pork roast with olive oil, salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, lemon zest, and orange zest.
3. Roast in the preheated oven for about 1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
4. While the pork is roasting, prepare the citrus glaze by combining orange juice, lemon juice, honey, and Dijon mustard in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.
5. Once the pork reaches the correct temperature, remove it from the oven and brush generously with the citrus glaze.
6. Let the pork rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

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