Description
Succulent Orange Cranberry Pork Loin Roast blends zesty citrus with tart cranberries in a festive dinner centerpiece. Juicy roasted pork infused with tangy-sweet flavors promises a memorable meal that delights senses and satisfies hunger.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 3.4 pounds (1.5 kilograms) pork loin roast
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- ½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- Zest of 1 orange
- ⅓ cup honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Thoroughly massage the pork loin with a blend of aromatic seasonings, ensuring complete coverage of the meat’s surface with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme.
- Position the seasoned pork loin in a roasting pan, creating an ideal environment for even cooking and flavor development.
- Craft a vibrant orange cranberry glaze by combining cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, balsamic vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan.
- Gently simmer the glaze mixture over medium heat, allowing the cranberries to burst and release their natural sweetness while the sauce gradually thickens to a glossy consistency.
- Apply the first generous layer of cranberry glaze over the prepared pork loin, creating a succulent exterior that will caramelize during roasting.
- Roast the glazed pork in a preheated oven, periodically basting with additional glaze to enhance moisture and intensify the flavor profile.
- Monitor the internal temperature carefully, aiming for a perfect 145F, which typically requires 45-60 minutes of cooking time.
- Once removed from the oven, allow the pork to rest under a protective foil tent, enabling the juices to redistribute and ensure maximum tenderness.
- Slice the pork loin with precision, drizzling the remaining cranberry glaze over the top to elevate the dish’s visual appeal and flavor complexity.
Notes
- Choose a high-quality pork loin with good marbling for maximum tenderness and flavor infusion.
- Pat the meat completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, well-browned exterior that seals in juices.
- Invest in a reliable meat thermometer to accurately check doneness and prevent overcooking, which can make the pork tough and dry.
- Allow the pork to rest after roasting, giving the juices time to redistribute and create a more succulent final dish.
- Swap honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly glaze or use agave nectar for a lower glycemic index option.
- Add a splash of orange liqueur to the glaze for an extra depth of citrusy, boozy complexity that elevates the overall flavor profile.
- For a low-carb variation, replace honey with a sugar-free sweetener and use fresh cranberries to reduce the sugar content.
- Experiment with different herb combinations like rosemary or sage to customize the seasoning and match your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg