Craving a hearty, flavorful meal that's surprisingly simple to make? Look no further than this bone-in pork rib roast recipe! This delicious dish is perfect for a Sunday dinner, a special occasion, or any time you want to impress your family and friends with a truly impressive, yet easy, homemade meal. Forget complicated recipes and lengthy prep times; this recipe delivers juicy, tender pork with a beautifully crispy crackling, all without breaking a sweat. It's one of those best recipes that's both healthy and incredibly satisfying – a true winner in the quick dinner ideas category!
Ingredients:
- One 3-4 pound bone-in pork rib roast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
Instructions:
Preparing the Roast:
-
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This ensures even cooking and a perfectly tender roast.
-
Pat the pork roast dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a crispy crackling.
-
Rub the roast generously with olive oil, ensuring all sides are coated.
-
Season generously: In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, and rosemary. Rub this spice mixture all over the pork roast, pressing it gently into the meat. Don't be shy with the seasoning!
Roasting the Pork:
-
Place the roast fat-side up in a roasting pan. This allows the fat to render and baste the meat during cooking.
-
Roast for approximately 2-2.5 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the roast registers 145°F (63°C) for medium. Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your roast.
-
Let the roast rest: Once cooked, remove the roast from the oven and let it rest, loosely tented with foil, for at least 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful roast.
Carving and Serving:
-
Carve the roast: Use a sharp carving knife to slice the roast against the bone, creating thick, juicy slices.
-
Serve immediately: Enjoy your delicious bone-in pork rib roast with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Pork:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Ensure your roasting pan is large enough to accommodate the roast without it touching the sides.
- Use a meat thermometer: This is the most accurate way to ensure your pork is cooked to the perfect temperature.
- Basting is optional: While not essential, you can baste the roast with pan juices every 30 minutes for extra moisture and flavor.
- Adjust cooking time: Cooking time will depend on the size and weight of your roast. Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Variations:
- Apple Cider Glaze: For a sweet and savory twist, brush the roast with apple cider during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Herb Butter: Create a flavorful herb butter by mixing softened butter with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage, and spread it under the skin of the roast before cooking.
- Garlic and Herb Crust: Add a layer of minced garlic and fresh herbs to the spice rub for extra aromatic flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
This easy recipe delivers a truly delicious and satisfying meal. It's a fantastic addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!