Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a flavorful, yet easy-to-make meal that'll impress your family and friends? Look no further! This brown sugar pork loin recipe is the perfect solution for a delicious and satisfying weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It's packed with flavor, incredibly tender, and surprisingly quick to prepare, making it a fantastic addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pound boneless pork loin roast
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Preparing the Pork Loin:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your pork loin cooks evenly and reaches the perfect internal temperature.
- Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels. This helps the brown sugar glaze adhere better and creates a beautiful crust.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This creates a flavorful and easy-to-apply glaze.
Glazing and Roasting:
- Rub the brown sugar mixture all over the pork loin, ensuring it's evenly coated. Don't be shy with the glaze!
- Place the pork loin in a roasting pan. You can add a little bit of water to the bottom of the pan to prevent sticking, though it's not strictly necessary.
- Roast for 60-75 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the loin registers 145°F (63°C). Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size of your pork loin.
- Once cooked, remove the pork loin from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful roast.
Serving Suggestions:
This brown sugar pork loin is incredibly versatile. Serve it with your favorite sides – roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, a fresh salad, or even some crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices. The smoky paprika and brown sugar create a beautiful balance of sweet and savory flavors that complement a wide range of side dishes.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Pork Loin:
- Don't overcook the pork: Overcooked pork loin can be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) without overcooking.
- Let it rest: Allowing the pork loin to rest before slicing is crucial for retaining its juices and achieving maximum tenderness.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices and seasonings to your preference. A little extra garlic powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper can add a nice kick.
Variations:
- Add some sweetness: For an extra layer of sweetness, you can add a tablespoon of maple syrup to the glaze.
- Spice it up: For a spicier kick, add a teaspoon of chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze.
- Citrus twist: Add the zest of an orange or lemon to the glaze for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of your pork loin and serving size. For a 4-pound pork loin serving 6 people, one serving would approximately contain:
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 35-40g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This delicious brown sugar pork loin recipe is a great example of easy recipes and homemade cooking that deliver fantastic results. It's a surefire way to elevate your weeknight dinners and impress your guests. Enjoy!