When it comes to weeknight dinners, there are few ingredients as versatile and delicious as pork loin. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy meal or something a bit more special, pork loin is the perfect canvas for your culinary creativity. In this article, we’ll explore 19 succulent pork loin recipes that will take your dinner game to the next level. From classic combinations like garlic-herb roasted pork loin to bold flavors like spicy maple-glazed pork loin, these mouthwatering dishes are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Garlic-Herb Roasted Pork Loin
This aromatic roasted pork loin recipe combines the pungency of garlic with the freshness of herbs to create a mouthwatering main course. With its tender texture and flavorful crust, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1-2 pound) boneless pork loin
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic, olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the pork loin on a roasting rack or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Rub the garlic-herb mixture all over the pork loin, making sure to coat it evenly.
5. Roast the pork loin in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
6. Let the pork loin rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: approximately 45-60 minutes
Honey Mustard Glazed Pork Loin
Sweet and tangy, this honey mustard glaze elevates a classic pork loin dish to new heights. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll be enjoying a deliciously glazed pork loin in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1-2 pound) pork loin
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, and olive oil until smooth.
3. Season the pork loin with salt, pepper, and thyme.
4. Place the pork loin on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Brush the honey mustard glaze all over the pork loin, making sure to coat evenly.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
7. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 45-60 minutes
Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pork Loin
Moist and flavorful pork loin, infused with the warmth of apple cider, perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1-2 pound) boneless pork loin
– 1/4 cup apple cider
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 onion, sliced
Instructions:
1. Season the pork loin with salt and pepper.
2. In a slow cooker, combine apple cider, brown sugar, honey, and cinnamon.
3. Add the sliced onion to the slow cooker.
4. Place the pork loin on top of the onions and sauce.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
6. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Balsamic Rosemary Pork Loin
Elevate your pork loin game with this sweet and savory dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1-2 pound) boneless pork loin
– 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, chopped
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese, for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and chopped rosemary.
3. Season the pork loin with salt and pepper.
4. Place the pork loin on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Brush the balsamic-rosemary mixture evenly over the pork loin.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
7. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. Optional: crumble blue cheese on top of the sliced pork.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pork Loin with Mushroom Cream Sauce
A classic comfort food dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. This recipe combines the tender and flavorful pork loin with a rich and creamy mushroom sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1-2 pound) pork loin
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 8 oz mushrooms (button, cremini, or shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Season the pork loin with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork loin for 2-3 minutes on each side. Transfer to a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add garlic, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard to the skillet. Stir to combine.
6. Serve the pork loin with mushroom cream sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Spicy Maple-Glazed Pork Loin
Transform your pork loin into a sweet and spicy masterpiece with this easy-to-make glaze. Perfect for special occasions or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients:
– 1 (2-3 pound) pork loin roast
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, soy sauce, honey, hot sauce, garlic, and cumin until smooth.
3. Season pork loin with salt and pepper.
4. Brush the glaze all over the pork loin, making sure it’s fully coated.
5. Place pork loin in a roasting pan and roast for 20-25 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
6. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes for a 2-3 pound pork loin.
Pork Loin Stuffed with Spinach and Feta
Experience the perfect blend of savory and tangy flavors with this delicious pork loin recipe, stuffed to perfection with wilted spinach and crumbly feta cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1.5-2 pound) pork loin
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together spinach, feta cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Make a horizontal incision in the pork loin, being careful not to cut all the way through.
4. Stuff the pork loin with the spinach-feta mixture, spreading it evenly throughout.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed pork loin.
6. Place the pork loin on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes per pound, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
7. Let the pork loin rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: approximately 45-60 minutes
Jerk-Spiced Pork Loin with Pineapple Salsa
Experience the bold flavors of the Caribbean with this mouthwatering pork loin recipe, perfectly balanced by a sweet and tangy pineapple salsa.
Ingredients:
For the Jerk- Spiced Pork Loin:
– 1 (1.5-2 pound) boneless pork loin
– 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt, to taste
For the Pineapple Salsa:
– 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
– 1/2 cup red onion, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together jerk seasoning, brown sugar, garlic powder, and salt.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork loin, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Place the pork loin on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
5. Meanwhile, combine pineapple chunks, red onion, jalapeño pepper, lime juice, and honey in a bowl.
6. Serve the pork loin with Pineapple Salsa spooned on top.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Smoked Pork Loin with BBQ Rub
Get ready to impress your family and friends with this mouthwatering smoked pork loin recipe, infused with the rich flavors of a homemade BBQ rub.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 pound pork loin
– 1/4 cup BBQ rub (see below for recipe)
– 1 cup wood chips (your choice of flavor, such as hickory or apple)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
BBQ Rub Recipe:
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon onion powder
– 1 tablespoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (110°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the BBQ rub ingredients.
3. Rub the BBQ rub all over the pork loin, making sure to coat it evenly.
4. Place the pork loin in the smoker, fat side up.
5. Smoke for 8-10 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
6. Remove from heat and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
Pork Loin with Creamy Dijon Sauce
Elevate your dinner game with this classic combination of tender pork loin and rich, creamy Dijon sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1-2 pound) boneless pork loin
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the pork loin with salt and pepper.
3. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add Dijon mustard, heavy cream, and honey. Whisk until smooth.
4. Place the pork loin in a roasting pan and brush with half of the creamy Dijon sauce.
5. Roast the pork loin for 20-25 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
6. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
7. Serve with remaining Dijon sauce spooned over top.
Cooking Time: Approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on pork loin size.
Orange and Ginger Glazed Pork Loin
Brighten up your dinner table with this vibrant and flavorful glazed pork loin recipe, featuring the perfect balance of citrusy orange and spicy ginger.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1-2 pound) pork loin roast
– 1/4 cup orange marmalade
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 inches fresh ginger, peeled and minced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together orange marmalade, honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic.
3. Rub the glaze all over the pork loin, making sure to coat it evenly.
4. Place the pork loin on a roasting pan and drizzle with olive oil.
5. Roast for 20-25 minutes per pound, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
6. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 45-60 minutes
Pork Loin with Red Wine Reduction
This recipe showcases the tender flavors of pork loin paired with a rich and fruity red wine reduction, perfect for a special occasion or weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1.5-2 pound) boneless pork loin
– 1 cup red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot work well)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the pork loin with salt, pepper, and garlic.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork loin until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per side.
4. Transfer the pork loin to a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
5. While the pork loin is cooking, reduce the red wine in a small saucepan over medium heat until thickened, about 10-12 minutes.
6. Stir in honey and Dijon mustard.
7. Let the pork loin rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with the warm red wine reduction spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Pork Loin Brined in Beer and Spices
Elevate your pork loin game with this easy and flavorful recipe, where the richness of beer is perfectly balanced by aromatic spices. The result is a tender, juicy, and savory dish that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 pound pork loin
– 1 cup dark beer (such as stout or porter)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together beer, brown sugar, olive oil, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the pork loin in the marinade, making sure it’s fully coated. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
4. Remove the pork from the refrigerator 1 hour before cooking. Let it sit at room temperature.
5. Roast the pork loin in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
6. Let the pork rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: About 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours
Grilled Pork Loin with Chimichurri
This Argentine-inspired recipe combines the rich flavor of grilled pork loin with the bright, herby taste of chimichurri sauce. Perfect for a summer gathering or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 (2-3 pound) boneless pork loin
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley
– 1/4 cup freshly chopped oregano
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Season pork loin with salt and pepper.
3. Grill pork loin for 20-25 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
4. Meanwhile, combine parsley, oregano, garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), and olive oil in a bowl.
5. Brush chimichurri sauce over pork loin during the last 10 minutes of grilling.
6. Let pork loin rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Pork Loin with Caramelized Onions and Apples
This recipe is a sweet and savory combination of flavors, perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home. Pork loin is slow-cooked to tender perfection, paired with the rich sweetness of caramelized onions and crisp apples.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1-2 pound) pork loin
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2-3 apples (Granny Smith or your preferred variety), peeled and sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Season pork loin with salt, pepper, and brown sugar.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork loin for 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned.
4. Transfer the pork loin to a roasting pan and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
5. While the pork is cooking, caramelize the onions in the same skillet over medium-low heat. Cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.
6. Add sliced apples to the skillet with the caramelized onions and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until tender.
7. Serve the pork loin with the caramelized onion and apple mixture spooned on top.
Cooking Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes
Asian-Style Soy-Ginger Pork Loin
Asian-Style Soy-Ginger Pork Loin Recipe
This sweet and savory recipe combines the bold flavors of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic with tender pork loin for a mouthwatering Asian-inspired dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1.5-2 pound) pork loin
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, ginger, garlic, brown sugar, sesame oil, and cumin.
3. Place the pork loin in a large zip-top plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the pork, turning to coat evenly.
4. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight, flipping occasionally.
5. Remove the pork from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
6. Place the pork on a rack in a roasting pan and cook for 20-25 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
7. Let the pork rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 1 hour to 2 hours
Crispy Crackling Pork Loin with Sage
Elevate your pork game with this easy and impressive recipe that yields a crispy, crackly crust and tender interior. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy Sunday dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 (2-3 pound) pork loin
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon kosher salt
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
– 1 cup apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, brown sugar, kosher salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over the pork loin, making sure to coat it evenly.
4. Place the pork loin on a rimmed baking sheet or roasting pan lined with parchment paper.
5. Roast for 20 minutes, then reduce heat to 375°F (190°C) and continue cooking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
6. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: Approximately 40-50 minutes
Pork Loin with Fig and Port Sauce
Elevate your dinner game with this sweet and savory pork loin dish, featuring a rich fig and port sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1-2 pound) boneless pork loin
– 1/4 cup fig jam
– 2 tablespoons port wine
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together fig jam, port wine, garlic, and thyme.
3. Season the pork loin with salt and pepper.
4. Brush the fig-port glaze all over the pork loin, making sure it’s evenly coated.
5. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork loin for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until browned.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the pork reaches your desired level of doneness.
7. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pork Loin Medallions with Lemon-Caper Butter
Elevate your dinner game with this easy and flavorful recipe. Pan-seared pork loin medallions are served with a zesty lemon-caper butter that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1-2 pound) pork loin, trimmed of excess fat
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed and chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the pork loin into 8 medallions, about 3/4 inch thick.
3. In a small bowl, mix together butter, garlic, lemon juice, and capers.
4. Season the pork medallions with salt and pepper.
5. Pan-fry the pork in 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned.
6. Transfer the pork to a baking sheet and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until cooked through.
7. Serve the pork medallions with the lemon-caper butter spooned on top.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes.
Summary
Pork lovers, rejoice! This collection of 19 succulent pork loin recipes is perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner. From classic garlic-herb roasted to sweet honey mustard glazed, there’s something for every taste bud. Try slow-cooked apple cider pork loin, spicy maple-glazed, or jerk-spiced with pineapple salsa. You’ll also find recipes like smoked pork loin with BBQ rub, creamy Dijon sauce, and more. With a variety of flavors and cooking methods, you’re sure to find your new favorite dish.
