Oh my goodness, friends! Let me tell you about my new favorite dish: Orange Glazed Pork Loin. This recipe has quickly become the star of our family dinners, and I can’t wait to share it with you! Just imagine a tender, juicy pork loin drizzled with a sweet and tangy orange glaze that makes your taste buds dance. It not only looks stunning on the table but is also super simple to whip up.
Every time I make this dish, it takes me back to my childhood kitchen, where the scent of citrus and spices would fill the air, hinting at a special occasion. I remember the family gathered around the dining table, ready to devour whatever deliciousness my mom had cooked up. Now, turning this nostalgic moment into a reality at my own dinner table brings warmth to my heart and fills my home with love. Grab your apron; let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
What’s in Orange Glazed Pork Loin?
– Pork Loin: The star of the show! I recommend a lean cut to keep it juicy and flavorful. You can use boneless or bone-in depending on your preference.
– Fresh Orange Juice: For the perfect zing, please use fresh juice! It’s sweetness complements the savory elements beautifully.
– Brown Sugar: This is what gives our glaze that caramelized finish. Light or dark brown sugar works – I usually go for dark for that deeper flavor.
– Soy Sauce: A splash of umami to balance all that sweetness. I opt for low-sodium soy sauce to keep things lighter.
– Dijon Mustard: Adds a little tang and depth to the glaze. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this!
– Garlic: Two cloves are just enough to give it that comforting aroma without overpowering the dish.
– Ground Ginger: This spice adds a warm undertone. If you have fresh ginger, feel free to use that instead!
– Black Pepper: A hint of spice; I always crack some fresh pepper for the best flavor.
– Salt: It enhances all the flavors, especially in this rich glaze.
– Olive Oil: For searing the pork; it adds a lovely flavor and helps achieve that beautiful golden color.
– Oranges: We’ll use both the zest and segments for garnishing – it’s all about that WOW factor.
– Fresh Rosemary: A aromatic touch that brings everything together.
– Baby Potatoes: Optional, but they roast beautifully alongside the pork and make for a hearty side!
Is Orange Glazed Pork Loin Good for You?
Absolutely! This dish offers a balanced mix of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Pork Loin: It’s a fantastic source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle building and repair. Plus, it’s rich in B vitamins, which help with energy levels.
Fresh Orange Juice: Who can resist those Vitamin C benefits? Not only does it boost your immune system, but it’s also responsible for that vibrant flavor in the glaze.
However, I recommend keeping portion sizes in check due to the brown sugar and soy sauce. If you’re watching your sugar intake or sodium levels, feel free to adjust these ingredients.
What You’ll Need
– 2 lbs pork loin
– 1 cup fresh orange juice
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground ginger
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 2 oranges, zest and segments for garnish
– Fresh rosemary for garnish
– Baby potatoes, roasted (optional, for serving)
This recipe serves about 4 to 6 people, depending on portion sizes.
How to Make Orange Glazed Pork Loin?
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is essential for achieving that perfect roast on our pork.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the orange juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic, ginger, black pepper, and salt until well combined. This will be the beautiful glaze that makes everything taste heavenly!
3. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork loin on all sides until nicely browned, about 3-4 minutes for each side. This is where the magic starts!
4. Pour the orange glaze over the seared pork, making sure to coat it evenly. A well-coated pork loin is a happy pork loin!
5. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and roast for about 25-35 minutes or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C). Baste the pork with the glaze every 10 minutes to keep it moist.
6. When finished, take the pork out of the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Trust me, this patience pays off!
7. While the pork rests, if you want, you can roast those baby potatoes. Just toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and bake alongside the pork until they are golden and tender.
8. Slice the pork loin and serve it with those crispy roasted potatoes, garnished with orange segments, zest, and fresh rosemary. Drizzle any remaining glaze over the top for a touch of extra flavor. Enjoy this masterpiece!
The Finishing Touches!
If you want to switch things up, consider adding different herbs like thyme or sage for an earthy flavor. Or maybe even throw in some sliced bell peppers or onions to roast alongside the pork for more color and flavor!
I can’t say enough how much you’ll love this dish. The combination of the citrusy glaze and savory pork is out of this world. I’d love to hear how your version turns out, so don’t forget to share your experience with me! Happy cooking! 🍊
