Savory Herb-Crusted Roast Pork Loin
Impress your dinner guests with this Savory Herb-Crusted Roast Pork Loin, a mouthwatering dish that combines the rich flavors of garlic, fresh herbs, and whole grain mustard. This succulent roast pork is perfect for special occasions or a comforting family dinner. The aromatic herb crust creates an irresistible golden-brown exterior while keeping the meat tender and juicy on the inside. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
10
Servings
350
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Garlic cloves
6 (minced)
Fresh parsley
1/2 cup (chopped)
Coarse ground black pepper
1 tablespoon (freshly ground)
Dried thyme leaves
1 teaspoon (dried)
Dried rosemary
2 teaspoons (dried)
Salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
German whole grain brown mustard
1/2 cup (or other mustard varieties)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (extra virgin)
Boneless pork loin
3 lbs (trimmed of fat)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Prepare the pork loin by trimming any excess fat and scoring the surface in a diamond pattern, about 1/4 inch deep.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped parsley, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and salt. Set this herbed mixture aside.
4
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the whole grain mustard and olive oil until well combined.
5
Line a shallow roasting pan with aluminum foil, lightly greased or sprayed with non-stick cooking spray for easy cleanup.
6
Place the pork roast on the prepared foil in the roasting pan. Generously spread the mustard mixture over the sides and top of the loin to create a flavorful crust.
7
Sprinkle the garlic herb mixture evenly over the mustard-coated pork, gently pressing it into the surface to adhere.
8
Insert an oven-proof meat thermometer into the thickest part of the roast, making sure it doesn’t touch bone or the pan.
9
Roast the pork at 400°F for the first 10 minutes to get a nice browning.
10
After 10 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (165°C) and continue roasting for an additional 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, or until the thermometer reads 155°F (68°C).
11
Once cooked, carefully transfer the roast to a platter and allow it to rest for 15 minutes before slicing to retain the juices.
Nutrition Information
18g
Fat
8g
Carbs
37g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in the Savory Herb-Crusted Roast Pork Loin?
The main protein is a 3 lb boneless pork loin, trimmed of excess fat.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 10 servings.
What are the initial and secondary oven temperatures for roasting?
The oven is initially set to 400°F (200°C) for the first 10 minutes, then reduced to 325°F (165°C) for the remainder of the cooking time.
What is the recommended internal temperature for the pork loin?
The pork loin should be roasted until an oven-proof meat thermometer reads 155°F (68°C).
How long should the pork roast rest after being removed from the oven?
The roast should rest for 15 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
What kind of mustard is recommended for the crust?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of German whole grain brown mustard, though other mustard varieties can be used.
Which fresh herbs are used in the garlic herb mixture?
The herb mixture uses 1/2 cup of fresh minced parsley along with dried thyme and rosemary.
What is the purpose of scoring the pork loin?
Scoring the surface in a diamond pattern about 1/4 inch deep helps the flavors penetrate and creates a better surface for the crust.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 37 grams of protein per serving.
How much fat is in one serving of this roast?
Each serving contains 18 grams of fat.
Are there many carbohydrates in this dish?
No, it is relatively low in carbohydrates with only 8 grams per serving.
How many garlic cloves are needed for the herb crust?
The recipe requires 6 minced garlic cloves.
What type of oil is used in the mustard mixture?
One tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil is whisked with the mustard.
What side dishes are suggested for this meal?
It is recommended to serve the pork with roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes.
Should I use fresh or dried rosemary and thyme?
The recipe specifies 2 teaspoons of dried rosemary and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme leaves.
How should the roasting pan be prepared?
Line a shallow roasting pan with aluminum foil and lightly grease it or spray it with non-stick cooking spray.
Where should the meat thermometer be placed?
Insert it into the thickest part of the roast, ensuring it doesn't touch the pan or any bone.
How do you ensure the herb mixture sticks to the pork?
Apply the mustard mixture first, then sprinkle the herb mixture over it, gently pressing to adhere.
How long is the total roasting time after the initial browning?
After the first 10 minutes, it takes an additional 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes depending on the roast thickness.
Is this recipe suitable for holidays?
Yes, it is tagged as a holiday meal and is perfect for special occasions.
Can I use fresh ground pepper?
Yes, the recipe suggests 1 tablespoon of freshly ground coarse black pepper.
What is the preparation for the parsley?
The parsley should be chopped, and you will need 1/2 cup.
What category of food does this recipe fall under?
It is categorized under 'Pork' and is considered a 'Main Course'.
Does the recipe call for salt?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of salt is used, or you can adjust to taste.
What is the texture of the exterior of the pork?
The aromatic herb crust creates an irresistible golden-brown and savory exterior.
Is the meat tender when following these instructions?
Yes, the roasting method is designed to keep the meat tender and juicy on the inside.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 primary ingredients used in this recipe.
Can I use a bone-in pork loin?
This specific recipe is designed for a boneless pork loin, but if you use bone-in, cooking times will vary.
Is this considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and is ideal for a comforting family dinner.