How to Make Herb Roasted Pork Loin

Pork loin is a high quality protein.

Pork loin comes from the rib section of pork and like beef, it's the most tender cut of meat. Most people don't realize that many pork cuts are as lean as chicken and a great source of high-quality protein. You can use many methods to cook boneless pork loin, but roasting is the most popular.

Things You'll Need

• 2-pound boneless pork loin, trimmed
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/2 tablespoon salt
• 2 teaspoons pepper
• 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 2 teaspoons dried mustard
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Roasting pan with rack
• Thermometer

Instructions

1. Wash the pork loin and pat dry with paper towels. Set aside.

2. Mix garlic cloves and salt in a food processor. Add herbs and olive oil to this mixture and combine until it forms a paste. Rub the paste onto the pork loin until covered. Loosely cover and set it aside for one hour at room temperature.

3. Pre-heat the oven to 450 F and adjust the oven rack to the middle of the oven. Set the pork loin, fat side down on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Roast the loin for 15 minutes at 450 F.

4. Turn the roast over in the pan and roast at 300 F for another 20 minutes or until the internal temperature is between 140 and 145 degrees. Using an instant-read thermometer is the best way to check the temperature of the roast.

5. Take the roast out of the oven and transfer the pork loin onto a cutting board. Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes loosely covered with aluminum foil. Letting the roast rest will allow the juices to redistribute inside the pork loin and will ensure a juicier roast.

6. Cut roast across the grain in ¼-inch slices.

Tips & Warnings

• Select a cut of pork loin that has a good amount of fat. The fat will keep the meat moist while roasting.

• A 2-pound roast should serve four.

• At 140 to145 degrees, the roast will be slightly rosy. For a well-done roast, cook for another five to 10 minutes or until the internal temperature is 150 to 155 degrees.

• Leftovers can be thinly sliced to make sandwiches.

References

• Food Network.com: Herb Crusted Pork Ternderloin Recipe