Cranberry-Glazed Pork Loin
This festive Cranberry-Glazed Pork Loin is a beloved centerpiece for our Christmas dinner, elevating a traditional roast with a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce that perfectly complements the savory flavor of the pork. Inspired by a timeless recipe from Jeff Smith's 'The Frugal Gourmet,' our family has added the special touch of doubling the cranberry sauce to ensure that there’s plenty to drizzle over each slice. Rich in flavor and stunning on the table, this dish pairs beautifully with wild rice adorned with mushrooms and onions, making it an ideal choice for holiday gatherings.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork roast
4 lbs (Whole)
Salt
To taste (For seasoning)
Pepper
To taste (For seasoning)
Whole sweetened cranberries (canned)
32 ounces (1 (16-ounce) can, doubled)
Yellow onion
1/4 cup (Peeled and chopped)
Orange juice
3/4 cup (Freshly squeezed, if possible)
Ground cinnamon
To taste (For flavoring)
Ground ginger
To taste (For flavoring)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2
Rub the pork roast generously with salt and pepper and place it on a rack in a baking pan.
3
Roast the pork in the preheated oven for approximately 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 175°F (79°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
4
While the pork is roasting, combine the whole sweetened cranberries, chopped onion, orange juice, cinnamon, and ginger in a stainless-steel saucepan.
5
Bring the cranberry mixture to a boil over medium heat, then remove it from the heat and set aside.
6
Once the pork roast has been in the oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, begin basting it with the cranberry mixture every 15 minutes.
7
After the roast is done cooking, allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before thinly slicing.
8
Serve the sliced pork with the remaining cranberry sauce on the side.
9
This dish pairs wonderfully with wild rice featuring mushrooms and onions.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cranberry-Glazed Pork Loin?
Cranberry-Glazed Pork Loin is a festive main course roast featuring a sweet and tangy cranberry glaze, often served as a holiday centerpiece.
What size pork roast is needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for a 4-pound pork roast.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius).
How long does it take to roast the pork?
The pork roast should cook for approximately 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
What is the target internal temperature for the pork?
The internal temperature should reach 175 degrees Fahrenheit (79 degrees Celsius) when checked with a meat thermometer.
How do I season the pork roast?
Rub the pork roast generously with salt and pepper to taste before placing it in the oven.
What ingredients are in the cranberry glaze?
The glaze consists of whole sweetened cranberries, chopped yellow onion, orange juice, ground cinnamon, and ground ginger.
Why is the cranberry sauce amount doubled?
The sauce is doubled to ensure there is plenty of glaze to drizzle over each slice of the pork.
What type of cranberries should I use?
Use 32 ounces of canned whole sweetened cranberries (two 16-ounce cans).
When should I start basting the pork?
Start basting the pork after it has been roasting for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
How often should the pork be basted?
Baste the roast with the cranberry mixture every 15 minutes after the initial basting starts.
How do I prepare the cranberry mixture?
Combine cranberries, onion, orange juice, cinnamon, and ginger in a stainless-steel saucepan and bring to a boil.
Should the pork rest after cooking?
Yes, allow the roast to rest for 10 to 15 minutes before you begin slicing.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to provide 6 servings.
What kind of onion is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of peeled and chopped yellow onion.
What is the best way to slice the pork?
The pork should be sliced thinly for serving.
What side dish pairs well with this roast?
It pairs wonderfully with wild rice featuring mushrooms and onions.
What spices are used for flavoring the glaze?
Ground cinnamon and ground ginger are added to the sauce to taste.
Is fresh orange juice necessary?
The recipe recommends freshly squeezed orange juice if possible, requiring 3/4 cup.
Who is the original inspiration for this recipe?
The recipe was inspired by a timeless dish from Jeff Smith's 'The Frugal Gourmet'.
Should the pork be roasted on a rack?
Yes, place the seasoned pork roast on a rack inside a baking pan.
What kind of saucepan is recommended for the sauce?
A stainless-steel saucepan is recommended for boiling the cranberry mixture.
Is this recipe suitable for Christmas dinner?
Yes, it is considered a beloved holiday centerpiece and family favorite for Christmas dinner.
What is the flavor profile of the cranberry glaze?
The glaze is sweet and tangy, providing a perfect complement to the savory pork.
How much orange juice is needed?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of orange juice.
Should I boil the cranberry sauce before basting?
Yes, bring the mixture to a boil and then remove it from the heat before you begin basting.
Can I adjust the amounts of cinnamon and ginger?
Yes, these spices are added 'to taste' so you can adjust them based on your preference.
What category of food does this belong to?
This is categorized as a Pork dish and a Main Course.
Is the pork roast prepared whole?
Yes, the pork roast is cooked whole before being sliced for serving.
What should I do with the remaining cranberry sauce?
Serve any remaining cranberry sauce on the side for guests to add to their meat.