Herb-Crusted Roast Pork Loin with Dijon Glaze
This savory Herb-Crusted Roast Pork Loin with Dijon Glaze is a delightful dish that brings the warmth of home-cooked meals to your table. Inspired by a cherished family recipe, it's perfect for gatherings and holiday feasts. The pork loin is generously infused with aromatic herbs, garlic, and a zesty Dijon mustard glaze, creating a delectable crust that seals in all the flavors. Paired with a side of roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes, this dish is sure to impress your family and guests alike. Enjoy the rich flavors with the perfect balance of savory spices in every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
center-cut pork loin
1 (with 8 rib chops, bones cracked by butcher for easy carving)
garlic
1 clove (very thinly sliced (feel free to use more if desired))
fresh rosemary
2 sprigs (leaves removed from stems and finely chopped)
fresh sage
3 sprigs (leaves removed from stems and finely chopped)
Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons (for mixing with the herbs)
olive oil
1/4 cup (for mixing with the mustard and herbs)
salt
to taste
fresh ground black pepper
to taste
flour
2 tablespoons
extra chopped rosemary
for garnish
extra chopped sage
for garnish
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
2
Using a sharp knife, make small slits all over the pork loin surface.
3
Insert thin slices of garlic into the slits for enhanced flavor.
4
Remove leaves from rosemary and sage stems, then finely chop them.
5
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped herbs and mash in the Dijon mustard using a fork.
6
Gradually add olive oil and mix until you achieve a smooth paste.
7
Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then stir in the flour until well combined.
8
Place the pork loin, fat side up, in a roasting pan fitted with a rack.
9
Spread the herb and mustard mixture evenly over the pork loin using the back of a spoon.
10
Roast the pork in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
11
After 30 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
12
Continue to roast for an additional 50 to 60 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 155 degrees Fahrenheit.
13
Remember, pork is safely cooked at 160 degrees Fahrenheit; the temperature will increase by about 5 degrees as the meat rests after removing it from the oven.
14
Let the pork rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with extra chopped rosemary and sage before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary flavor profile of the Herb-Crusted Roast Pork Loin?
The dish features a savory profile infused with aromatic rosemary and sage, garlic, and a zesty Dijon mustard glaze that creates a flavorful crust.
What specific cut of meat is recommended for this recipe?
A center-cut pork loin with 8 rib chops is used, preferably with the bones cracked by a butcher to ensure easy carving.
How is the garlic incorporated into the pork loin?
The garlic is very thinly sliced and inserted into small slits made across the surface of the pork loin using a sharp knife.
Which fresh herbs are required for the crust?
The recipe calls for fresh rosemary and fresh sage, with the leaves removed from the stems and finely chopped.
What kind of mustard is used in the glaze?
The recipe specifies using Dijon mustard to create the zesty herb paste.
What is the initial oven temperature for roasting?
The oven should be preheated and the roast started at 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do you prepare the herb and mustard paste?
Mash the chopped herbs with Dijon mustard using a fork, then gradually add olive oil, salt, pepper, and flour until a smooth paste forms.
What is the purpose of adding flour to the herb mixture?
The flour is stirred into the mixture to help bind the ingredients into a smooth paste that adheres to the meat.
How should the pork be oriented in the roasting pan?
The pork loin should be placed fat side up in a roasting pan fitted with a rack.
How long does the pork roast at the high 450-degree temperature?
The pork loin should roast at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for the first 30 minutes.
To what temperature should the oven be lowered after the initial 30 minutes?
The oven temperature should be reduced to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for the remainder of the cooking time.
How much additional time is needed at 350 degrees?
Continue roasting for an additional 50 to 60 minutes after lowering the temperature.
What internal temperature should the pork reach before being removed from the oven?
A meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat should register 155 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is the final safe internal temperature for the pork?
Pork is safely cooked when it reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit; the temperature rises by about 5 degrees while resting.
How long should the roast rest before slicing?
The pork should rest for 10 to 15 minutes to allow flavors to set and the temperature to finish rising.
What side dishes are recommended for this meal?
This roast pairs perfectly with roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes.
How should the finished dish be garnished?
Garnish the sliced pork with extra chopped rosemary and sage before serving.
Can I use more garlic than the recipe suggests?
Yes, the recipe notes you can feel free to use more than one clove if a stronger garlic flavor is desired.
Is this recipe suitable for holidays?
Yes, it is described as a delightful dish inspired by family recipes that is perfect for gatherings and holiday feasts.
How much olive oil is required for the herb paste?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of olive oil to be mixed with the mustard and herbs.
How many sprigs of fresh herbs are needed?
You will need 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary and 3 sprigs of fresh sage.
How do you apply the herb paste to the meat?
Spread the herb and mustard mixture evenly over the pork loin using the back of a spoon.
How much Dijon mustard is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard.
Is salt and pepper included in the crust?
Yes, the mixture should be seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
What equipment is needed to roast the pork loin?
You will need a roasting pan fitted with a rack to allow heat to circulate around the meat.
What is the role of the mustard in this recipe?
The mustard adds a zesty flavor and serves as the base for the crust that seals in the meat's juices.
What is the origin of this recipe according to the description?
It is a savory dish inspired by a cherished family recipe intended to bring the warmth of home-cooked meals to the table.
Should the herbs be used whole or chopped?
The herbs should be removed from their stems and finely chopped before being mixed into the glaze.
What is the benefit of making slits in the pork?
The slits allow you to insert garlic directly into the meat for enhanced flavor throughout the roast.
How is the carving of the 8 rib chops simplified?
By having the butcher crack the bones, the roast is much easier to carve once it is finished cooking.