Herb-Infused Cast Iron Pork Loin
Elevate your dinner table with this Herb-Infused Cast Iron Pork Loin, meticulously seasoned and cooked to perfection. The blend of savory herbs, garlic, and a hint of paprika creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the tender, juicy pork. Cooking in a cast iron dutch oven not only helps in achieving that perfect sear but also allows for the creation of a rich, flavorful gravy that can transform any leftovers into delicious sandwiches. A big thanks to SnoopyCooks for the valuable tip on thickening the gravy with cornstarch, ensuring that no flavor goes unappreciated.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless pork loin roast
2 lbs (trimmed of excess fat)
Savory
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
Garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (coarsely cracked)
Paprika
1/2 teaspoon
Old Bay Seasoning
1/2 teaspoon
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Olive oil
1 tablespoon
Bacon grease
1 tablespoon
Chicken broth
1 1/4 cups
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2
In a small bowl, combine savory, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, Old Bay seasoning, and salt to create a spice rub.
3
Generously rub the spice mixture all over the pork loin, ensuring an even coating.
4
Heat the olive oil and bacon grease in a large cast iron dutch oven over medium-high heat.
5
Sear the pork loin on all sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
6
Once browned, carefully add the chicken broth to the pot, ensuring to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom to enhance the flavor.
7
Cover the dutch oven tightly with aluminum foil and a lid to keep the moisture locked in.
8
Transfer the dutch oven to the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 150°F (65°C).
9
Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
10
For the gravy, you can thicken the drippings with cornstarch mixed in cold water. Serve the delicious gravy over the sliced pork or use it for the sandwiches.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish in this recipe?
The main dish is Herb-Infused Cast Iron Pork Loin.
What cut of meat is required?
The recipe requires a 2 lbs boneless pork loin roast, trimmed of excess fat.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
What ingredients are in the spice rub?
The spice rub consists of savory, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, Old Bay seasoning, and salt.
How much savory should I use?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of dried savory.
Is fresh or dried savory recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for dried savory.
What kind of black pepper is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends 1/2 teaspoon of coarsely cracked black pepper.
How much Old Bay Seasoning is needed?
You will need 1/2 teaspoon of Old Bay Seasoning.
What fats are used for searing the pork loin?
The pork is seared using a combination of 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of bacon grease.
What type of cookware is best for this recipe?
A large cast iron dutch oven is recommended for achieving a perfect sear and for baking.
How long should I sear the pork loin?
Sear the pork on all sides for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
What liquid is added to the pot after searing?
Add 1 1/4 cups of chicken broth to the pot.
Why should I scrape the bottom of the pot after adding broth?
Scraping up the brown bits from the bottom helps to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
How should I cover the dutch oven before baking?
Cover the dutch oven tightly with aluminum foil and then place the lid on top to lock in moisture.
How long does the pork loin take to bake?
Bake the pork for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
What is the target internal temperature for the pork?
The internal temperature should reach 150°F (65°C).
Does the meat need to rest after cooking?
Yes, remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
How can I thicken the gravy?
You can thicken the drippings with cornstarch mixed into cold water.
Who provided the tip for thickening the gravy?
A big thanks to SnoopyCooks for the tip on using cornstarch for the gravy.
How should the gravy be served?
The gravy can be served over the sliced pork or used for making sandwiches.
Can I use the leftovers for sandwiches?
Yes, the tender pork and flavorful gravy are perfect for transforming leftovers into delicious sandwiches.
Is this considered an easy dinner recipe?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as an easy dinner and comfort food.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 10 ingredients.
What provides the hint of smoky flavor in the rub?
The paprika in the spice rub provides a hint of flavor and color.
Why is bacon grease used in this recipe?
Bacon grease is used alongside olive oil to add a savory depth of flavor during the searing process.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Should the pork loin be boneless or bone-in?
This recipe specifically uses a boneless pork loin roast.
What is the purpose of using aluminum foil under the lid?
The foil ensures a very tight seal to keep the moisture locked in while baking.
What categories does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized under comfort food, savory roasts, and easy dinners.
What is the flavor profile of this pork loin?
The profile is described as a blend of savory herbs, garlic, and a hint of paprika for a mouthwatering, tender, and juicy result.