Spicy Asian Glazed Pork Loin
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Spicy Asian Glazed Pork Loin, a tantalizing dish that's perfect for gatherings or a weeknight dinner. This recipe features a succulent pork roast marinated in a zesty blend of orange juice and spices, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and heat. The dish is slow-cooked on the grill, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor, making it an irresistible centerpiece for your table. Serve it with steamed rice or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that's bound to impress your family and friends.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
orange juice
1/2 cup (fresh)
orange juice concentrate
2 tablespoons (not diluted)
honey
2 tablespoons (raw or store-bought)
soy sauce
1 tablespoon (low sodium optional)
oil
1 tablespoon (vegetable or sesame oil)
garlic
1 teaspoon (minced)
five-spice powder
1 teaspoon (ground)
ginger
1 teaspoon (grated or minced)
chili paste
1 teaspoon (adjust for spice preference)
hot chili oil
2-3 drops (to taste)
pork loin
4 lbs (trimmed and tied if necessary)
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, combine the orange juice, orange juice concentrate, honey, soy sauce, oil, garlic, five-spice powder, ginger, chili paste, and hot chili oil. Mix well until all ingredients are fully blended.
2
Reserve one-third of the marinade in a separate container and refrigerate for later use.
3
Place the pork loin in a baking dish and cover it entirely with the remaining marinade. Seal the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 to 12 hours for optimal flavor absorption.
4
Preheat your grill for indirect cooking, setting it to a medium-low heat.
5
Remove the pork roast from the marinade and discard the used marinade.
6
Place the pork loin on the grill and cook over indirect heat, turning occasionally and basting with the reserved marinade every 20-30 minutes. Grill for about 1.5 hours or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the roast registers 150-155°F.
7
Once cooked, remove the pork from the grill and cover it with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
8
Slice the pork loin and serve with your choice of sides, drizzling more of the reserved marinade on top if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Asian Glazed Pork Loin?
It is a succulent pork roast marinated in a zesty blend of orange juice, honey, and Asian spices, then slow-cooked on a grill for maximum tenderness.
What cut of meat is used for this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for a 4 lb pork loin, trimmed and tied if necessary.
How long should I marinate the pork loin?
For optimal flavor absorption, you should marinate the pork in the refrigerator for 2 to 12 hours.
What ingredients are in the Asian glaze?
The glaze consists of orange juice, orange juice concentrate, honey, soy sauce, oil, garlic, five-spice powder, ginger, chili paste, and hot chili oil.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The recipe includes chili paste and hot chili oil, providing a spicy kick that can be adjusted to your personal preference.
Why do I need to reserve some of the marinade?
One-third of the marinade is reserved to be used for basting the meat during the grilling process and as an optional sauce for serving.
What is the best way to cook the pork loin?
The pork loin is best cooked on a grill using indirect medium-low heat to ensure it stays juicy and tender.
How long does it take to grill the pork?
It typically takes about 1.5 hours on the grill, or until the internal temperature reaches the desired level.
What internal temperature should the pork reach?
The pork is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers between 150-155°F.
Should I let the pork rest after cooking?
Yes, you should cover the pork with aluminum foil and let it rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute before slicing.
What can I serve with Spicy Asian Glazed Pork Loin?
It pairs beautifully with steamed rice or roasted vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.
Can I use a different type of oil?
Yes, the recipe suggests using either vegetable oil or sesame oil depending on your flavor preference.
How often should I baste the pork while grilling?
You should baste the pork with the reserved marinade every 20-30 minutes while it is on the grill.
What is five-spice powder?
Five-spice powder is a ground spice blend common in Asian cuisine that adds a complex, aromatic flavor to the meat.
Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?
Yes, low-sodium soy sauce is an optional substitution listed in the ingredients.
Why do I use orange juice concentrate?
Orange juice concentrate (undiluted) provides a more intense citrus flavor and helps create a thicker, stickier glaze.
How should I prepare the ginger and garlic?
The garlic should be minced and the ginger should be grated or minced to ensure they blend well into the marinade.
Is it okay to use the marinade that the raw meat sat in?
No, you must discard the used marinade that was in contact with the raw pork for safety reasons; only use the reserved portion for basting.
Can I adjust the heat level of this dish?
Absolutely, you can adjust the amount of chili paste and hot chili oil to suit your personal spice tolerance.
Is this a good recipe for a holiday gathering?
Yes, its vibrant flavors and impressive presentation make it an ideal centerpiece for holiday meals or special gatherings.
What if I don't have a grill?
While the recipe specifies grilling for the smoky flavor, you could adapt it for oven roasting at a similar low temperature.
How much honey is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of honey, which can be either raw or store-bought.
Can I prep the marinade in advance?
Yes, you can mix the marinade ingredients together in a large bowl before you are ready to use it.
How should the pork be sliced?
Wait 10-15 minutes after grilling, then slice the pork into rounds to serve.
What makes the pork tender in this recipe?
The combination of the acidic orange juice marinade and the slow, indirect grilling process ensures maximum tenderness.
What kind of chili paste should I use?
Any standard Asian-style chili paste (like Sambal Oelek) works well, depending on your preference.
Do I need to turn the pork while it's on the grill?
Yes, you should turn the pork occasionally during the 1.5-hour cooking time for even browning and heat distribution.
How much chili oil is used?
The recipe calls for just 2-3 drops of hot chili oil, but you can add more to taste.
What is the total weight of the pork roast?
The recipe is designed for a 4-pound pork loin.
Can I add more sauce at the end?
Yes, you can drizzle any remaining reserved marinade over the sliced pork before serving for extra flavor.