Ultimate Cracked Pepper Pork Loin Roast
This delectable cracked pepper pork loin roast is the perfect centerpiece for any dinner occasion. Inspired by a traditional recipe, it delivers remarkable flavor and tenderness that will impress even the most discerning palate. The combination of fresh herbs, aromatic spices, and the unique method of using cracked peppercorns promises to create a savory crust while keeping the inside wonderfully juicy. Whether for a family gathering or a special event, this roast embodies comfort food elevated to gourmet status. The recipe is effortless and forgiving, ensuring that every cook, no matter their skill level, can achieve culinary greatness. Pair it with a crisp salad and your favorite wine for a memorable meal. P.S. You'll want to save the drippings for a luscious sauce that seamlessly enhances the dish.
6
Servings
350
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless center-cut pork loin roast
2.5 lbs (Trim any excess fat as needed.)
Fresh cracked black pepper
1.5 tablespoons (Cracked, see instructions for preparation.)
Grated parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons (Ensure it is shakeable type, not fresh.)
Fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon (Finely chopped, or use 2 teaspoons dried.)
Dried basil
2 teaspoons (Use dried.)
Dried thyme leaves
2 teaspoons (Use dried.)
Garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon (Use as is.)
Cumin
1/2 teaspoon (Use as is.)
Fine-grained salt
1-2 teaspoons (Adjust based on preference, keeping in mind existing salt in parmesan.)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon plus additional for drippings (Use for coating the pan.)
Water
1/2 cup (To prevent drippings from burning.)
Cornstarch
1 teaspoon (For thickening the sauce.)
Pinot Grigio wine (optional)
1/4 cup (Optional for sauce.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and gather all ingredients.
2
Carefully pat the pork loin dry with a paper towel to ensure a good sear.
3
In a small bowl, combine the fresh cracked pepper, grated parmesan cheese, rosemary, dried basil, dried thyme, garlic powder, cumin, and fine-grained salt, mixing well to create the spice rub.
4
To crack the black peppercorns effectively, place whole peppercorns in a double-bagged zip lock bag. Use a meat pounder, heavy sauté pan, or rolling pin to gently crush them until most are cracked in half. Avoid using tiled surfaces to prevent damage.
5
Rub the spice mixture generously over the entire surface of the pork roast for about one minute, ensuring it is thoroughly coated.
6
In the bottom of a shallow baking dish, pool 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Place the roast fat side up in the dish and sprinkle some remaining herb rub underneath the roast. Pile the rest of the rub on top.
7
Add 1/2 cup of water to the bottom of the pan to keep the drippings from burning.
8
Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for approximately 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
9
Halfway through cooking, monitor the water level and replenish as needed to maintain at least 1/4 inch in the bottom of the pan to prevent burning.
10
Once the roast reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and cover with foil. Allow it to rest for at least 15 minutes to enhance moisture retention.
11
For a flavorful sauce, strain the drippings to remove the herbs and add about a teaspoon of cornstarch to thicken while heating over low. Optionally, incorporate 1/4 cup of MonteVina pinot grigio wine for added depth.
12
Serve the roast with the sauce alongside and enjoy with your favorite wine!
Nutrition Information
15
Fat
7
Carbs
50
Protein
380
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in the Ultimate Cracked Pepper Pork Loin Roast?
The recipe uses a 2.5 lb boneless center-cut pork loin roast.
How long does it take to cook the pork roast?
It takes approximately 1 hour in the oven, plus a 15-minute resting period.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
What is the target internal temperature for the pork?
The roast should be cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
How should I crack the peppercorns for this recipe?
Place whole peppercorns in a double-bagged zip lock bag and use a meat pounder, heavy pan, or rolling pin to crush them until mostly halved.
Can I use fresh parmesan cheese for the rub?
The recipe specifies using the shakeable type of grated parmesan cheese rather than fresh for the best results in the rub.
Why do I need to add water to the bottom of the roasting pan?
Adding 1/2 cup of water prevents the drippings from burning, which is essential for making the sauce later.
How long should the pork rest after coming out of the oven?
Allow the roast to rest covered with foil for at least 15 minutes to enhance moisture retention.
How do I make the luscious sauce mentioned in the description?
Strain the pan drippings, add a teaspoon of cornstarch to thicken over low heat, and optionally add 1/4 cup of Pinot Grigio.
Is this recipe suitable for beginner cooks?
Yes, the recipe is described as effortless and forgiving, making it suitable for any skill level.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
What are the nutritional details for one serving?
Each serving contains 350 calories, 50g of protein, 15g of fat, and 7g of carbohydrates.
Can I substitute fresh rosemary with dried?
Yes, you can use 2 teaspoons of dried rosemary if you do not have fresh 1 tablespoon of finely chopped rosemary.
Should the pork be cooked covered or uncovered?
The pork roast should be baked uncovered.
What wine is recommended for the sauce?
The recipe suggests using MonteVina Pinot Grigio for added depth in the sauce.
How much salt should I use?
Use 1-2 teaspoons of fine-grained salt, adjusting for personal preference and the saltiness of the parmesan.
What herbs are included in the spice rub?
The rub includes cracked pepper, rosemary, dried basil, and dried thyme.
How do I prepare the pork before applying the rub?
Carefully pat the pork loin dry with a paper towel to ensure a good sear.
Should the fat side be up or down in the pan?
The roast should be placed fat side up in the baking dish.
What should I do if the water in the pan dries up while baking?
Monitor the pan halfway through and replenish water to maintain at least 1/4 inch in the bottom.
Does this recipe contain cumin?
Yes, it contains 1/2 teaspoon of cumin in the spice mixture.
Why shouldn't I crush peppercorns on a tiled surface?
You should avoid tiled surfaces when crushing peppercorns to prevent damaging the tiles.
How much sodium is in this dish?
The recipe contains 380mg of sodium per serving.
Is this a low-fat recipe?
Yes, 'low fat' is one of the tags associated with this recipe.
What is the role of garlic powder in the rub?
It adds aromatic spice to the savory crust of the roast.
What sides go well with this roast?
A crisp salad and a glass of wine are recommended pairings.
How long do I rub the spice mixture into the meat?
Rub the spice mixture generously over the surface for about one minute.
Can I use olive oil in the baking dish?
Yes, pool 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the bottom of the dish before placing the roast.
What is the purpose of straining the drippings?
Straining the drippings removes the cooked herb particles to create a smoother sauce.
Is the wine required for the sauce?
No, the Pinot Grigio wine is optional and can be omitted if preferred.