Description
This Orange Cranberry Pork Loin is a flavorful roast featuring a juicy boneless pork loin smothered in a tangy and sweet sauce made from orange juice, sweet orange marmalade, and whole cranberry sauce. Perfectly seared for a caramelized crust and then roasted to tender perfection, this dish balances citrus brightness with the tartness of cranberries, making it ideal for a festive meal or a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pork Loin and Seasoning
- 3 lbs. boneless pork loin roast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2¼ tsp kosher salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Sauce
- ¾ cup orange juice (divided: ½ cup for sauce, ¼ cup for finishing)
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 8 oz. sweet orange marmalade (½ jar)
- 7 oz. whole cranberry sauce (½ can)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pork: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Remove the pork loin from the refrigerator to bring it closer to room temperature before cooking for even roasting.
- Dry the Meat: Place the pork in a shallow roasting or grill pan and pat dry thoroughly with a paper towel to ensure a good sear.
- Oil the Pork: Rub olive oil all over the pork loin so it is evenly coated, which helps develop a nice crust during searing.
- Season Pork: Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides of the pork, making sure it’s well seasoned.
- Sear the Pork: On the stovetop, sear the pork over high heat for about 2 minutes on each side to lock in juices and create a golden crust.
- Make the Sauce: While searing, in a medium bowl combine ½ cup orange juice, apple cider vinegar, orange marmalade, and cranberry sauce. Stir until well mixed.
- Roast with Sauce: Transfer the seared pork to a large roasting pan and pour the sauce evenly over it.
- Cook the Pork: Roast in the preheated oven for 60 to 80 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches between 140°F and 145°F. Baste the pork every 20 minutes with the orange juice and sauce mixture to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Rest the Pork: Remove the pork from the oven and place it on a plate tented with foil. Let it rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm the internal temperature is at least 145°F before serving.
- Finish the Sauce: While the pork rests, add the remaining ¼ cup orange juice to the pan juices. If the roasting pan is stovetop safe, keep the mixture there; if not, transfer to a saucepan.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and let it thicken slightly while the pork rests.
- Serve: Slice the pork loin and drizzle with the warm sauce. Garnish with fresh orange slices and cranberries for an appealing presentation.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer for best results to avoid overcooking and maintain juiciness.
- Resting the meat after roasting is essential for tender slices and better flavor absorption.
- If you do not have whole cranberry sauce, you can substitute with fresh cranberries cooked down with some sugar.
- The roasting pan should be oven- and stovetop-safe to finish the sauce directly in it; alternatively use a saucepan.
- For a firmer crust, pat the pork dry thoroughly before searing and roasting.
