Garlic Herb Roasted Pork: Divine 1-Hour Meal

Garlic herb roasted pork has become my go-to for a truly memorable weeknight meal. I still remember the first time I made this for my family; the aroma of garlic and fresh rosemary filling the kitchen was absolutely divine, and the tender, juicy pork disappeared in minutes! It’s the perfect garlic herb pork recipe for dinner, offering a sophisticated flavor without the fuss. Get ready for rave reviews when you serve this savory delight! Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Herb Roasted Pork

This recipe is a winner for so many reasons:

• It’s an incredibly easy garlic herb pork recipe, perfect for busy weeknights.
• You get a wonderfully juicy garlic herb pork roast every single time.
• The marinade infuses the pork with amazing flavor.
• It looks elegant enough for special occasions but is simple enough for any day.
• The aroma while it cooks is absolutely mouthwatering.
• Cleanup is a breeze, especially if you use an oven-safe skillet.
• It’s a healthy and satisfying protein-packed meal.

Ingredients for Garlic Herb Roasted Pork

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this fantastic garlic herb pork recipe. The beauty of this dish lies in its simple yet impactful flavor profile, thanks to a few key components that make up the garlic herb pork marinade recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin – this cut cooks quickly and stays tender
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – the foundation of that wonderful aroma
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped – adds a piney, savory note
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped – brings an earthy, slightly floral flavor
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – helps create that delicious crust and carries flavor
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – adds a subtle tang and helps bind the marinade
• Juice of 1 lemon – brightens everything up and tenderizes the meat
• 1 teaspoon salt – essential for bringing out all the flavors
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – for a touch of warmth
• ½ teaspoon paprika – adds a hint of color and mild sweetness

How to Make Garlic Herb Roasted Pork

Follow these simple steps for an incredibly flavorful and tender pork tenderloin. The combination of garlic, fresh herbs, and a touch of lemon creates a truly memorable dish. These garlic herb pork cooking instructions will guide you to perfection.

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to a hot 425°F (220°C). This high heat is key for getting a beautiful sear and ensuring the pork cooks quickly.
2. Step 2: While the oven heats, prepare your flavor-packed marinade. In a small bowl, combine the 4 cloves garlic, minced, 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped, 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, the juice of 1 lemon, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon paprika. Mix everything together until you have a thick, aromatic paste.
3. Step 3: Pat your 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a lovely browned crust. Generously rub the prepared garlic herb marinade all over the tenderloin, making sure it’s evenly coated. For an even deeper flavor, cover the marinated pork with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or even better, overnight.
4. Step 4: Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small drizzle of olive oil. Once the skillet is nice and hot, carefully place the marinated pork tenderloin in it. Sear the pork for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until it’s beautifully browned and caramelized. This searing locks in the juices.
5. Step 5: Now, transfer the entire skillet with the seared pork directly into your preheated oven. Roast the tenderloin for 15-20 minutes. The best way to ensure it’s perfectly cooked is to use a meat thermometer; you’re looking for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for a juicy, medium-rare result. This is how you achieve that perfect oven roasted pork garlic herb.

6. Step 6: Once the pork reaches the correct temperature, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Transfer the tenderloin to a clean cutting board. Loosely tent it with aluminum foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period is non-negotiable – it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every slice is incredibly moist and tender.
7. Step 7: After resting, slice the pork tenderloin into attractive medallions, about ½ to ¾ inch thick. Serve immediately, perhaps with some extra lemon wedges on the side for a fresh squeeze of citrus.

Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Herb Roasted Pork

I’ve found a few tricks that really elevate this dish from good to absolutely amazing. These tips will help ensure your pork turns out perfectly every time!

• Don’t skip patting the pork dry before searing; it’s essential for a golden-brown crust.
• If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can substitute with dried herbs, but use about a third of the amount.
• Using an oven-safe skillet means fewer dishes and an easier transfer from stovetop to oven.
• Always trust your meat thermometer over cooking times alone; ovens can vary!

What’s the secret to perfect garlic herb roasted pork?

The real secret to a perfect garlic and herb pork loin roast is the combination of a flavorful marinade and allowing the meat to rest after cooking. This ensures it stays incredibly tender and juicy. For more delicious recipes, check out our collection of recipes.

Can I make garlic herb roasted pork ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the pork up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it tightly and keep it in the refrigerator. This allows even more flavor to develop, but adjust the garlic herb pork roast time slightly if cooking from cold.

How do I avoid common mistakes with garlic herb roasted pork?

The most common mistakes are overcooking and not letting the pork rest. Always use a meat thermometer to check for the correct internal temperature and allow it to rest for at least 5 minutes. Ensure you have all the correct garlic herb pork roast ingredients before you start. For a similar flavor profile, you might enjoy our Persian Chicken Recipe.

Best Ways to Serve Garlic Herb Roasted Pork

This versatile pork tenderloin is fantastic on its own, but it truly shines when paired with the right accompaniments. For delightful garlic herb pork roast serving suggestions, consider pairing it with creamy mashed potatoes or a light, fluffy quinoa. These simple sides complement the savory flavors beautifully.

You can also create a wonderful meal by serving it with roasted root vegetables like carrots and parsnips. These hearty garlic herb pork roast side dishes add color and texture to your plate. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is another excellent choice to balance the richness of the pork. If you’re looking for other chicken dishes, consider our Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo.

Nutrition Facts for Garlic Herb Roasted Pork

Understanding what is garlic herb roasted pork in terms of nutrition is helpful for meal planning. This delicious dish is packed with savory flavors and lean protein.

• Serving Size: 4 ounces
• Calories: Approx. 250-300
• Fat: Low
• Saturated Fat: Low
• Protein: High
• Carbohydrates: Low
• Fiber: Low
• Sugar: Low
• Sodium: Moderate

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on healthy eating, consult resources on nutrition.gov.

How to Store and Reheat Garlic Herb Roasted Pork

Once your delicious garlic herb roasted pork is cooked, you’ll want to store any leftovers properly to enjoy them later. After cooking, let the pork cool down at room temperature for about an hour before storing. For the best quality, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you need to store it for longer, wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. This helps maintain its savory flavor.

When you’re ready to reheat your leftovers, there are a couple of good methods. For a tender result, gently warm slices in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water, ensuring the internal garlic herb pork roast temperature reaches about 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can sometimes dry out the meat. For another great pork recipe, try our Fried Meatballs (Romanian Chiftele).

Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Herb Roasted Pork

Can I use a different cut of pork?

While this recipe is perfected for pork tenderloin, you can adapt it for other cuts like pork loin or even pork shoulder. Just be mindful that cooking times and temperatures will vary significantly. For a simple garlic herb pork tenderloin, the tenderloin is ideal due to its quick cooking time and tenderness. You might also like our Zucchini Noodle Chicken Alfredo.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

No worries if you’re out of fresh herbs! You can substitute dried herbs, but remember to use less – typically about one-third the amount of fresh herbs. So, for example, use 2 teaspoons of dried rosemary instead of 2 tablespoons of fresh. The flavor will still be delicious and make for a wonderfully savory garlic herb pork recipe.

How can I tell when the garlic herb roasted pork is done?

The most reliable way is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the pork. For medium-rare, you’re looking for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). If you prefer it more well-done, aim for 150-155°F (66-68°C). Overcooking is the enemy of tender pork! For a similar cooking method with chicken, see our Teriyaki Chicken Sheet Pan Supper.

Can I grill this garlic herb roasted pork?

Absolutely! You can adapt this recipe for grilling. Marinate the pork tenderloin as directed, then grill over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). This method gives the pork a lovely smoky flavor.

Variations of Garlic Herb Roasted Pork You Can Try

While this recipe is fantastic as is, don’t be afraid to get creative! I love experimenting with different flavor profiles and cooking methods to keep things exciting. Here are a few variations I’ve enjoyed.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a little heat. This works wonderfully with the garlic and herbs.
• Citrus Twist: Swap the lemon juice for lime juice, or add a bit of orange zest to the marinade for a different citrusy note.
• Slow Cooker Delight: For incredibly tender results, try this as a garlic herb pork shoulder recipe in a slow cooker. Sear it first for better flavor, then cook on low for 6-8 hours until fork-tender.
• Grill Master: Marinate the pork and then grill it over medium-high heat, just like you would with other pork cuts, until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). For another quick meal, consider our Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir-Fry.

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