Imagine a dish so irresistible that it transforms an ordinary dinner into a culinary masterpiece. Our Honey Vanilla Glazed Pork Loin is not just a recipe—it's a flavor explosion waiting to happen! With a perfect balance of sweet honey, aromatic vanilla, and perfectly seared pork, this dish promises to elevate your home cooking from mundane to magnificent. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a restaurant-quality meal that's surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork loin
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Remove the pork loin from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature, which ensures even cooking.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a small bowl, mix together honey, vanilla extract, salt, and black pepper to create the glaze. Whisk until well combined.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
- Sear the pork loin on all sides until golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. This helps develop a rich, caramelized exterior.
- Brush half of the honey vanilla glaze over the entire surface of the pork loin, ensuring even coverage.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Every 15 minutes, baste the pork loin with the remaining glaze to enhance flavor and create a beautiful, glossy finish.
- Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
- Slice the pork loin against the grain into 1/2-inch thick pieces and serve immediately.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let your pork loin rest at room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
- Pat Dry for Perfect Searing: Remove excess moisture from the meat to achieve that beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Use an Instant-Read Thermometer: For perfectly cooked pork, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Basting Magic: Frequent basting with the honey vanilla glaze creates a glossy, flavor-packed exterior.
- Resting is Crucial: Allow the meat to rest after cooking to keep it juicy and tender.
- Slice Against the Grain: This technique ensures each slice is tender and easy to cut.
- Choose a Good Quality Honey: The flavor of your honey will directly impact the final taste of the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 95mg
