Imagine a dish so succulent and packed with flavor that it turns an ordinary weeknight meal into a gourmet experience. This Roasted Pork Loin with Dried Fruit is not just a recipe—it's a culinary journey that combines the rich, tender meat with the sweet and tangy essence of dried apricots and figs. Perfect for impressing dinner guests or treating your family to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking skills and tantalize your taste buds like never before.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork loin
- 1 cup dried apricots
- 1 cup dried figs
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove pork loin from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to reach room temperature, ensuring even cooking.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), positioning the rack in the middle of the oven for uniform heat distribution.
- Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a better golden-brown crust.
- Season the pork loin generously with salt, pepper, and dried thyme, rubbing the seasonings evenly across the entire surface of the meat.
- Roughly chop the dried apricots and figs into bite-sized pieces, preparing them for roasting alongside the pork.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or roasting pan over medium-high heat, and sear the pork loin on all sides until golden brown, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove the pork from the skillet and set aside momentarily, then add sliced onions to the same pan and sauté until they become translucent.
- Scatter the chopped dried fruits around the onions in the pan, creating a flavorful bed for the pork loin.
- Return the pork loin to the pan, placing it on top of the fruit and onion mixture.
- Transfer the skillet or roasting pan to the preheated oven and roast for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes, which allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist and tender result.
- Slice the pork loin against the grain into 1/2-inch thick pieces, serving it with the roasted dried fruits and onions.
- Optionally, drizzle any pan juices over the sliced pork for additional moisture and flavor before serving.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let your pork loin come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent dry meat.
- Pat Dry for Perfect Searing: Removing moisture from the meat's surface helps achieve that gorgeous golden-brown crust that locks in flavor.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Don't guess! Cook the pork to exactly 145°F (63°C) for the most tender and juicy result.
- Rest Your Meat: Letting the pork rest after cooking is crucial. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is moist and delicious.
- Choose Quality Dried Fruits: Fresh, plump dried apricots and figs will add the best flavor and texture to your dish.
- Consider Marinating: For an extra flavor boost, you can marinate the pork loin for 2-4 hours before cooking.
- Slice Against the Grain: When serving, always slice the pork against the grain to ensure the most tender bite possible.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 95mg
