Orange and Thyme Roast Pork Loin
In short: A small boneless pork loin roasted on onions with orange zest, thyme and garlic, then sliced and served with a quick orange pan sauce. It takes about 1 h 5 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 50 min
- Total
- 1 h 5 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 370 kcal
A boneless pork loin of 800 g (1 3/4 lb) is the right size for four people, or two with leftovers. It is lean, so the roast is simple: a rub of orange zest, thyme and garlic, a bed of sliced onions to catch the juices, and a thermometer to stop it overcooking. While the loin rests, the pan juices turn into a bright orange sauce. The leftover slices are excellent in sandwiches.
Instructions
- Take the pork out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking and heat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Mix the orange zest, thyme, garlic, oil, salt and pepper into a paste. Pat the pork dry and rub the paste over it.
- Spread the onions in a roasting pan and set the pork on top, fat side up.
- Roast for 40 to 50 minutes, until a thermometer in the center reads 60°C (140°F). Move the pork to a board and rest it under loose foil for 15 minutes, during which it reaches 63°C (145°F).
- Set the roasting pan over medium heat. Add the orange juice, stock and mustard and scrape up the browned bits. Simmer for 6 to 8 minutes until reduced by about half, stirring in the cornstarch mixture if you want a thicker sauce.
- Slice the pork into 1.5 cm (1/2 inch) slices, serve with the onions and spoon the sauce over.
Tips
- A loin with a thin fat cap stays juicier. Ask the butcher to leave a layer and score it lightly.
- Lemon or tangerine zest can replace the orange. For a deeper sauce, add 1 tbsp of balsamic vinegar while it simmers.
Questions and answers
How long does it take to roast a pork loin?
About 45 to 50 minutes for an 800 g roast at 200°C (400°F). Check with a thermometer, because roasts vary in shape and thickness.
Is pork safe to eat if it is slightly pink?
Yes. Pork cooked to 63°C (145°F) and rested is safe, and it can look faintly pink in the center.
Can I roast potatoes in the same pan?
Yes. Add 500 g (1.1 lb) of halved baby potatoes tossed in oil around the pork. They need about 45 minutes.
How long does it take to make Orange and Thyme Roast Pork Loin?
About 1 h 5 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 50 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Orange and Thyme Roast Pork Loin?
About 370 kcal per serving, with 43 g of protein, 14 g of carbohydrates and 16 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 370 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 43 g |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 9 g |
| Sodium | 950 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
