Brown Sugar Dijon Glazed Pork Loin 🍖🍯

This Brown Sugar Dijon Glazed Pork Loin recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering! The combination of sweet brown sugar and tangy Dijon mustard creates a delicious glaze that caramelizes beautifully, enveloping the juicy pork loin. Serve it with roasted veggies or creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal that will impress everyone at the table!

Ingredients

For the pork loin

• 2 to 3 pounds of pork loin
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

For the glaze

• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh, if available)

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

🍽️ Make sure your oven is preheated before placing the pork in, ensuring even cooking.

• Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels and rub it all over with olive oil, followed by salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

• In a medium bowl, mix together the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and thyme to create your glaze.

🥄 Feel free to adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the glaze by adding more brown sugar or mustard to suit your taste!

• Place the seasoned pork loin in a roasting pan and brush half of the glaze over the top of the meat.

• Roast in the preheated oven uncovered for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Baste with the remaining glaze every 15 minutes for that extra flavor boost!

🔥 Using a meat thermometer is crucial here to ensure the pork is cooked perfectly and remains juicy.

• Once cooked, remove the pork loin from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

⏳ Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a tender and succulent pork loin.

• Serve the pork slices with the pan juices drizzled on top. Enjoy!

Variations

• Herb-Infused: Add fresh rosemary or sage to the glaze for an herbal twist. 🌿
• Spicy Kick: Mix in a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the glaze to spice things up! 🌶️
• Honey Glazed: Substitute honey for half of the brown sugar for a deeper, more complex sweetness.
• Slow Cooker Version: Prepare the same rub and glaze, and cook on low for 6-8 hours for a hands-off approach that yields fall-apart tender pork.

Enjoy your delicious Brown Sugar Dijon Glazed Pork Loin! 🎉