Brown Sugar and Garlic Pork Loin 🍖🧄

This flavorful Brown Sugar and Garlic Pork Loin is a delightful dish that's perfect for family dinners or special occasions. The sweet and savory combination of brown sugar and garlic creates a delectable glaze that caramelizes beautifully while roasting. Serve this juicy pork loin with roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal that will leave your guests raving!

Ingredients

For the Pork Loin

• 3 to 4 pounds pork loin
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

For Garnish

• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• Sliced green onions (optional)

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your pork loin cooks evenly and develops a nice crust.

• In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, minced garlic, olive oil, soy sauce, ground black pepper, salt, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and apple cider vinegar. This will be your marinade and glaze.

🥄 Make sure to mix well until the sugar is mostly dissolved, creating a thick paste. The combination of the brown sugar and garlic will create a fragrant aroma!

• Place the pork loin in a large baking dish. Using a sharp knife, make small slits in the meat to allow the glaze to penetrate better.

• Rub the brown sugar and garlic mixture all over the pork loin, ensuring it’s evenly coated.

🔪 If you have time, let the pork marinate for at least an hour (or overnight) in the refrigerator to enhance the flavors further.

• Insert the pork loin in the oven and roast for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Baste the pork with the juices from the bottom of the baking dish every 20 minutes for extra moisture and flavor.

⏲️ Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size of the pork loin, so using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure it’s perfectly cooked!

• Once cooked, remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender.

• Slice the pork loin and serve it warm, garnished with fresh parsley or sliced green onions for a pop of color.

Variations

• Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano to the marinade for an additional layer of flavor. 🌿
• Spicy Kick: Mix in a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the glaze for a zesty heat. 🌶️
• BBQ Style: Substitute the garlic with BBQ sauce to create a smoky, sweet flavor profile for the glaze.
• Cooking Method: For a more hands-on approach, you can also smoke the pork loin on a grill for a few hours to incorporate a deep, smoky flavor.

This Brown Sugar and Garlic Pork Loin will soon become a favorite in your home, offering comfort and deliciousness in each tender bite! 🍽️✨