If you’re craving a dish that brings together sweet, savory, and smoky flavors in perfect harmony, let me introduce you to the Maple Soy Glazed Roasted Pork Loin Recipe. This recipe transforms a simple pork loin roast into a stunning centerpiece with its luscious maple-soy glaze that caramelizes beautifully, sealing in juicy tenderness and a hint of tangy warmth from Dijon mustard. It’s an absolute showstopper that tastes like it took hours to master, yet it’s surprisingly straightforward to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or just want to treat yourself to something spectacular, this dish delivers a comforting, mouthwatering experience you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients right is the first step to bringing this flavorful pork loin to life. Each component plays a crucial role, whether adding depth, enhancing color, or balancing the sweet and savory elements that make this recipe so irresistible.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors in the pork and helps tenderize the meat.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle, aromatic punch without overpowering the glaze.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Complements the garlic with a mild sweetness and depth.
- Dried thyme (1/4 teaspoon): Brings an earthy, herbal note that balances out the sweetness of the maple syrup.
- Paprika (1/4 teaspoon): Offers a gentle smoky flavor and beautiful color to the seasoning rub.
- Ground pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a touch of heat that contrasts nicely with the glaze’s sweetness.
- Maple syrup (3 tablespoons): The star of the glaze, providing natural sweetness and caramelization.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Introduces savory umami that keeps the glaze rich and well-rounded.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Lends a slight tang that cuts through the sweetness beautifully.
- Olive oil (2 1/2 tablespoons, divided): Used for searing and blending flavors in the glaze.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Fresh garlic adds a vibrant punch in both the rub and glaze.
- Pork loin roast (2 1/2 to 3 pounds): The tender, juicy centerpiece of this dish, perfect for roasting.
How to Make Maple Soy Glazed Roasted Pork Loin Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pork with a Flavorful Rub
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a small dish, mix together salt, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, paprika, and ground pepper. This combination is your seasoning magic—each spice brings complexity that will infuse the meat. Rub the spice blend thoroughly all over your pork loin to coat it generously. This step ensures that every bite is bursting with a harmonious blend of flavors.
Step 2: Whisk the Glaze
While the pork absorbs the dry rub, prepare your glaze by whisking together maple syrup, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil in a separate bowl. This sweet and savory glaze is what sets this roast apart, so whisk it until smooth and well combined. The mustard adds just the right hint of tang to balance the richness of the maple and the saltiness of the soy sauce.
Step 3: Sear the Pork for a Beautiful Crust
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the pork loin to brown it evenly on all sides, which takes about 2 minutes per side. This searing process locks in juices and creates a caramelized crust that makes the roast extra delicious and visually appealing when cooked.
Step 4: Bake with Glaze
Transfer the seared pork to a baking dish. Pour half of your prepared maple-soy glaze over the pork, coating it well to start building layers of flavor. Place the dish in the oven and roast for approximately 35 to 50 minutes, checking around the 35-40 minute mark with a meat thermometer. You’re aiming for an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit—this ensures the pork is perfectly cooked, tender, and juicy without dryness.
Step 5: Rest and Glaze Again
When your pork reaches the right temperature, remove it from the oven and pour the remaining glaze over top. Then, loosely cover the roast with foil and let it rest for 10 minutes. Resting lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, making your pork loin meltingly tender and flavorful.
Step 6: Slice and Enjoy
After resting, slice the pork loin into thick, glorious pieces. Serve it right away, maybe with some of that sticky glaze drizzled on top or alongside your favorite gravy for an extra indulgent touch.
How to Serve Maple Soy Glazed Roasted Pork Loin Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions brightens this dish with a burst of color and freshness. Toasted sesame seeds add a delightful nuttiness and a little crunch that complements the glaze’s smooth texture perfectly.
Side Dishes
This pork shines alongside creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up all that luscious glaze. Roasted seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or green beans add vibrant colors and earthy flavors that balance the plate effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the sliced pork loin on a wooden board with small bowls of extra glaze, grain mustard, and pickled vegetables for a rustic, shareable feast. Or layer the slices over a bed of quinoa salad with crisp apples and walnuts to add texture and a fresh twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store sliced pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep some of the glaze on hand to drizzle over the meat before reheating, which helps retain moisture and flavor.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the pork slices wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then placed in a freezer-safe bag. It keeps well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit, covered loosely with foil, for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwave reheating, if possible, to prevent drying out. Adding a splash of water or extra glaze during reheating helps keep the pork juicy and tender.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?
Absolutely! While pork loin is ideal due to its tenderness and size, pork tenderloin can also work but will cook faster, so keep a close eye on it. Pork shoulder will need longer cooking and different handling to ensure tenderness.
Is it necessary to brown the pork before roasting?
Browning the pork loin creates a beautiful crust that adds flavor and texture. Skipping this step might save time, but you’ll miss out on that caramelized richness that really elevates the dish.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes! The maple soy glaze can be made up to 24 hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just whisk it again before using to recombine any separated ingredients.
How do I know when the pork is done?
Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way—you want the internal temperature to reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures it’s perfectly cooked and safe to eat without being dried out.
What should I do if I want extra sauce?
If you love saucy pork, double the glaze ingredients and serve the extra warmed on the side. It also makes a fantastic dipping sauce for any leftovers or other dishes you want to jazz up.
Final Thoughts
The Maple Soy Glazed Roasted Pork Loin Recipe truly feels like a special dinner that’s surprisingly easy to pull off. The balance of sweet, salty, and savory notes with a touch of mustard’s tang creates a flavor profile that’s simply irresistible. I hope you try making this for your next meal and enjoy every tender, juicy bite as much as I do. It’s a recipe that invites you to slow down and savor the moment, one delicious slice at a time.
Print
Maple Soy Glazed Roasted Pork Loin Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Roasted Pork Loin recipe features a tender and flavorful pork loin roast seasoned with a blend of spices and glazed with a sweet and savory maple-soy sauce. The pork is first brown-seared on the stovetop for added texture and then oven-roasted to juicy perfection. It’s easy to prepare and makes a perfect main dish for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
Spice Rub
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
Glaze Sauce
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
Other Ingredients
- 2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 1/2 to 3 pounds pork loin roast
Instructions
- Preheat and Season: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small dish, mix together salt, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, paprika, and ground pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly all over the pork loin roast to coat it thoroughly.
- Make the Glaze Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and 1/2 tablespoon olive oil until well combined. Set this glaze aside for later use.
- Brown the Pork: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork loin roast and sear it for about 2 minutes on each side until it develops a nice golden-brown crust. This step locks in the juices and adds flavor.
- Prepare for Roasting: Transfer the browned pork roast to a baking dish. Pour half of the prepared glaze sauce evenly over the roast, coating the top and sides.
- Roast the Pork: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast for 35 to 50 minutes. Begin checking the internal temperature of the roast with a meat thermometer at about 35-40 minutes. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium doneness.
- Rest and Glaze: When the roast reaches the target temperature, remove it from the oven and pour the remaining glaze sauce over the meat. Cover the roast loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for 10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the pork moist.
- Slice and Serve: After resting, slice the pork loin roast into desired portions. Serve it warm, optionally pairing with gravy or your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.
Notes
- Check the internal pork temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking; 145°F is the safe recommended temperature.
- You can substitute maple syrup for honey if desired, though flavor will slightly differ.
- Letting the pork rest after roasting is crucial for juicy meat.
- For a smokier flavor, add smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
- Adjust seasoning quantities slightly based on the size of your pork roast.
