A pork roast is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions. When cooked properly, the meat is tender, juicy, and packed with savory flavor, with a crisp, golden exterior.
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
-
3–4 lb (1.5–2 kg) pork shoulder or pork loin roast
-
3 tablespoons olive oil
-
4 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
-
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
-
1 teaspoon paprika
-
Salt and black pepper, to taste
-
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
-
1 large onion, sliced
-
2 carrots, chopped
-
2 celery stalks, chopped
-
Optional: ½ cup white wine for added flavor
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Pork Roast
-
Pat the pork roast dry with paper towels to ensure a crisp exterior.
-
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
-
Rub the mixture all over the pork roast, covering all sides.
3. Sear the Roast (Optional but Recommended)
-
Heat a large oven-safe skillet or roasting pan over medium-high heat.
-
Sear the pork roast for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
-
Remove from heat.
4. Prepare the Vegetables
-
Place sliced onions, carrots, and celery in the bottom of a roasting pan or skillet.
-
Pour chicken broth (and wine if using) over the vegetables.
-
Place the pork roast on top of the vegetables.
5. Roast the Pork
-
Cover the roast with foil or a lid and place in the preheated oven.
-
Roast for 1½–2 hours, basting occasionally with pan juices, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
-
For a crispier exterior, remove foil for the last 15–20 minutes of roasting.
6. Rest the Roast
-
Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
-
This allows juices to redistribute and keeps the meat moist.
7. Serve
-
Slice the pork roast and serve with roasted vegetables and pan juices.
-
Optional: Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
Tips for Perfect Pork Roast
-
Room Temperature: Let the pork sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before roasting to ensure even cooking.
-
Use a Meat Thermometer: Avoid overcooking; pork is juicy at 145°F (63°C).
-
Flavor Variations: Add garlic cloves, apples, or potatoes to the roasting pan for extra flavor.
-
Pan Sauce: Use the pan drippings to make a simple gravy by adding a little flour or cornstarch and simmering until thickened.
Variations
-
Herb-Crusted Pork Roast: Mix fresh herbs and breadcrumbs to coat the roast before baking.
-
Honey Garlic Roast: Add honey and soy sauce to the rub for a sweet-savory glaze.
-
Spicy Pork Roast: Include smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or chili powder in the seasoning.
-
Slow-Cooked Version: Cook in a slow cooker on low for 6–8 hours for ultra-tender meat.
This Classic Pork Roast is juicy, flavorful, and versatile, perfect for family meals, gatherings, or a special Sunday dinner.