Oven Roasted Pork Loin with a Maple Glaze
This maple glazed pork loin recipe is just a touch sweet from a homemade maple syrup glaze, enhanced by a hint of cinnamon and cayenne pepper. Beautifully seasoned, and oven-roasted, this glazed pork loin recipe is absolutely fantastic! Cooking a pork roast is much easier than you think. A simple brine ensures that it's tender and juicy.
Ingredients
For the Brine:
- ½ cup salt
- ½ cup sugar
For the Pork and Glaze:
- 2-3 lbs pork loin roast
- ⅓ cup real maple syrup
- ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of cloves
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper
- Vegetable oil
Instructions
To brine the pork:
- Sissolve the sugar and salt in about 2 quarts of water in a large bowl. Add pork loin, cover and refrigerate for 1 ½ to 2 hours. Remove and pat dry with paper towels. Tie with twine every 2 inches. Sprinkle all sides with salt and pepper.
To cook the pork:
- Preheat the oven to 325º.
- Add just enough oil to cover a large oven proof skillet. Heat on medium high until it begins to smoke. Place the roast, fast side down in the skillet to brown, about 3 minutes. Rotate to all four sides. Remove to a plate.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the syrup, cinnamon, cloves, and cayenne and cook for a minute. Remove from the heat and add the pork roast, turning it with tongs to coat all four sides.
- Place in the oven and cook until a meat thermometer reads 135-145º in the center of the roast, about 35-45 minutes depending on the thickness. Turn to coat the roast in the glaze every 10 minutes.
- Remove the roast to a cutting board to rest for 10 minutes. Pour the glaze over the roast, remove the twine and slice.
Barbara's Notes + Tips
- Brine your pork in cold water. You don’t want the pork to begin to ‘cook’ in the warm water.
- Don't brine the roast overnight. I should stay in the brine for an hour per pound, any longer and the meat gets mushy.
Nutrition
Calories: 312kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 9507mg | Potassium: 608mg | Fiber: 0.02g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 0.1IU | Vitamin C: 0.002mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 1mg
