The Best and Easiest Garlic and Herb Crusted Pork Loin

I literally have made it my business to help busy moms get dinner on the table in 15-20 minutes. But sometimes you want that slow roasted Sunday dinner. This Garlic and Herb Crusted Pork Loin falls in the middle. It takes around 40 minutes from start to finish but is almost completely hands off.

Is Pork Loin the same as Pork Tenderloin?

No. Pork loin is the cut from which boneless pork chops originate. It’s mostly lean but has a thin fat cap on top. They are typically 1 1/2-2 pounds total. Whereas pork tenderloin is the long thin muscle and is super tender because it simply supports the pig but isn’t used for movement. They range from 3/4-1 pound typically.

Pork loin needs a little extra love (aka brine) and lower, slower heat to be super tender. Pork tenderloin can be cooked fast without brining and still be tender.

What else is needed for Herb Crusted Pork Loin?

For the brine:

• Apple juice

• Garlic

• Bay Leaves

• Sea Salt

For the Garlic and Herb crust:

• Fresh or dried herbs - dried are what I used to make this easy, but fresh rosemary, thyme and sage will definitely taste a little brighter. You have to use 3 times more fresh herbs to sub for dried, so use 2 tablespoons fresh herbs.

• Garlic

• Avocado or olive oil

• Sea salt and Pepper

How to Make Pork Tenderloin Variation

If you want to use pork tenderloin instead:

• Omit the brining step if you want to. (It won’t hurt it, but it will be great without this step.)

• Make the crust and rub the pork tenderloin as in recipe

• Follow roasting directions, but start checking temp after only about 10 minutes

• 145 degrees is what you are looking for in any whole muscle pork recipe (not ground pork)

What to Serve with Herb Crusted Pork Loin

I love to serve some sort of potato and salad with pork. Pork can be a little heavy, so I tend to go with a lighter dressing on salads. You can go with the basics or roasted potatoes and a salad with a basic vinaigrette or ere are a few ideas of compatible sides if you want something different:

• The Creamiest Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes

• Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes (AKA Home Fries)

• Shaved Fennel Salad

• Brussels Sprouts Salad

• Cauliflower Potato Salad (AKA Fauxtato Salad)

Author: Christi Flaherty

Print

With ImageWithout Image

Garlic and Herb Crusted Pork Loin

Scale this as needed for the size of your pork loin. See notes in post for how to use a pork tenderloin instead.

Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

Brine

• 2 lb pork loin
• 3 cups apple juice
• 1 cup water
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 tbsp sea salt
• 2 cups ice cubes

Garlic and Herb Crust

• 4 tsps minced garlic (about 2 tsp)
• 2 tbsps Italian Herb Blend
• 2 tsps sea salt or Himalayan pink salt
• 1 tsp pepper (or more if you like it peppery)

Instructions

Brine

1. Bring apple juice, bay leaves, and salt to a simmer until salt is dissolved.
2. Transfer to a deep dish, silicone resealable bag or bowl that will hold the pork and brine.
3. Add ice cubes and stir or shake to melt the ice cubes.
4. Add the pork.
5. Brine for 1 hour or overnight.

Garlic and Herb Crust

1. Cover a baking sheet with paper towels.
2. Mix the ingredients together in a bowl.
3. Remove the pork from brine and rinse well.
4. Set the pork on the paper towel covered baking sheet and dry the pork well.
5. Score the top (aka fat cap...don't cut it off) with a sharp knife in a diamond pattern
6. Rub the pork loin all over with the mixture.
7. Start the pork loin under the broiler for 8-10 minutes or until the herb rubbed fat cap starts to brown.
8. Turn it down to 350 degrees and roast for 20-30 minutes until an instant read thermometer reads 145 degrees
9. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve with natural juices.

https://www.realfoodsanity.com/herb-crusted-pork-loin

©2024 Christi Flaherty, Flaherty Culinary Concepts and realfoodsanity.com. All Rights Reserved. No part may be reproduced, used to create a derivative work, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the written consent of the author.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @realfoodsanity on instagram and hashtag it #realfoodsanity