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Savory Glazed Pork Loin with Honey and Thyme

savory glazed pork loin - featured image

A juicy, flavorful pork loin roast glazed with a sweet and savory honey-thyme mixture, perfect for family dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 to 3 pounds pork loin roast, trimmed of excess fat
  • 1/4 cup honey (85 g), preferably mild clover honey
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or water (120 ml)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels. Trim any thick layers of fat if desired, leaving a thin layer for moisture and flavor.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, chopped fresh thyme, minced garlic, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and lemon juice if using until smooth and slightly thick.
  4. Using a sharp knife, make shallow diagonal cuts about 1/2 inch apart on the pork’s fat side to help the glaze seep in and caramelize.
  5. Brush the pork loin all over with half of the honey-thyme glaze. Reserve the rest for basting during roasting.
  6. Optional but recommended: Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork loin fat-side down for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, then flip and sear the other side for 2 minutes.
  7. Place the pork loin in a roasting pan or keep it in the skillet if oven-safe. Pour 1/2 cup chicken broth or water into the pan to keep the meat moist.
  8. Roast uncovered for about 45-55 minutes, basting with the remaining glaze every 15 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
  9. Once done, tent the pork with aluminum foil and let rest for 10-15 minutes to lock in juices.
  10. Slice the pork loin into 1/2 inch thick slices, drizzle with any pan juices, and serve.

Notes

If the glaze darkens too quickly, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning. Resting the meat after roasting is essential for juicy, tender slices. Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness. Searing before roasting locks in flavor and creates a nice crust. You can substitute maple syrup for honey if needed. For a leaner cut, use pork tenderloin but adjust cooking time accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: pork loin, honey glaze, thyme, roasted pork, easy dinner, savory pork, family meal, juicy pork loin