Prepare to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this irresistible Orange Glazed Pork Roast that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! Imagine a perfectly tender, juicy pork roast with a stunning caramelized glaze that balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in every single bite. This recipe isn't just a meal - it's a flavor adventure that will elevate your home cooking from mundane to magnificent, proving that gourmet-quality dishes are totally achievable in your very own kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs 45 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 (3-4 lb) pork roast
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove the pork roast from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature, which ensures more even cooking.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), positioning the rack in the center of the oven.
- Pat the pork roast dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a better sear and crust.
- Season the entire roast generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together orange juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, and minced garlic to create the glaze, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
- Place the seasoned pork roast in a large roasting pan or heavy-bottomed oven-safe dish, fat side up.
- Pour half of the prepared glaze over the roast, reserving the remaining glaze for basting during cooking.
- Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the roast, making sure it doesn't touch bone or fat.
- Roast in the preheated oven, basting with the reserved glaze every 30 minutes to develop a rich, caramelized exterior.
- Cook until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C), which typically takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes for a 3-4 lb roast.
- Remove the roast from the oven and tent loosely with aluminum foil, allowing it to rest for 15-20 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
- After resting, slice the roast against the grain and drizzle with any remaining pan juices before serving.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let your pork roast rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
- Moisture Management: Pat the roast dry before seasoning to help create a beautiful, crispy exterior that locks in all those delicious juices.
- Basting Brilliance: Don't skip the regular basting - this is what creates that stunning, glossy caramelized glaze that makes this dish truly spectacular.
- Thermometer Trust: Use a meat thermometer to hit the perfect 145°F internal temperature - this guarantees a juicy, perfectly cooked roast every single time.
- Resting is Crucial: Let the roast rest after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is incredibly tender and flavorful.Pro tip: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a touch of orange zest to your glaze or garnishing with fresh thyme before serving!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 399kcal
Carbohydrates: 21g
Protein: 31g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 100mg
