Imagine a dish that combines the rich, succulent flavor of perfectly seared pork loin with the sweet and tangy burst of juicy cherries. This isn't just another dinner recipe—this is a culinary adventure that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary dining experience. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a restaurant-quality dish that looks sophisticated but is surprisingly simple to prepare!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Pork loin
- Cherries, pitted
- Onion, sliced
- Garlic, minced
- Chicken broth
- Thyme
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the pork loin will cook evenly and achieve a nice, golden-brown crust.
- Gather all your ingredients: pork loin, pitted cherries, sliced onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Season the pork loin generously with salt and pepper on all sides. This enhances the flavor of the meat.
- In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned pork loin and sear it on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Once the pork is browned, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic to the onions and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Return the pork loin to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the liquid covers the bottom of the skillet.
- Add the pitted cherries and thyme to the skillet, distributing them evenly around the pork loin.
- Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the internal temperature of the pork loin reaches 145°F (63°C).
- After the pork is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender.
- Slice the pork loin into thick slices and serve it warm, spooning the cherry and onion mixture over the top for added flavor.
- Enjoy your delicious pork loin with cherries, paired with your favorite side dishes!
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your pork reaches the perfect 145°F internal temperature—this guarantees juicy, tender meat every time.
- Searing Matters: Take time to brown the pork loin before baking. This crucial step locks in flavor and creates a beautiful golden crust.
- Let It Rest: Never skip the resting period after cooking. Those 10 minutes allow juices to redistribute, making each slice incredibly moist.
- Cherry Selection: Use fresh, ripe cherries when possible. If out of season, high-quality frozen cherries work wonderfully.
- Flavor Boost: For extra depth, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or red wine to your cherry sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 95mg
