Garlic Studded Pork Loin
Pork loin studded with whole garlic cloves, rubbed with olive oil, and coated with brown sugar, smoked paprika, and garlic seasonings. Serve with simple sides that complement the flavorful roast.
Servings 8 approximately
Equipment
- basking dish or roasting pan
- cutting board
- small sharp knife
- small mixing bowl
- measuring spoons
- meat thermometer
- carving knife
Ingredients
- 2 –3 pounds boneless pork loin
- 10 whole garlic cloves peeled
- 3 tablespoons olive oil plus additional oil for greasing the baking dish
- 5 cloves garlic minced, or 1½ tablespoons jarred minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or regular paprika
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a baking dish with additional olive oil.
- Using a small sharp knife, make 10 openings across the top of the pork loin, deep enough to hold the whole garlic cloves. Insert one whole garlic clove into each opening.
- Rub the pork loin on all sides with the 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
- In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Rub the seasoning mixture over all sides of the oiled pork loin. Place in the prepared baking dish with the fat side facing up.
- Roast uncovered for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the pork, away from the garlic pockets, reads 145°F. Begin checking before the estimated time is up. Cooking time will vary with the size and thickness of the roast.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Cooking time: Allow approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. The size and thickness of the roast and your oven will affect the timing. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 145°F, then let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Choose pork loin: This recipe uses a boneless pork loin roast. Pork tenderloin is a smaller, narrower cut and requires different cooking times.
Apply the oil separately: Insert the whole garlic cloves first, rub the pork with olive oil, and then apply the seasoning mixture.
Garlic options: Use 5 freshly minced garlic cloves or 1½ tablespoons of jarred minced garlic for the seasoning mixture, in addition to the 10 whole cloves inserted into the roast.
Paprika: Smoked paprika adds a smoky flavor. Regular paprika can be substituted if preferred.
Serving suggestions: Pair with mildly seasoned potatoes, rice, noodles, or vegetables to complement the flavor of the pork.
Servings: Yield is approximate and will vary with the weight of the roast and the size of your portions.
