Finding a reliable dinner recipe that pleases everyone at the table can feel like an uphill battle. Between picky eaters, busy schedules, and the desire to serve something both filling and tasty, weeknight meals often become a source of stress. That’s where this pork loin with gravy comes to the rescue – it’s a straightforward, satisfying dish that brings the comfort of a Sunday roast to any day of the week. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a meal that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Ingredient Substitutions
For the pork loin roast, chicken breast or turkey breast can be used as leaner alternatives, maintaining a similar texture and protein content. Cooking times may need to be adjusted to ensure proper doneness. For a vegetarian option, seitan or extra-firm tofu can be substituted, though these will significantly alter the flavor profile and texture of the dish.
Butter can be replaced with olive oil or coconut oil for a dairy-free option. These alternatives provide similar cooking properties and can enhance the dish’s flavor. Use the same amount as called for in the recipe.
All-purpose flour can be swapped with cornstarch or arrowroot powder for a gluten-free gravy. Use about half the amount of cornstarch or arrowroot compared to flour, as they have stronger thickening properties. Be sure to mix these alternatives with cold liquid before adding to hot gravy to prevent clumping.
| Preparation Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 115-130 minutes |
| Total Time | 130-150 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1600-1800
- Protein: 150-170 g
- Fat: 80-90 g
- Carbohydrates: 60-70 g
Ingredients
- 1 boneless pork loin roast (about 3 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon oregano, dried
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme, dried
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, ground
- 1 big onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- Salt and black pepper as needed
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup pork broth
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Roast and Oven
Gather all the ingredients you’ll need for your roast.
Begin by preheating your oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
Prepare the pork roast by making several small slits in the top, and then place it into a roasting pan.
Step 2: Make the Spice Mixture
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Add garlic, oregano, cayenne, thyme, mustard powder, and black pepper to the skillet.
Cook and stir the spices for about 1 minute until they become fragrant.
Remove the skillet from heat to prevent the spices from burning.
Spread this spice mixture all over the pork roast and rub it into the slits you made earlier.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Begin Roasting
Place chopped onion, carrots, and celery around the pork in the roasting pan.
Season the vegetables with salt and pepper to taste.
Roast the pork in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 45 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the pork to cook through.
Step 4: Increase Oven Temperature and Brown the Pork
After the initial roasting time, increase the oven temperature to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
Continue cooking the pork until it browns and an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the center of the roast reaches at least 150 degrees F (65 degrees C).
This should take about 15 minutes.
Remove the pork from the oven once done.
Step 5: Rest the Pork and Prepare the Gravy
Allow the pork to rest for about 10 minutes outside the oven.
Recheck its internal temperature; it should reach at least 160 degrees F (75 degrees C) before you begin slicing.
In the meantime, place the roasting pan with vegetables and pan drippings over a stove burner set to medium heat.
Whisk in flour and let it simmer for about 3 minutes to remove the raw taste.
Gradually whisk in stock until the gravy thickens.
Step 6: Strain and Serve
Once the gravy has thickened to your preference, strain it to remove any large vegetable pieces, then serve it alongside the sliced pork.
Enjoy this flavorful and tender roast with the delicious homemade gravy.
