This herb-stuffed pork loin is a juicy and tasty dish that will make your dinner feel special. Filled with fresh herbs, it brings great flavors to your table!
Wrap your taste buds around that delicious aroma as it cooks. Who needs fancy restaurants when you can create this at home? I love serving it with roasted veggies!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Loin: A good quality pork loin is key for a juicy dish. If you want a leaner option, you can use turkey breast, which holds flavor well when stuffed. Just adjust the cooking time as it may cook faster.
Bread Crumbs: Fresh bread crumbs add texture and flavor. If you’re gluten-free, try using gluten-free bread or crushed gluten-free crackers to achieve a similar effect.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, and thyme bring great flavor. If you’re short on fresh herbs, dry herbs can work too—just use about one-third of the amount since they’re more concentrated!
Chicken Broth: Using chicken broth helps moisten the stuffing. Vegetable broth is an excellent substitute if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.
How Do You Ensure the Pork Loin is Perfectly Stuffed and Cooked?
Stuffing a pork loin might seem tricky, but with a little care, it can be done easily! The first step is to properly prepare the pork loin by cutting a slit down the center. Make sure not to cut all the way through; you want it to open like a book for even stuffing!
- After stuffing, roll the loin tightly, ensuring the filling stays inside.
- Secure with kitchen twine at intervals so it maintains its shape during cooking.
- When roasting, use a meat thermometer to check if it reaches 145°F (63°C); this ensures juicy meat without being undercooked.
Finally, let it rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, making your slices moist and flavorful!
How to Make Herb-Stuffed Pork Loin
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stuffing:
- 1 cup fresh bread crumbs
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pork Loin:
- 2 to 3 pounds pork loin
- Kitchen twine (for tying)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 1 to 1.5 hours to roast in the oven. After that, let it rest for 10-15 minutes. So, you’ll be enjoying your Herb-Stuffed Pork Loin in about 1.5 to 2 hours total. Perfect for a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s the right temperature for roasting your pork loin perfectly.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
In a skillet, add the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, letting them sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion turns translucent. This step adds a wonderful flavor to your stuffing!
3. Make the Herb Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onion and garlic with the fresh bread crumbs, chopped parsley, rosemary, thyme, and chicken broth. Add salt and pepper to your taste and mix everything together until well combined. This fragrant mixture will be the star of your pork loin!
4. Prepare the Pork Loin:
Using a sharp knife, make a lengthwise slit down the center of the pork loin, being careful not to cut all the way through—just open it like a book. This will create a pocket for your stuffing.
5. Stuff the Pork Loin:
Spread the herb and bread crumb mixture evenly over the inside of the pork loin. Be generous—this stuffing is what makes your pork so flavorful!
6. Roll and Tie the Pork:
Now, roll up the pork loin tightly, tucking the stuffing inside. Secure it with kitchen twine, tying at several intervals to hold its shape during roasting.
7. Season and Roast:
Place the stuffed pork loin in a roasting pan. Season the outside with a bit of salt and pepper. Pop it in the preheated oven and roast for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer to be sure!
8. Let it Rest:
Once your pork loin is done roasting, carefully remove it from the oven. Let it rest on a cutting board for 10-15 minutes. This waiting time helps keep the meat juicy.
9. Slice and Serve:
After resting, slice the pork loin into medallions. Serve warm, and if you’d like, garnish with some fresh herbs for an extra touch. Enjoy your delicious Herb-Stuffed Pork Loin!
Can I Use Dried Herbs Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can substitute dried herbs for fresh, but use less as dried herbs are more potent. Generally, use about one-third of the amount. For this recipe, you would use about 1 tablespoon of dried parsley, 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary, and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken Broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, you can use vegetable broth or even water. For added flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or a bit of soy sauce to water to mimic the depth of chicken broth.
How Should I Store Leftover Herb-Stuffed Pork Loin?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap it in foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or slice and microwave for quick reheating.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed pork loin ahead of time, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to a day before roasting. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
