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Dinner · Part 2 of 3: Instructions

Honey Garlic Apple Pork Roast for a Quick Dinner Step-by-step instructions

A glistening honey garlic apple pork roast served on a tray with caramelized apple wedges.
Prep
Cook
Total
Serves
4
Includes 10 min resting

Before you start

Before beginning, ensure the pork loin is removed from the refrigerator about 20 minutes prior to cooking to allow it to come closer to room temperature for more even roasting. Prepare the apples by washing, coring, and slicing them into uniform wedges to ensure they cook at the same rate.

Have the honey and garlic measured and mixed in a small bowl, and ensure the oven rack is positioned in the center to allow for optimal heat circulation around the roasting tray.

Ingredients at a glance (5)
  • 2 lb pork loin
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 large apples, sliced into wedges

Instructions

Glazing the Roast

  1. Prepare the Pork
    Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pork loin onto a foil-lined roasting tray. Brush the meat generously with the honey and minced garlic mixture, ensuring even coverage over the entire surface of the roast to build a flavorful crust during the baking process.
    Look for The pork should be evenly coated with the honey garlic mixture.
    Tip Use a silicone brush for the most even application of the glaze.

At the end of this phase, the pork should be thoroughly coated in the honey garlic mixture. The tray should be prepped to prevent sticking, and the oven should be fully preheated. Check that the glaze is applied evenly across the top and sides of the loin, as this will form the primary flavor base for the finished roast.

Roasting the Pork

  1. Roast the Pork
    Place the pork in the preheated oven and roast until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Once cooked, remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for at least 3 minutes before slicing to ensure the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
    Look for The pork should reach the safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
    Safe temperature 145°F (63°C) internal temperature (steaks, chops and roasts)
    Tip Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the roast.

The pork should be roasting steadily in the oven. Check the internal temperature of the pork periodically as it approaches the finish time. The roast should be removed once it reaches 145°F (63°C) and allowed to rest for at least 3 minutes, which is crucial for maintaining the moisture and tenderness of the meat.

Sautéing and Serving

  1. Sauté Apples and Serve
    While the pork rests, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the apple wedges and sauté until they are golden and bubbling in the pan juices. Arrange the roasted apple wedges alongside the sliced pork on a serving platter, drizzling any remaining pan juices over the meat to serve warm.
    Look for Apples should be tender and coated in a golden, bubbling glaze.
    Tip Do not overcrowd the skillet to ensure the apples caramelize properly.

The apples should be browning in the skillet, looking golden, soft, and slightly translucent, with the butter and juices forming a rich, amber-colored sauce in the bottom of the pan.

Check that the pork has finished resting and that the final presentation includes a generous drizzle of the pan juices over the sliced meat.

Common mistakes

A common mistake is failing to let the meat rest after roasting, which causes the juices to escape immediately upon slicing, resulting in dry meat. Another error is overcrowding the skillet when cooking the apples, which causes them to steam rather than caramelize.

Ensure there is enough space in the pan for each apple wedge to have contact with the surface and the butter, allowing for proper browning and flavor development.

How to tell it’s done

The pork is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the loin registers an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The meat should be firm to the touch, and the juices should run clear.

Always allow the roast to rest for at least 3 minutes before slicing to ensure the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a succulent and tender final product.

  • Steaks, chops and roasts: 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part, then a 3-minute rest

Coming up in Part 3: common questions

  • Can the pork loin be replaced with a different cut?
  • How can the apples be kept from turning brown before cooking?
  • Is it necessary to use a meat thermometer?

Also in Part 3: variations (Spiced Honey Roast, Herb-Crusted Pork), storage and make-ahead, and the printable recipe card.

Up next · Part 3 of 3

2 variations · storage & make-ahead · 3 answers · printable card

Tips, FAQ & printable recipe (Part 3)← Back to the ingredients (Part 1)