17 Pork Loin Recipes for Simple Dinners That Feel Extra Special

Pork loin is a tender, juicy cut of lean meat that (much like its fattier counterpart, pork shoulder) is fantastic when roasted, grilled or braised. Despite what it sounds like, pork loin and pork tenderloin are not the same cut of meat—pork loin is larger, wider and fatter than the narrow pork tenderloin, and it can be either bone-in or boneless. Pork loin is the perfect choice when you want an impressive (but affordable) roast to feed a crowd. Just take this recipe for example; it relies on Dijon mustard and thyme leaves to bring extra flavor, and hard cider acts as the flavorful braising liquid. Dot the pan with dried fruits for extra sweet flavor—they’ll soak up the drippings to become perfectly plump.