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.

Beer, allspice berries, tarragon and sugar come together to make an impressive and unique marinade for this hearty recipe. First marinate the meat for up to five hours, then place the loin atop your hot grill. Help the fire get extra smoky by adding a hotel pan with water under the grill grates—the moisture will help the apple wood smoke and the hotel pan will catch any dripping fat.

Wrapping a pork roast with bacon is an easy way to elevate flavors and add extra decadence. After roasting in the oven the bacon will become delightfully crispy, while dripping it’s juices into the pork loin at the same time. Dijon and whole grain mustard mixed with honey add the perfect amount of sweet and savory flavor.

Sweet Vidalia onions are the perfect complement to roasted pork loin in this hearty recipe. Apples add extra sweetness, while caraway seeds, mustard and thyme add complex, earthy flavor. This is an impressive dish that’s ready in under an hour for busy weeknights.