Ingredients:
- 1.5 to 2 lbs pork loin
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh if available)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh rosemary (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey (or brown sugar), minced garlic, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the pork: Place the pork loin in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring it’s well coated. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or overnight for more flavor).
- Sear the pork: In an oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Remove the pork from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and sear the pork loin for about 3-4 minutes on each side until browned.
- Bake the pork: Pour the reserved marinade over the pork loin and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Rest and glaze: Once cooked, remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. The glaze will thicken as it cools.
- Serve: Slice the pork loin and drizzle with the balsamic glaze. Garnish with fresh rosemary if desired.
Enjoy your meal! 🍽️
This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad!