Irresistibly Flavorful Roasted Pork
A tender, marinated pork roast with bold, aromatic flavors and a golden, crispy finish.
Ingredients
For the Pork:
-
2.5 kg pork (loin or shoulder preferred)
-
4 cloves garlic, crushed or finely minced
-
2 tbsp white vinegar
-
Juice of ½ lemon
-
½ large onion, finely chopped
-
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
-
Salt, to taste
-
½ cup chimichurri sauce (see recipe below)
Optional Garnish:
-
Fresh parsley or coriander
-
Extra chimichurri for serving
Homemade Chimichurri Sauce (for marinade and serving)
Ingredients:
-
½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
-
3 garlic cloves, minced
-
1 tsp dried oregano
-
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to heat preference)
-
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
-
Juice of ½ lemon
-
⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
-
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
-
Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
-
Let it rest for at least 30 minutes before using to allow the flavors to develop.
-
Divide: Use half for marinating and reserve the other half for serving.
Preparation Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Meat
-
Rinse and pat dry the pork. Remove any excess fat if desired.
-
Use a sharp knife to make deep incisions all over the pork roast—about 2 to 3 cm deep. These help the marinade penetrate the meat and add flavor inside.
-
Place the pork in a large bowl or baking dish.
Step 2: Season the Meat
-
In a small bowl, mix the crushed garlic, black pepper, lemon juice, and vinegar.
-
Rub this mixture into the pork thoroughly, working it into the cuts.
-
Spread the chopped onion over and under the pork.
-
Spoon or brush chimichurri sauce over the entire pork roast, making sure it’s well coated.
Step 3: Marinate
-
Minimum: Let sit at room temperature for 2 hours.
-
Best: Cover the pork with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 12–24 hours to intensify flavor. Turn the meat halfway through marinating for even coverage.
-
Before baking, bring the pork to room temperature for 30 minutes if it was refrigerated.
Cooking the Pork
Step 4: Roast
-
Preheat your oven to 280°C (536°F). This high heat helps form a golden crust.
-
Transfer the marinated pork to a baking dish or roasting pan.
-
Cover with aluminum foil to trap moisture and tenderness.
-
Roast for 2 hours, covered.
Step 5: Crisp & Brown
-
Remove the foil after 2 hours.
-
Increase the oven temperature to 290°C (or switch to broil mode if available).
-
Roast uncovered for 15–25 more minutes until the pork is crispy and golden on the outside.
-
Use a meat thermometer: internal temperature should reach 75°C (165°F) in the thickest part.
⏱️ Final Steps
Step 6: Rest the Meat
-
Remove the pork from the oven and cover loosely with foil.
-
Let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This keeps the juices inside, ensuring moist, flavorful meat.
️ Serving Suggestions
Serve the roasted pork sliced thick with:
-
Roasted vegetables (carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions)
-
Mashed potatoes or cauliflower puree
-
A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
-
Warm chimichurri sauce drizzled over each portion
Tips for Success
-
Customize the Chimichurri: Add fresh cilantro, shallots, or a touch of paprika for a unique twist.
-
Make Ahead: Marinate the pork a day before for better depth of flavor.
-
Batch Cooking: Leftovers are excellent in sandwiches, tacos, or grain bowls.
Storage & Reheating
-
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
-
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
-
Reheat: Rewarm in the oven at 150°C (300°F) covered with foil, or microwave with a splash of broth.