Cranberry-Mandarin Glazed Pork Roast
Tender pork loin glazed with a tangy cranberry-mandarin sauce, featuring warm cinnamon and citrus zest. Perfect for festive gatherings or a flavorful family dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, stir together cranberry sauce, dry sherry, grated mandarin peel, cinnamon, salt, and mandarin juice. Cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens. Set aside.
- Place the pork loin roast in a shallow baking dish, brush with half of the prepared sauce.
- Roast at 325°F for 30 minutes.
- Spoon half of the remaining glaze over the roast, continue roasting for an additional 30 to 45 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 155°F to 160°F.
- Let the roast stand for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing.
- Slice the roast and serve with the remaining sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, marinate the pork loin in the glaze overnight. If you don’t have dry sherry, white wine or apple juice can be used as a substitute. Adding a dash of ginger can enhance the flavor profile. Be sure to baste the roast regularly for a moist result. For a unique twist, consider serving with sides from other American recipes such as roasted vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sliced pork roast with a generous drizzle of the cranberry-mandarin glaze for extra flavor. It pairs well with sides like mashed potatoes or roasted Brussels sprouts. For a festive touch, consider serving alongside a refreshing salad or a fruit compote. This dish makes a stunning centerpiece for holiday gatherings or family dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover pork roast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover the slices with foil and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of mandarin juice to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry-Mandarin Glazed Pork Roast contains roughly 456 calories, with 50g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (101% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 747mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?
Absolutely! While a boneless pork loin roast is ideal, you can also use a pork tenderloin or even pork shoulder. Just adjust the cooking time according to the cut's thickness and ensure it reaches the proper internal temperature for safety.
What can I do if the glaze is too thick?
If your glaze becomes too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little water or additional mandarin juice. Heat the glaze gently on the stovetop while stirring until it reaches your desired consistency. This will help maintain the balance of flavors.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
To prepare ahead, you can cook the pork roast a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheating it gently with the glaze will keep it moist and flavorful. Just be sure to slice it just before serving for the best presentation.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).