Pork Rib Roast With Pear-Thyme Sauce
A succulent pork rib roast glazed with a fragrant pear-thyme sauce, blending savory, sweet, and aromatic flavors. Perfect for special occasions or family dinners, this dish pairs tender meat with a fruity, spiced accompaniment that delights the senses and impresses guests.
Ingredients
- 1 (10-rib) pork loin roast, trimmed of excess fat and ribs scraped clean of meat, fat and gristle ⓘ
- 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. plus 1/2 tsp. thyme leaves ⓘ
- kosher salt ⓘ
- freshly ground pepper ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 2 medium onions, peeled and cut into thick wedges with root ends left intact ⓘ
- 4 medium Bartlett pears, halved, cored and cut into thick wedges ⓘ
- 1 1/2 qt. pear cider or apple cider ⓘ
- 4 thyme sprigs ⓘ
- 1/2 small cinnamon stick ⓘ
- 10 black peppercorns
- 1 whole clove ⓘ
Instructions
- Make 20 small incisions all over the fatty side of the roast.
- Insert a slice of garlic into each slit.
- Season the meat all over with 2 tablespoons of thyme leaves, 1 1/2 tablespoons of salt, and 1 tablespoon of ground pepper.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense flavor, consider marinating the pork rib roast in the thyme and garlic mixture for a full 24 hours. If you don't have pear cider, apple cider is a great substitute that complements the dish well. Use fresh thyme for the best flavor, and remember to adjust seasoning according to your taste preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pork rib roast sliced with the pear-thyme sauce drizzled over the top. It pairs beautifully with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside baked beans or a rich casserole like Fresh Corn And Tomato Casserole to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover pork rib roast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the meat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, to maintain its juiciness. Pair with warmed pear-thyme sauce for added flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pork Rib Roast With Pear-Thyme Sauce contains roughly 982 calories, with 43g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (85% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2320mg per serving (101% 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?
Yes, you can use a pork shoulder or pork tenderloin as alternatives. However, cooking times may vary; ensure the meat reaches the proper internal temperature for safety and tenderness. Adjust cooking methods accordingly.
How do I know when the pork is done cooking?
The pork rib roast is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) on a meat thermometer. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute for a moist result.
Can I make the pear-thyme sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pear-thyme sauce a day ahead. Store it in the refrigerator, then reheat gently before serving. This will enhance the flavors and save you time on cooking day.
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).