Roast Pork With Fennel

Prep: 10 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: Mediterranean

Juicy roast pork tenderloin coated with aromatic fennel seeds and seasoned with garlic, salt, pepper, and onion powder, perfect for flavorful, easy family dinners.

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Ingredients

  • 2 lb. pork tenderloin or boneless chops
  • 1 bottle fennel seeds
  • garlic powder
  • salt
  • pepper
  • onion powder
  • 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

  1. Sprinkle generous amounts of garlic powder, salt, pepper, and onion powder on all sides of the meat.
  2. Roll the seasoned meat in fennel seeds to coat evenly.

Tips & Substitutions

For a flavor boost, marinate the pork in olive oil, garlic powder, and fennel seeds for a few hours or overnight. If you don't have fennel seeds, crushed anise seeds can be a good substitute. Ensure the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F for optimal juiciness. Rest the meat for 10 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this roast pork with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh Spinach Salad With Variety for a balanced meal. It also pairs beautifully with Pork Roast With Minted Couscous, enhancing the flavors of the dish. A light drizzle of balsamic reduction can add an additional layer of flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover roast pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, slice the pork and warm it gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Alternatively, use a microwave on medium power, covered, to retain moisture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Roast Pork With Fennel contains roughly 563 calories, with 3g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (139% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1196mg per serving (52% of the Daily Value).

563 kcal 28% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.8g 6% DV
Total Fat 59.3g 76% DV
Carbs 8.7g 3% DV
Fiber 5.2g 19% DV
Sugar 3g 6% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1196.1mg 52% DV
Potassium 394.7mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 0.4mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 25.8mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 125.1mg 100% DV
Calcium 23.1mg 2% DV
Iron 1.1mg 6% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly High-fiber

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 pork tenderloin is ideal, you can use boneless pork chops or even pork loin. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as thicker cuts may require longer cooking to reach the proper temperature.

What should I do if I can't find fennel seeds?

If fennel seeds are unavailable, you can substitute with anise seeds for a similar flavor profile. Alternatively, a mix of dried thyme and a touch of sugar can also mimic the sweetness of fennel in the dish.

How can I ensure the pork stays moist during cooking?

To keep the pork moist, avoid overcooking it. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 145°F. Additionally, letting the pork rest after cooking helps retain its juiciness before slicing.

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).

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