A delightful pork loin recipe featuring a sweet and savory apricot-honey glaze infused with thyme.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Preheating ensures even cooking from the start.
Trim any excess fat from the pork loin and place it in a baking dish.
Trimming excess fat helps reduce grease during cooking.
Season the pork loin with salt and ground black pepper.
Seasoning evenly ensures a balanced flavor.
In a small saucepan, combine the apricot preserves, honey, dried thyme, and minced garlic. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture is well combined and slightly thickened.
Stirring constantly prevents the glaze from burning.
Brush a portion of the glaze over the pork loin, reserving the rest for later.
Applying the glaze in layers builds up flavor.
Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the pork loin and bake uncovered for 1 hour, or until the thermometer reads 155°F (68°C).
Using a thermometer ensures the pork is cooked to the perfect temperature.
Remove the pork loin from the oven, cover it with foil, and let it rest for 15 minutes. The internal temperature should rise to 160°F (71°C).
Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender.
Slice the pork loin and serve it with the remaining glaze drizzled on top.
Slicing against the grain makes the meat more tender.