Transform a simple pork loin into an impressive, flavorful centerpiece. A crunchy almond crust surrounds a juicy, tender roast, and when paired with a bright apple salsa and cilantro it becomes a memorable dish: Roasted Almond Pork Loin.
Roasting a Pork Loin
Choose a pork loin size that fits your needs; a 2.5 lb roast will comfortably serve about six people with 1″ slices. Larger roasts take longer to cook, and a longer roast time often produces a more aromatic kitchen and evenly cooked meat.
Begin by trimming all excess fat. Season the loin with salt, pepper, and either garlic powder or minced garlic, rubbing the seasonings into the meat so they adhere well. Whisk egg whites until frothy—these act as the glue for the nut coating.
Have your slivered almonds (or chopped pecans or walnuts) ready on a plate or shallow dish. Finely chopped nuts adhere better, so take care with the size. Roll the seasoned loin in the whipped egg whites, then press into the almonds until well coated. For a thicker crust, repeat: egg whites again, then another layer of almonds.
Prep Your Pan
To simplify cleanup, line the bottom of a roasting pan or Dutch oven with foil. Set a drip rack on top of the foil and spray the rack lightly with cooking spray so the roast won’t stick when removed.
Place the almond-coated roast on the rack and roast uncovered at 375°F. The rack prevents the crust from sitting in juices, helping the almond coating remain crisp and golden all around instead of soggy.
Use a Meat Thermometer
A reliable meat thermometer is essential for consistent results. Cooking time varies with roast size. A 1.5 lb loin may finish in about an hour, while a 2.5 lb roast can take roughly 1 hour 50 minutes. Roast until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Allow the roast to rest 10–15 minutes after removing it from the oven. Resting redistributes juices, making the pork juicier and easier to slice.
Serving Suggestions: Apple Salsa
Pork and apples are a classic pairing. Serve this Roasted Almond Pork Loin with a fresh apple salsa with cilantro or with applesauce for a bright contrast to the nutty crust. The salsa adds brightness and balances the richness of the pork.
Classic side dishes include green beans and wild rice, but this roast pairs well with many vegetables and starches. Finish the meal with a favorite dessert to round out the evening.
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Roasted Almond Pork Loin
Ingredients
- 2.5 lb. pork loin
- 1 tsp. minced garlic
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 egg whites
- 1.5 cups slivered almonds, diced
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Line a Dutch oven or roasting pan with foil and set a drip rack on the foil. Spray the rack lightly with cooking spray.
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Trim excess fat from the pork. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic. Whisk the egg whites until frothy. Roll the pork in egg whites, then press into the almonds. For a thicker crust, repeat the egg white and almond steps. Place the coated pork on the rack.
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Roast until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), about 1 hour 50 minutes for a 2.5 lb roast. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition
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