When the holiday season rolls around, the carnivores among us start to salivate at the thought of succulent, juicy meats gracing our dinner tables. Sure, turkeys get all the attention this time of year, but let’s be honest—sometimes the star of the show is a little… dry. Enter the pork loin: the unsung hero of festive feasting. This recipe is a game-changer, and it’s not just delicious—it’s practical for those of us on a fitness or weight loss journey. Yes, Beasties, you can have your holiday roast and eat it too.
Why This Pork Loin is a Holiday Must-Have
First of all, let’s talk flavor. This pork loin is a little sweet, a little savory, and a whole lot of delicious. Stuffed with dried apricots and prunes, it brings a hint of holiday sweetness without going overboard. The spices? They’ll make your kitchen smell like a gourmet chef moved in for the season. (Spoiler: It’s you. You’re the chef now.)
But what I really love about this recipe is its versatility. Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or just meal-prepping like a boss, this pork loin fits the bill. Bonus? It’s surprisingly macro-friendly, which means it won’t derail your fitness goals. With 27 grams of protein per serving and only 279 calories, it’s a lean, mean, muscle-building machine disguised as a festive feast.
YOU WILL NEED
- 2.2 lbs. (1kg) pork loin
- 2 tbsp. salt
- ⅓ cup (40g) dried apricots
and prunes - 1 tsp. dried thyme
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 1 tsp. ground black pepper
- 1 tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. ground turmeric
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- ⅔ cup (160ml) vegetable or
chicken stock - 1 orange, juiced
- 4 cloves garlic
For the sauce:
- 1 tsp. honey
- 2 tbsp. potato starch
INSTRUCTIONS
- The Overnight Soak: Think of your pork loin as a VIP guest who deserves the best treatment. Wash it, give it a relaxing saltwater bath, and tuck it into the fridge overnight. This brine makes the pork extra juicy, so don’t skip this step unless you like dry meat (weird flex, but okay).
- Stuff It Like You Mean It: Grab a sharp knife and create a tunnel through the pork loin. This is where the magic happens. Stuff it with dried apricots and prunes, which add a sweet and slightly tangy contrast to the savory pork. Trust me, this combo will make your taste buds do a happy dance.
- Spice Things Up: Coat the pork with a flavorful blend of thyme, oregano, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Rub it down with olive oil for a little holiday glow. Then, give it a quick sear in a hot frying pan to lock in those flavors. Think of this as giving your pork a head start before it hits the oven runway.
- Roast It Right: Place your seasoned pork in an ovenproof dish, pour in orange juice and chicken stock, and toss in some garlic for good measure. Cover it tightly with foil and roast for an hour. This is when your house will start smelling like the holidays, so prepare for some impatient family members poking their heads into the kitchen.
- Sauce it Up: While the pork rests (because even meat deserves a break), turn that leftover stock into a velvety sauce. A little honey and potato starch work wonders here. Simmer, stir, and season to taste. Warning: You might want to double the sauce—it’s that good.
NUTRITION FACTS
The recipe serves 8.
Calories: 279 | Protein: 27g | Carbs: 9g | Fat: 15g.
Why It Fits Your Fitness Journey
Holiday recipes can be a minefield of empty calories, but this pork loin keeps things clean without sacrificing flavor. High in protein and moderate in healthy fats, it’s a great option for fueling your body and keeping your macros on point. Pair it with roasted veggies or a fresh salad, and you’ve got yourself a feast that supports your weight loss or fitness goals.
Plus, the apricots and prunes add natural sweetness, cutting the need for heavy, sugar-laden glazes. Even better, this dish is satisfying enough to keep you from raiding the cookie platter later. Win-win!
Final Thoughts: Make This Recipe Your Holiday MVP
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this stuffed pork loin is destined to become a holiday favorite. It’s flavorful, festive, and a healthier option that doesn’t compromise on taste. So, gather your spices, juice that orange, and get ready to impress your guests (or yourself—we don’t judge).
And remember, Beasties: The holiday season is about balance. Indulge a little, but keep your goals in mind. Recipes like this make it easy to do both.
Get more holiday recipes in the Beasts shop. And if you make this dish, don’t forget to tag us on Facebook or Instagram with #BeastsTrainMean so we can come see your recreation.