This Chinese Pork Loin recipe is a succulent and flavorful dish that perfectly balances savory, sweet, and umami notes. Tender pork loin is marinated in a blend of soy sauce, hoisin, garlic, ginger, and a touch of honey, then roasted or pan-seared to juicy perfection. The glaze caramelizes beautifully, creating a glossy, aromatic crust that makes this dish a true crowd-pleaser. It’s a fantastic centerpiece for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, bringing authentic Chinese-inspired flavors right into your kitchen.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You’ll love this Chinese pork loin recipe because it delivers bold, layered flavors with minimal effort. The marinade infuses the pork with a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and aromatic spices, making every bite satisfying and rich. It’s a relatively quick recipe, especially with simple prep and cooking methods that don’t require complicated techniques. Plus, pork loin is a lean cut, so it fits well into various diets that emphasize balanced protein intake. Whether you want a comforting dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this recipe hits all the right notes.
Tips and Tricks
- Marinate the pork loin for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to maximize flavor penetration.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking; pork loin is best at 145°F internal temperature for juicy results.
- Baste the pork occasionally during roasting or pan-searing to keep it moist and enhance the glaze.
- For a deeper caramelization, finish the pork under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Let the cooked pork rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
- If you don’t have hoisin sauce, a mixture of soy sauce, honey, and a little Chinese five-spice powder is a good substitute.
Make Ahead Tips
- Prepare the marinade and marinate the pork loin up to 24 hours in advance; keep it tightly covered in the fridge.
- You can slice the cooked pork and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days refrigerated.
- The marinade can also be made ahead and stored separately.
- If short on time, you can cook the pork loin fully and reheat it gently before serving, though fresh is always best.
Recipe Variations
- Swap the pork loin for pork tenderloin for a leaner, more delicate cut.
- Add a bit of Chinese five-spice powder or star anise to the marinade for a more aromatic flavor.
- Incorporate chili paste or fresh chilies for a spicy kick.
- Use orange juice or pineapple juice in the marinade for a citrusy twist.
- Instead of roasting, cook the pork loin sliced into medallions and pan-fry quickly for a stir-fry style dish.
How to Serve
Slice the pork loin into ½-inch thick medallions and arrange them on a serving platter. Drizzle any remaining glaze over the top for extra shine and flavor. Garnish with finely chopped scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro leaves. Serve alongside steamed jasmine rice or fried rice, and sautéed or stir-fried greens like bok choy or snow peas for a complete meal. For a festive touch, add thinly sliced fresh red chilies or a sprinkle of crushed peanuts.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair this Chinese pork loin with a light, crisp white wine such as Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the savory-sweet flavors. For beer lovers, a light lager or pilsner works well. Try jasmine or oolong tea for an authentic beverage pairing. On the cocktail front, a ginger-infused cocktail like a mule adds a zesty contrast. For dessert, something light and refreshing like lychee sorbet or mango pudding balances the richness of the pork.
How to Store
Store leftover pork loin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container; it will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or covered in the oven at 300°F until warmed through to avoid drying out the meat.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl for marinade
- Baking dish or roasting pan (for oven method)
- Meat thermometer (highly recommended)
- Skillet or frying pan (if pan-searing)
- Tongs or carving knife for slicing
- Small saucepan (optional, for reducing glaze)
If you don’t have a meat thermometer, cook carefully by timing and checking the pork’s firmness, but a thermometer is the best way to ensure perfect doneness.
Dietary Adaptations
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- To make it nut-free, avoid adding crushed peanuts or substitute with toasted seeds.
- This recipe is naturally dairy-free.
- For a vegan alternative, substitute pork loin with firm tofu or seitan and use hoisin sauce verified to be vegan.
Seasonal Adaptations
In summer, add fresh pineapple juice or orange zest to the marinade for bright, fruity notes. Use fresh ginger and garlic for peak flavor. In winter, incorporate warming spices like Chinese five-spice or star anise to add depth and warmth. Serve with seasonal vegetables such as stir-fried winter greens or roasted root vegetables depending on availability.
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I use pork tenderloin instead of loin?
A: Yes, pork tenderloin is leaner and cooks faster, so adjust cooking time accordingly.
Q: How long should I marinate the pork?
A: At least 2 hours, but overnight marination will yield the best flavor.
Q: What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?
A: Substitute with a mixture of soy sauce, honey, and a pinch of Chinese five-spice.
Q: How do I keep the pork juicy?
A: Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and let the pork rest before slicing.
Q: Can I cook this recipe in a slow cooker?
A: It’s possible but will result in less crispy glaze. You can finish under the broiler after slow cooking to caramelize.
Chinese Pork Loin
This Chinese Pork Loin recipe is a succulent and flavorful dish that perfectly balances savory, sweet, and umami notes.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork loin, trimmed
- ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder (optional)
- 2 scallions, finely chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish)
- Cooking oil (vegetable or canola)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and Chinese five-spice powder if using. Whisk well until honey is dissolved.
- Marinate the pork: Place the pork loin in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring it is completely coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Preheat your oven: Set to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pork: Remove pork from marinade, reserving the marinade. Pat the pork dry lightly with paper towels. Heat a tablespoon of cooking oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork loin on all sides until nicely browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Roast the pork: Pour the reserved marinade over the pork in the skillet. Transfer skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Optional glaze reduction: While the pork roasts, pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened to use as a glaze.
- Rest the meat: Remove pork from oven and transfer to a cutting board. Tent loosely with foil and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Slice and serve: Slice pork into ½-inch medallions. Drizzle with the reduced glaze and garnish with chopped scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro leaves.
- Enjoy with sides: Serve warm alongside steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 369Total Fat 17gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 10gCholesterol 121mgSodium 741mgCarbohydrates 10gFiber 1gSugar 7gProtein 41g
Dinnerfocus.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Making this Chinese pork loin recipe is a rewarding culinary experience that yields a tender, flavorful, and visually stunning dish. With a straightforward marinade and simple cooking steps, it’s accessible for cooks of all levels. The balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors makes it a versatile main course that pairs well with many sides and beverages. By following the tips and avoiding common pitfalls, you can enjoy restaurant-quality Chinese-inspired pork loin at home any time. Whether for a casual family dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy. Happy cooking!
