Spice-Rubbed Pork with Date Glaze
A succulent pork roast coated in a blend of three-quarters spices and finished with a sweet, tangy glaze inspired by the concept of a date range. This american-inspired 4th of july ready in about 75 minutes pairs pork loin roast, smoked paprika, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork loin roast
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup pitted dates
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp honey
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp ground black pepper, and 1 tsp salt to make the three-quarter spice rub.
- Step 2: Rub the 2 lb pork loin roast evenly with 2 tbsp olive oil followed by the spice blend, pressing it into all sides.
- Step 3: Place the pork roast in a roasting pan and roast for 50-60 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 145°F is reached, basting occasionally with pan juices.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, combine 1/2 cup pitted dates, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup water, and 1 tbsp honey in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the dates break down and the glaze thickens to a syrupy consistency.
- Step 5: Remove the pork from the oven and brush generously with the mezzanine date glaze. Let the pork rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving with remaining glaze drizzled on top.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spice-Rubbed Pork with Date Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 75 minutes (15 min prep + 60 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Spice-Rubbed Pork with Date Glaze?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork loin roast from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spice-Rubbed Pork with Date Glaze?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Spice-Rubbed Pork with Date Glaze for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Spice-Rubbed Pork with Date Glaze?
American 4th of july like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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