Garlic Herb Pork Roast | Oven or Smoker
This garlic herb pork roast is one of those meals that feels like a Sunday dinner — but it’s actually simple enough for any night of the week.
It’s savory, slightly smoky, a little sweet from the brown sugar, and balanced with fresh herbs and lemon. You can roast it in the oven or slow smoke it for deeper flavor. And if you really want to elevate it? There’s an optional garlic herb butter that melts right over the slices.
This is not a dry pork roast. This is juicy, flavorful, slice-it-thin-and-go-back-for-seconds pork roast.
Why This Recipe Works
The flavor here is layered intentionally:
- Fresh rosemary + thyme for classic herb notes
- Garlic (fresh + powder) for depth
- Dijon mustard for tang
- Brown sugar for subtle sweetness
- Chili powder + cumin for warmth
- Lemon juice to brighten everything
It’s balanced, not overpowering — which makes it incredibly versatile for serving.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time (Oven): 50–60 minutes
- Cook Time (Smoker): 2–3 hours (depending on size)
- Rest Time: 10–15 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients
For the Pork Roast
- 3–4 lb pork loin roast or pork shoulder
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup chicken broth (optional, for roasting pan)
Optional Garlic Herb Butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary
- Zest of ½ lemon
- Salt & pepper to taste
Step 1: Bring Pork to Room Temperature
Remove the pork from the refrigerator 30–60 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter (Optional)
In a small bowl, mix together:
- Softened butter
- Garlic
- Parsley
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Lemon zest
- Salt & pepper
Shape into a log using plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm. This can be made ahead.
Step 3: Make the Herb Paste
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a bowl, combine:
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Dijon mustard
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Chili powder
- Brown sugar
- Cumin
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Lemon juice
Mix into a thick herb paste.
Step 4: Season the Pork
Pat the pork dry.
Rub the herb paste evenly over the entire roast.
Let it sit for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
For deeper flavor, you can marinate it in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.
Oven Method
Place the pork fat-side up in a roasting pan.
Add chicken broth if using.
Roast for 50–60 minutes, basting halfway through.
Internal temperatures:
- 145°F = medium
- 160°F = well done
Use a meat thermometer for best results.
Smoker Method
Set smoker to 225–250°F for slow cooking.
If short on time, increase to 275°F.
Smoke until internal temperature reaches:
- 145–160°F depending on preference
Remove and rest. The pork will continue cooking slightly while resting.
Rest and Serve
Remove pork from oven or smoker once it hits desired temperature.
Tent loosely with foil.
Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing.
Slice against the grain and top with garlic herb butter if using.
How to Serve It
- With mashed potatoes
- Roasted vegetables
- Over rice bowls
- In sandwiches
- In tacos
Leftovers slice beautifully for meal prep.
Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days
- Freeze sliced pork for up to 3 months
Garlic Herb Pork Roast
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50–60 minutes (oven) or 2–3 hours (smoker)
Rest Time: 10–15 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
3–4 lb pork loin roast or pork shoulder
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp brown sugar
½ tsp cumin
1 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 cup chicken broth (optional, for roasting pan)
Instructions
- Bring pork to room temperature 30–60 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Mix herb paste ingredients.
- Rub over pork and let rest 15 minutes.
- Roast 50–60 minutes until internal temp reaches 145–160°F.
- Rest 10–15 minutes before slicing.
- Top with garlic herb butter if using.
Garlic Herb Pork Roast with Garlic Herb Butter
Ingredients
For the Pork Roast
- 3-4 lb Pork loin roast or pork shoulder
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary finely chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme chopped
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt plus more to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Remove the pork from the refrigerator 30-60 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature.
Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter
- In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, rosemary, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into a log using plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm. This can be done ahead of time.
Preheat and Prepare the Pork Roast
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine all of the ingredients under the pork roast section to form a thick herb paste.
Season the Pork
- Pat the pork roast dry and rub the herb paste evenly over the roast. Let it rest for 15 minutes.
To Roast the Pork
- Place the seasoned pork in a roasting pan, fat side up, and add chicken broth if desired.
- Roast for 50-60 minutes, basting halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F for medium-rare or 160°F for well-done.
To Smoke the Pork
- Set the smoker to 225º-250º for a slow cook. If you are short on time, you can increase the temp to 275ºF.
- Remove the pork when it reaches 145–160 depending on what temperature you want to eat it at. It will continue cooking to while resting, keeping it tender.
Rest and Serve
- Remove the roast from the oven or smoker when it hits your desired temperature, tent with foil, and let rest for 10-15 minutes.
- Slice the pork and serve with sides like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. Top with garlic herb butter if using.
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