If you’re looking to impress your guests with a centerpiece that’s both elegant and delicious, a pork crown roast is the perfect choice. This stunning cut of meat, shaped like a regal crown, not only looks amazing on the table but also offers tender, juicy pork with a beautiful herb crust. Wondering how to cook a pork crown roast to perfection? Let’s dive into an easy, foolproof method that will make your roast the star of any occasion.
What Is a Pork Crown Roast?
A pork crown roast is essentially two pork loin roasts tied together in a circle with the rib bones standing upright, creating a crown shape. The bones are often “Frenched,” meaning the meat and fat are trimmed off the bone tips for a cleaner presentation. This roast is leaner than fattier pork cuts, offering a distinct texture and flavor that’s both tender and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
– 1 pork crown roast (usually 14 ribs)
– Fresh herbs: rosemary, thyme, sage (about 1.5 tbsp each)
– 6 garlic cloves
– 3 tbsp olive oil
– Kosher salt and black pepper
– Butcher’s twine (if not pre-tied)
– Aluminum foil (to wrap bone tips)
Preparing the Herb Paste
Start by removing the leaves from your fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs. Place the herbs, sage leaves, garlic cloves, and olive oil into a food processor and pulse until you get a smooth herb paste. This paste will infuse the pork with flavor and help create a delicious crust.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Season and Marinate
Pat the pork crown roast dry with paper towels to ensure the herb paste sticks well. Season the entire roast generously with salt and pepper, both inside and out. Then, spread the garlic herb paste all over the roast, covering every nook and cranny. For best results, cover the roast tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to let the flavors penetrate the meat.
2. Prepare for Roasting
Before roasting, remove the roast from the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Wrap the tips of the bones with small pieces of aluminum foil to prevent them from burning during cooking. Place the roast on a rack in a roasting pan with the ribs pointing upwards. If you don’t have a rack, you can use celery stalks arranged in the pan to elevate the roast.
3. Roast at High Then Moderate Heat
Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Place the roast in the oven and bake for 30 minutes to start browning the outside and locking in juices. Then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C) and continue roasting for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) for medium doneness. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat to check.
4. Rest and Finish
Once the roast reaches the target temperature, remove it from the oven and tent it loosely with foil. Let it rest for about 20-30 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is juicy and tender. During this time, the internal temperature will rise slightly to the recommended safe temperature of 145°F (63°C).
5. Optional Final Browning
For a crispier crust, you can increase the oven temperature to 475°F (246°C) and return the roast uncovered for 10 minutes after resting. This step adds a beautiful golden-brown finish to the outside.
Tips for Perfect Pork Crown Roast
– Ask your butcher to prepare it: Many butchers will French the bones and tie the roast for you if you order a day or two in advance. This saves time and effort.
– Pat the roast dry: Moisture on the surface prevents the herb paste and seasonings from sticking properly.
– Wrap bone tips: Aluminum foil on the bones prevents charring and keeps the presentation neat.
– Use fresh herbs: Fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage provide vibrant flavor compared to dried herbs.
– Don’t overcook: Pork crown roast is lean and can dry out if cooked beyond 145°F. Use a meat thermometer to monitor doneness closely.
– Consider smoking or grilling: For a smoky flavor, you can cook the crown roast on a smoker or grill at low temperatures (around 225°F), using wood chips like apple or pecan for aroma. Smoke until the internal temperature reaches about 140°F, then rest.
Serving Suggestions
A pork crown roast pairs beautifully with roasted root vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. You can also use the pan drippings to make a rich gravy or au jus. When carving, remove the twine and slice between the bones to serve individual chops, making for a dramatic and delicious presentation.
Cooking a pork crown roast may seem intimidating at first, but with these clear steps and tips, you’ll create a stunning, flavorful centerpiece that’s surprisingly easy to prepare and sure to impress.
A perfectly cooked pork crown roast combines elegance with rich, savory flavors-making your holiday or special occasion meal unforgettable. Enjoy!