Ginger Applesauce Pork Leg Roast
Elevate your next dinner with the irresistible flavors of this Ginger Applesauce Pork Leg Roast. Featuring a bone-in pork leg roast seared to golden perfection, this recipe combines the sweetness of applesauce with the warm spice of fresh ginger, cinnamon, and cloves for a rich, aromatic glaze. A touch of apple cider vinegar adds brightness, while brown sugar enhances the caramelized finish. Roasted low and slow, the pork stays juicy and tender, soaking up the savory-sweet ginger glaze as it cooks. Perfectly balanced and deeply satisfying, this family-style centerpiece pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes. Whether you're hosting a holiday meal or looking for a show-stopping Sunday dinner, this recipe delivers on flavor and elegance.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pounds bone-in pork leg roast
- 1.5 cups applesauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger
- 3 cloves garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoons ground cloves
- 0.25 cups brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup chicken stock
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Using a sharp knife, score the fat cap on the pork leg roast in a crisscross pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat.
In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and the olive oil. Rub this mixture all over the pork roast.
Heat a large oven-safe skillet or roasting pan over medium-high heat. Sear the pork leg roast on all sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the roast from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the garlic (minced) and fresh ginger (grated). Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the applesauce, brown sugar, cinnamon, ground cloves, apple cider vinegar, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt to the skillet. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Return the seared pork roast to the skillet, spoon some of the ginger applesauce mixture over the top, and pour the chicken stock into the bottom of the pan.
Cover the skillet tightly with aluminum foil or a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Roast for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting the pork with the ginger applesauce mixture every 30 minutes.
To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the roast (avoiding the bone). The internal temperature should read 145°F (63°C).
Once fully cooked, remove the roast from the oven and tent it loosely with foil. Allow it to rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Slice the pork roast and serve it with the remaining ginger applesauce glaze from the pan as a topping or sauce. Pair with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
729 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 41.7 g | 53% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.3 g | 72% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 215 mg | 72% | |
| Sodium | 854 mg | 37% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 18.4 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.3 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 15.7 g | ||
| Protein | 69.0 g | 138% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 56 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 3.1 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 1005 mg | 21% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
