Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Sear the pork: In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the pork loin roast generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Sear the pork on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the pork from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the onion and garlic: In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Deglaze with root beer: Pour the root beer into the skillet, stirring to deglaze the pan and loosen any browned bits left behind from searing the pork.
- Add the barbecue sauce: Stir in the barbecue sauce, blending it well with the root beer mixture.
- Return the pork to the skillet: Place the seared pork back into the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top.
- Bake: Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreddable.
- Rest the pork: Once the pork is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing or shredding.
- Serve: Serve the pork with the root beer and barbecue sauce spooned generously over the top.
Serving Suggestions:
- Sides: Pair the Baked Root Beer Pork with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes (with a hint of garlic), or a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal.
- Extras: A slice of warm cornbread or steamed green beans would complement the rich flavors of this dish.
Variations & Tips:
- BBQ Sauce Options: Feel free to use different barbecue sauces depending on your taste—spicy, honey mustard, or smoky variants would all be delicious.
- Root Beer Marination: For extra depth of flavor, marinate the pork in root beer for several hours or overnight before cooking.
- Add Root Veggies: You can add carrots, potatoes, or other root vegetables to the skillet before baking, allowing them to soak up the sweet and savory sauce.
