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What Herbs and Spices Go with Pork Roast? (19 Options)

When it comes to pork roast, there are so many delicious herbs and spices that you can use to flavor it.

Whether you are making a pork loin roast, pork shoulder roast, or pork tenderloin roast, these herbs and spices will take your pork roast to the next level.

So if you are wondering what herbs and spices go well with pork roast, then you are in the right place.

I’m sharing my 19 favorite herbs and spices for pork roast including rosemary, sage, thyme, garlic, onion, paprika, and more.

Read Also: Pork Roast Wine Pairing – The Best Wines for Pork Roast

What Herbs and Spices Go with Pork Roast

What Herbs and Spices Go with Pork Roast?

There are many herbs and spices you can use to season a pork roast, but some of the most common ones are sage, rosemary, thyme, and garlic. You can also use other spices like paprika, black pepper, and cumin.

If you’re still looking for ideas, then don’t worry.

Simply keep scrolling!

Here are 19 herbs and spices that go with pork roast:

1. Cumin

Ground Cumin

Cumin (dry ground) gives a smoky flavor to pork roast and is perfect to season a big piece of meat that will be cooked for a long time.

It can be used in powder form or as whole seeds.

If you use it as seeds, toast them lightly in a pan before using to release their flavor.

Cumin goes well with other spices like chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, and garlic powder.

You can either rub the spice blend all over the pork roast or put it into small slits on the surface of the meat.

2. Garlic

minced Garlic

Fresh garlic is super tasty with pork roast.

It has a strong, pungent flavor that can really liven up a dish.

And it’s easy to use – just peel and chop the garlic cloves and add them to your pork roast when you’re cooking it.

You can also add some other herbs and spices like rosemary, thyme, or sage to really give the pork roast a flavor boost.

3. Paprika

Paprika

Paprika tastes like mild red pepper, really.

It’s a powder made from dried, red bell peppers and it ranges from mild to hot in intensity.

It’s used as a seasoning or garnish on many dishes.

Paprika is most commonly associated with Hungarian cuisine, where it’s used in traditional dishes like goulash and paprikash.

But it’s also common in Spanish, Portuguese, Balkan, Turkish, and Middle Eastern cuisines.

In general, paprika goes well with pork roast.

It can be used to season the meat before cooking or sprinkled on top as a garnish.

Paprika is also a good choice for baked or grilled pork chops.

4. Chili Powder

Chili Powder

Chili powder is a mixture of spices (some chiles, cumin, pepper, oregano etc) used to flavor many Tex-Mex and Mexican dishes.

It can be used to season pork chops, pork roast or any other cuts of pork before cooking.

Just rub the spice mix all over the meat and let it sit for at least 30 minutes (preferably an hour) before cooking.

This will give the flavors time to develop and penetrate into the meat.

Chili powder can also be used as a dry rub for grilled pork.

Just mix it with some paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper, and rub it onto the meat before grilling.

You can also add a bit of brown sugar to balance out the heat from the chili powder.

5. Sage

Sage

Sage is a member of the mint family and has a slightly minty, peppery, lemony taste.

It is frequently used in British and French cuisine and goes especially well with fatty meats like pork.

When used fresh, it has a more subtle flavor than when it is dried.

To use sage, simply add it to your pork roast before cooking.

You can also stuff the herb under the skin of the meat for extra flavor.

Sage pairs well with other herbs such as rosemary and thyme, so feel free to experiment with different combinations.

6. Rosemary

Rosemary

Rosemary on its own definitely tastes like pine and has a bitter, astringent flavor.

But when it’s used in cooking, it brings out the natural sweetness in food.

It is also a strong herb, so a little goes a long way.

Pork roast is usually a fairly tough cut of meat, so rosemary is perfect for flavoring it and making it more tender.

Simply rub some rosemary (fresh or dried) onto the pork before cooking.

You can also add other herbs and spices with rosemary like thyme, sage, garlic, and onion powder to create an even more flavorful dish.

7. Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper

Cayenne pepper is my favorite spicy seasoning and it goes amazingly well with pork roast.

Just a little bit of this powder can enhance the flavor of your dish and give it a nice kick.

I like to add cayenne pepper towards the end of cooking so that the heat is not too overwhelming.

If you want to try something different, you can also use cayenne pepper in conjunction with other sweet spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.

This combination is great for making pulled pork as it gives the meat a lovely sweetness with a touch of heat.

8. Thyme

Thyme

Thyme has an awesome flavor balance that dances between minty and earthy, making it a perfect partner for pork roast.

This herb is commonly used in French cuisine and can be found in many spice racks.

When using thyme with pork, make sure to use it sparingly as too much of this herb can make your dish taste bitter.

A good rule of thumb is to start with 1/2 teaspoon (1 gram) of thyme per pound (500 grams) of pork.

9. Coriander

Coriander

Coriander tastes like a stronger version of parsley, with a tangy citrus flavor.

It is often used in Middle Eastern, Asian, and Mexican cuisine.

When it comes to pork roast, coriander is a great herb to use because it can help to cut through the fat of the pork and add a bright flavor.

To use coriander with pork roast, simply sprinkle it on top of the pork before cooking.

You can also add it to your favorite rub or spice blend.

Coriander goes well with other strong flavors like garlic, ginger, and cumin, so feel free to experiment until you find a combination that you love.

10. Brown Sugar

Brown Sugar

If you want to try something unique and absolutely delicious, then you should definitely go for brown sugar.

It might seem like an odd combination at first, but trust me – the sweet and savory flavors complement each other perfectly.

Just rub some brown sugar all over your pork roast before cooking and you’ll be in for a real treat!

11. Cloves

Cloves

This intensely aromatic spice has a somewhat sweet taste with a hint of bitterness.

Cloves are the unopened flower buds of an evergreen tree.

It is one of the ingredients in Chinese Five-Spice Powder and Garam Masala.

Cloves can be used whole or ground, but they are usually sold ground.

When using cloves to flavor pork, use them sparingly as they can quickly become overwhelming.

A little goes a long way!

Try adding them to a spice rub for pork roast or mix them into a glaze.

12. Onion

Chopped Onions

Ah, onion, known for its amazing ability to add flavor to pretty much any dish.

When it comes to pork roast, onion is a fantastic choice.

It can be used in a number of ways, such as:

  • Sliced and placed under the skin of the pork before roasting
  • Finely chopped and added to the stuffing mix
  • Sliced and scattered over the top of the pork before roasting
  • Roasted along with the pork

Whichever way you choose to use onion, you can be sure that it will add delicious flavor to your pork roast.

So don’t be afraid to experiment and find out which method you like best!

13. Fennel Seed

Fennel Seeds

Fennel seeds are the dried seed of the fennel herb, and they have a slightly sweet anise flavor.

Fennel goes well with pork, and it can be used in a variety of ways.

You can use fennel seed in a spice rub for pork roast, or you can add it to a pan sauce.

Fennel seed is also good in sausage, so if you’re making homemade sausage, be sure to add some fennel seed to the mix.

14. Black Pepper

Black pepper

Black pepper has a complex flavor profile of piney and citrusy notes that can enhance the taste of pork roast.

Just a few twists of freshly ground black pepper can elevate the flavors of your dish.

You can also use black pepper in a rub for your pork roast before cooking.

15. Salt

Salt

No dish is truly complete before adding salt to it.

It might seem like a simple ingredient, but salt can enhance the flavors of your dish and make it more savory.

When it comes to pork roast, adding salt is a must.

It helps to bring out the natural flavors of the meat and makes it more juicy and tender.

So, next time you’re making pork roast, don’t forget to add salt!

16. Olive Oil

Olive Oil

High-end extra virgin olive oil tastes like fresh herbs and fruit.

It has a peppery finish that can really liven up a pork roast.

Just drizzle it on top of the roast before cooking, and you’ll be surprised at how much flavor it adds.

17. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice

Lemon juice is amazing for adding a ton of extra flavor to pork roast.

All you need to do is add a few tablespoons (to taste) to the pan when you start cooking.

The acidity in the lemon juice will help to tenderize the meat as it cooks and give it a delicious flavor.

If you want, you can also add some other herbs and spices to the pan along with the lemon juice.

This will give the pork roast even more flavor.

Some good options include: garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage, or oregano.

Just make sure not to add too much of any one herb/spice, as this can overwhelm the dish.

18. Basil

Basil

The flavor of basil is a balance between sweet and savory with a slightly peppery finish.

This makes it a perfect seasoning for pork roast, which can sometimes be a little bland on its own.

To use basil as a pork roast seasoning, simply add some fresh leaves to the meat before cooking.

You can also add dried basil, but you’ll need to use less since the flavor is more concentrated.

Either way, you’ll end up with a delicious and fragrant dish that your whole family will enjoy.

19. Oregano

Oregano

Oregano is an awesome herb with a peppery bite that can really liven up a pork roast.

This herb is commonly used in Italian and Greek cuisine, so it’s perfect for giving your pork roast an international flavor.

Just be sure not to go overboard – a little oregano goes a long way!

What Herbs and Spices Go Good with Pork Roast

What Herbs and Spices Go with Pork Roast? (19 Options)

I love a good pork roast, and I always like to try it with different herbs and spices to see what new flavors I can create.
In this article, I'll share 19 different combinations of herbs and spices that go well with pork roast.
Prep Time 1 minute
Cook Time 1 minute
Total Time 2 minutes
Course Herbs, Main Course, Spices
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 35 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Cumin
  • Garlic
  • Paprika
  • Chili Powder
  • Sage
  • Rosemary
  • Cayenne Pepper
  • Thyme
  • Coriander
  • Brown Sugar
  • Cloves
  • Onion
  • Fennel Seed
  • Black Pepper
  • Salt
  • Olive Oil
  • Lemon Juice
  • Basil
  • Oregano

Instructions
 

  • Pick your favorite herbs or spices from this article to use with your pork recipe.
  • Prepare the rest of your delicious meal.
  • Serve it up in no time!
Keyword what herbs go with pork roast, what spices go with pork roast
CEO at Happy Muncher | benjamin@happymuncher.com | Website | + posts

Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.