11 Nov 2025
Cook time 30 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
6 cups pumpkin
1 short spray cooking spray oil
1/2 cup orange juice
1/3 cup maple syrup
1 tsp ginger root
2 garlic cloves
3 pork fillets
5 cups arugula
1 onion
Maple-glazed pork with roast pumpkin salad is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a nutritious and satisfying meal. This recipe pairs tender, juicy pork fillets coated in a sticky maple glaze with a vibrant roast pumpkin salad topped with fresh arugula and onions. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress.
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Pumpkin:
- Spread the pumpkin cubes on a baking sheet.
- Lightly spray the pumpkins with cooking spray oil to coat evenly.
- Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, if desired.
3. Roast the Pumpkin:
- Roast the pumpkin in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until tender and slightly golden, turning once halfway through the cooking time.
4. Prepare the Maple Glaze:
- In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, maple syrup, grated ginger root, and minced garlic.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. Season and Cook the Pork Fillets:
- Season the pork fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the pork fillets for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are browned.
6. Glaze the Pork Fillets:
- Reduce the heat to medium and brush the pork fillets generously with the prepared maple glaze.
- Continue cooking the fillets for another 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally and applying more glaze, until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and are cooked through.
- Remove from heat and let the pork rest for a few minutes.
7. Prepare the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the arugula and sliced onion.
- Add the roasted pumpkin cubes to the salad mixture.
- Drizzle with a small amount of any remaining maple glaze and toss gently to combine.
8. Serve:
- Slice the rested pork fillets.
- Plate the arugula and roasted pumpkin salad.
- Top with the sliced, maple-glazed pork fillets.
- Optionally, drizzle any remaining glaze over the top for extra flavor or/and sprinkle sesame seeds.
Tips:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it's ready for roasting the pumpkin.
- Cut the pumpkin into even-sized pieces to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Marinate the pork fillets in the maple syrup, orange juice, ginger, and garlic mix for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Line your baking tray with parchment paper to prevent the pumpkin from sticking and make for easy clean-up.
- Cook the pork fillets until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for optimal tenderness and safety.
- Allow the pork to rest for a few minutes after cooking to let the juices redistribute, ensuring juicy and tender meat.
- Toss the roast pumpkin with arugula and onions just before serving to keep the greens fresh and crisp.
This savory maple-glazed pork paired with the vibrant and fresh roast pumpkin salad is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The combination of sweet maple and juicy pork alongside the roasted pumpkin and fresh greens makes for a well-rounded meal. Enjoy this dish as a comforting dinner that's both delicious and nutritious.