Description
A flavorful fall delight with juicy pork loin brined in apple cider, making it tender and packed with sweet-tart flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 pounds pork loin (excess fat trimmed)
- 3 cups unfiltered apple cider
- ⅓ cup Kosher salt
- 8 cloves fresh garlic (peeled and smashed)
- 6 sprigs fresh rosemary and thyme
- 4 bay leaves (dried or fresh)
- 2 sticks cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
- 1 cup cold water
- 3 to 5 cups ice cubes (as needed)
- 4 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons fresh minced herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano)
- 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Olive oil (for searing)
- 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp and Granny Smith, sliced)
- 1 red onion (cut into thick slices)
- 2 garlic heads (split in half horizontally)
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary and thyme
- ½ cup chicken broth (plus more as needed)
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Make the Brine: Combine apple cider, cold water, and Kosher salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add cold water and ice cubes to cool.
- Brine the Pork: Transfer cooled brine to a large bag or container, submerge pork, and refrigerate for 16-20 hours.
- Preheat the Oven: Set oven to 375ºF.
- Brush & Season the Pork: Remove pork from brine, pat dry, brush with Dijon mustard, and season with herbs, Kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Sear and Roast: Sear pork in olive oil until golden brown. Deglaze skillet and roast in the oven for 25 minutes.
- Prepare Maple Cider Glaze: Whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar.
- Add Apples and Vegetables: Arrange sliced apples, onion, garlic heads, and herbs around the pork, pour broth over veggies, and brush with glaze.
- Finish Cooking: Return to oven and roast for an additional 30-35 minutes until internal temperature is reached. Let rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Quality ingredients make a difference; opt for pasture-raised pork. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg