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Apple Cider Brined Pork Loin

A tender and juicy pork loin infused with the sweetness of apple cider and aromatic herbs, ideal for gatherings and holiday dinners.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 17 hours
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Brine
  • 4 pounds pork loin (excess fat trimmed) Use the highest quality pork possible.
  • 3 cups unfiltered apple cider (not apple cider vinegar) Choose unfiltered for better flavor.
  • cup Kosher salt
  • 8 cloves fresh garlic (peeled and smashed)
  • 6 sprigs fresh rosemary and thyme Fresh herbs provide the best flavor.
  • 4 leaves bay leaves (dried or fresh)
  • 2 sticks cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
  • 1 cup cold water Add to cool the brine.
  • 3 to 5 cups ice cubes (as needed) To cool the brine completely.
For the Pork
  • 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)
To Roast
  • 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp and Granny Smith)
  • 1 red onion (cut into thick slices)
  • 2 heads garlic (split in half across)
  • 4 sprigs fresh rosemary and thyme
  • ½ cup chicken broth (plus more as needed, or vegetable broth)
  • ½ cup maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Method
 

Make the Brine
  1. In a saucepan, combine the 3 cups apple cider, 1 cup water, ⅓ cup Kosher salt, smashed garlic cloves, rosemary and thyme sprigs, bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, and black peppercorns.
  2. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of cold water and the ice cubes to cool the brine completely.
  4. Transfer to a shallow container to speed up the cooling process; it must be completely cooled before adding the pork.
Brine the Pork
  1. Once the brine is completely cooled, transfer to a container or brining bag, ensuring it can fully cover the pork.
  2. Add the pork loin to the brine, cover tightly, and refrigerate for about 16-18 hours. Do not exceed 20 hours.
Oven Prepping
  1. Preheat your oven to 375ºF.
  2. After brining, remove the pork and pat it dry completely with paper towels.
  3. Brush with Dijon mustard and season with fresh minced herbs, 2 teaspoons Kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper.
  4. Tie with kitchen twine for even cooking, if desired.
Sear and Roast
  1. In a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat, drizzle with olive oil and sear the pork on all sides until golden brown (3–4 minutes per side).
  2. Remove the pork from the skillet and deglaze the pan with a splash of chicken broth.
  3. Return the pork to the skillet and transfer it to the oven. Roast uncovered for 25 minutes.
Prepare the Glaze
  1. In a bowl, whisk together ½ cup maple syrup, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
Add Apples and Vegetables
  1. After 25 minutes, remove the pork from the oven and arrange the quartered apples, onion slices, split garlic heads, and fresh herb sprigs around it.
  2. Pour about ½ cup chicken broth over the veggies and apples, and brush some of the maple-cider glaze over everything.
Finish Cooking
  1. Return to the oven and roast for another 30-35 minutes, brushing with the glaze a few more times.
  2. Remove when a meat thermometer reads about 150ºF. Let the pork rest for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Be diligent about brining time. Searing adds depth to the flavor. Prepare the brine a day in advance.