Maple-Brined Pork Loin
I love brining meat, so I was very eager to try this maple-brined pork loin recipe that I found on Chef John's blog Food Wishes. Yum, yum, yum... this pork was juicy, tender, and really delicious - the entire family absolutely loved it!!
I'll definitely be trying more of Chef John's recipes.
Chef John's Maple-Brined Pork Loin
makes 6-8 servings
Ingredients
2-3 lb. boneless pork loin roast
4 cups cold water
1/4 cup kosher salt
1/3 cup pure maple syrup (no substitutes)
2 cloves garlic, smashed
3-4 slices fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons dried rosemary
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
vegetable oil
Glaze:
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Directions
In a container large enough to hold the brine and pork loin (I used a gallon size zipper top bag), combine the water, kosher salt, 1/3 cup maple syrup, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and rosemary; stir to dissolve salt completely.
Add the pork loin; refrigerate for 8-10 hours.
Remove loin from brine; discard brine.
Dry the roast very well with paper towels.
Preheat the oven to 325F.
In an oven safe pan, over med-high heat, brown the pork loin on all sides.
Transfer pan to preheated oven; roast for a total of 20-25 minutes per pound.
Approximately 15 minutes before the roast is done, make the glaze by combining the Dijon and remaining maple syrup.
Reserve some glaze for garnish; brush the rest on the loin.
Continue roasting until the loin reaches an internal temperature of 155F. Let the loin rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
recipe adapted from Chef John