Cider-Brined, Mustard-Glazed Pork Loin

A succulent pork loin brined in apple cider with aromatic spices, then glazed with a sweet and tangy mustard coating. This impressive main dish features the perfect balance of sweet apple cider, warming spices, and savory Dijon mustard.

8 servings
11 hr 17 min

Ingredients

  • 1 cup kosher salt
  • ½ cup light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons black peppercorns
  • 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
  • 2 tablespoons mustard seeds
  • 12 sprigs thyme
  • 2 leaves bay leaves
  • 4 cups apple cider
  • 5 pounds boneless pork loin
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • ½ cup Dijon mustard
  • cup light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons thyme leaves
  • 2 cups apple cider

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Bring salt, brown sugar, peppercorns, coriander seeds, mustard seeds, thyme, bay leaves, 2 cups apple cider, and 2 cups water to a low boil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook, whisking, until sugar and salt dissolve, about 4 minutes. Transfer brine to a large bowl and add remaining 2 cups apple cider and 2 cups ice. Let cool to room temperature.

    20 min

  2. 2.

    Place pork and brine in a large resealable plastic bag; turn to coat. Seal and chill at least 8 hours.

    480 min

  3. 3.

    Remove pork from brine and pat dry with paper towels. Let sit at room temperature 1 hour.

    60 min

  4. 4.

    Place rack in lower third of oven; preheat to 400°F.

    15 min

  5. 5.

    Season pork all over with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear pork, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides (including ends), 10-12 minutes.

    12 min

  6. 6.

    Meanwhile, combine mustard, brown sugar, syrup, and thyme in a medium bowl.

    5 min

  7. 7.

    Pour apple cider into a large roasting pan or glass baking dish. Transfer pork, fat side up, to pan. Brush all over with mustard mixture. Roast pork, basting every 15 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 140°F, 50-70 minutes.

    70 min

  8. 8.

    Transfer to a cutting board and let rest at least 15 minutes before slicing.

    15 min

  9. 9.

    Pork can be brined up to 24 hours ahead. Keep chilled in plastic bag.